The Dh1bn (£174m) Dubai Eye will stand 210m tall. The current record holder is the 165m Singapore Flyer, which took the world record from the Star of Nanchang in China. The London Eye is 135m tall and held the record from its opening in 2000 until 2006.
Dubai Eye will be part of the Bluewaters Island development, which has just been approved by Dubai’s ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Dh6bn development by Meraas Holding will be located off the Jumeirah Beach Residence coastline.
Hyundai Contracting and Starneth Engineering have been appointed as primary contractors for the design and construction of Dubai Eye. The 210m wheel will offer views of Dubai’s coastline and iconic landmarks such as Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa. The piazza at the base of the wheel will serve as an entertainment zone and a venue for special occasions and conferences. Additionally, a large LED screen mounted on the wheel will create an electronic platform for broadcasting, adverts and interactive information.
Bluewaters will also feature demarcated retail, residential, hospitality and entertainment zones. Market studies forecast that the project will draw more than three million visitors annually.
Bluewaters construction is set to start in April and construction of Dubai Eye is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2013.
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