Ain Dubai, the 250-metre observation wheel on Bluewaters Island, reopened to visitors on 26 December 2024 after being closed from early 2022. It closed again as a precaution from 2 March 2026 and reopened in May 2026. It is open daily from 10am to 9pm (last entry 8.15pm) as of September 2026; check aindubai.com for the day's status before you go.
The short answer: Ain Dubai reopened in May 2026 after a precautionary closure from 2 March. It has a record of sudden closures, so check aindubai.com for the day's status before you go.
Before you go: check aindubai.com or call the number listed there on the day of your visit. The US, Canadian and UK governments all carried elevated travel advisories for the UAE in 2026, so read your own government's latest advice and check your travel insurance too.
The official site lists four experience levels. These are starting prices per ticket as shown in September 2026; prices vary by time slot, so the figure at checkout may be higher.
| Experience | From (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ain Dubai Views | 145 | Standard shared cabin |
| Ain Dubai Views Plus | 195 | Upgraded shared experience |
| Ain Dubai Premium | 265 | Premium cabin experience |
| Ain Dubai VIP | 1,260 | Private cabin, price for a party of six |
The prices widely quoted online before 2022, such as AED 130 adult tickets and a morning "happy hour" rate, are out of date. One rotation takes around 38 to 40 minutes. Book only on the official site or a reseller it lists, and check the cancellation terms in case of another closure.
Ain means "eye" in Arabic. The wheel stands 250 metres high, which made it the tallest observation wheel in the world when it opened, well above the 167-metre High Roller in Las Vegas. It was built as the centrepiece of Bluewaters, a man-made island developed by Meraas off Jumeirah Beach Residence.
It opened in October 2021 with heavy publicity, then closed within months. Operators gave few details during the long closure, which is why so many older guides still describe it as permanently open with 2021 prices. Its cabins are air-conditioned and fully enclosed, with views over Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Marina towers and JBR beach below.
If the wheel is shut on your dates, these give you a view of Dubai from above:
The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah, once suggested as a viewpoint, has been closed since 2023.
Ain Dubai is on Bluewaters Island, reached on foot over a 265-metre bridge from JBR. Our Bluewaters Island guide covers getting there, parking, restaurants and the beach. To eat along the water afterwards, see where to eat on Dubai Marina Walk, and for the wider area use the Dubai Marina area guide.
Yes. Ain Dubai reopened in May 2026 after a precautionary closure from 2 March, and is open from 10am to 9pm with last entry at 8.15pm. Check aindubai.com for the day's status before you go.
It closed in March 2022, a few months after opening, for what the operator called enhancement work, and stayed shut until December 2024. It closed again from 2 March 2026 as a precaution during regional disruption and reopened in May 2026.
As of September 2026 the official site lists tickets from AED 145 for the standard Views experience, from AED 195 for Views Plus, from AED 265 for Premium and from AED 1,260 for a VIP cabin for six. Prices vary by time slot.
Ain Dubai is 250 metres tall, making it the world's largest observation wheel.
The Burj Khalifa decks, Sky Views Dubai and Dubai Frame all give high views of the city. A helicopter flight is the best way to see the full shape of Palm Jumeirah.
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