Ain Dubai – Is It Worth It?

Back in February 2021, I watched Ain Dubai, the world’s biggest observation wheel, slowly come to life from my hotel in JBR. I watched as each cabin was added, and I became a little obsessed. When it finally opened on October 21, 2021, I thought, I’ll book a ticket soon.

Well, I waited a bit too long. When I finally got around to booking—six months later—I got an email saying my ticket had been promptly refunded because Ain Dubai was closed for maintenance. No big deal, I thought, maybe a few weeks? Nope. It shut down in March 2022, supposedly for some post-Ramadan tune-ups. That “maintenance” ended up lasting over two & a half years! I honestly gave up on my dream to go on it.

Then, a few weeks ago, my friend came to visit, and we decided to give it another shot. And guess what? It was finally open again! Apparently, Ain Dubai had quietly reopened on December 25, 2024, with little to no advertising.

How to Book Ain Dubai & Ticket Prices

You can book Ain Dubai tickets online here, but we noticed plenty of availability, so we just showed up. Tickets start at AED 145 for a standard ride, but if you’re feeling flush, there are some upgrades:

Views Plus Ticket (AED 195) – Includes snacks, drinks, and digital photos.
Premium Ticket (AED 265) – Comes with lounge access, drinks, and priority boarding (so you can feel like a VIP while boarding a slow-moving wheel).
Family Pass (AED 415) – Covers two adults and two kids.

Getting on Ain Dubai (Yes, It’s Moving!)

After getting our tickets, we walked through the (empty) queue maze—because apparently, people still don’t realize it’s open. Now, if you’re wondering how you get on a giant Ferris wheel that never stops moving—don’t worry! The staff are pros at guiding people on and off, and honestly, it’s pretty fun.

They were limiting cabins to six people per ride, which was amazing—plenty of space to move around and take dramatic photos pretending to be on top of the world. We shared our cabin with a lovely couple and their daughter, who were equally mesmerized by the views.

What to Expect on Ain Dubai Observation Wheel

The cabins are huge—seriously, you could host a small party inside one (which, by the way, you can actually book for private events). They measure 30 square metres and can accommodate up to 40 people. The floor-to-ceiling windows make sure you get uninterrupted panoramic views, and yes, every cabin is fully air-conditioned. Just about the only thing missing? A bathroom—so, please plan accordingly!

Once inside, the ride starts its slow, steady climb. Ain Dubai is 250 meters tall, making it the world’s biggest Ferris wheel (because, of course, Dubai had to make it the biggest).

The views? Unreal. First, you see the JBR coastline, with its turquoise water and beachgoers who look like tiny ants. Then, as the wheel turns, you get a panoramic view of The Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, and even Burj Al Arab shimmering in the distance.

There’s also a friendly voice that pops up now and then, sharing fun facts like, “You’re now higher than the London Eye and the High Roller in Vegas.” (Take that, other Ferris wheels!) The whole ride takes about 38 minutes, but it flies by because there’s so much to take in.

Exploring Bluewaters Island After Ain Dubai

After the ride, we wandered around Bluewaters Island, which is packed with cafés, restaurants, and shops. Since it was a Sunday, we headed to The Spaniel for a fantastic roast dinner—and it was so worth it. If you’re craving a proper Sunday roast with all the trimmings (and an excuse to sit down after 45 minutes of standing in a slowly spinning glass pod), I highly recommend it.

Ain Dubai Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 12 PM to 9 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Ain Dubai Review: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely! I’d definitely ride Ain Dubai again—maybe try one of the VIP cabins next time or go for a sunset ride to see the city light up. The views are stunning, the ride is smooth, and there’s plenty of space inside the cabins.

Honestly, you should book it now before word gets out that it’s open again and the queues become legendary. There hasn’t been much advertising about its reopening, so right now, it’s still a hidden gem. But trust me—it won’t stay that way for long!