Ain Dubai, also known as AIN Dubai or Bluewaters Eye, is the world’s largest observation wheel, majestically situated on Bluewaters Island, Dubai. It offers panoramic views of the city skyline, the Arabian Gulf, and iconic landmarks such as Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). To make the most of your visit, understanding all available transport options is essential.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Introduction to Ain Dubai
- Location & Key Landmarks
- Transportation Methods Overview
- Metro Routes & Connections to Ain Dubai
- Bus Routes & Walking Access
- Other Modes: Water Taxi, Footbridge & Tram
- Car, Taxi & Ride-Share Options
- Time & Cost Comparison
- Tips Before You Go
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Introduction to Ain Dubai
Ain Dubai, also referred to as AIN Dubai or Bluewaters Eye, is the world’s largest observation wheel, standing proudly on Bluewaters Island in Dubai. It offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), and the Arabian Gulf.
To make the most of your visit, it’s important to understand all available travel options. Whether you prefer public transport, taxis, water taxis, or a scenic walk, knowing the routes, travel times, and costs helps you plan efficiently. This guide provides a complete overview of all transportation options, walking paths, and practical tips for reaching Ain Dubai comfortably and enjoying your experience to the fullest.
Location & Key Landmarks
It is located in Bluewaters Island, Dubai, UAE
- Nearest Areas:
- Dubai Marina
- Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
- Sheikh Zayed Road (E11)
- Highlights: Easily accessible with clear signage, pedestrian pathways, and close proximity to shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations.
Explore the Available Properties for Rent in Bluewaters
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Apartment
Listed 4 weeks ago
450,000 AED/year
Ready To Move | Furnished | Ain View
Apartment Building 7, Bluewaters Residences, Bluewaters, Dubai
2
3
1,607 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 4 weeks ago
530,000 AED/year
Exclusive 3-BR Bluewaters Apartment |Full Sea View
Bluewaters Bay Building 2, Bluewaters Bay, Bluewaters, Dubai
3
4
1,744 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 1 day ago
465,000 AED/year
Breathtaking Sea View Apartment | Bluewater
Apartment Building 5, Bluewaters Residences, Bluewaters, Dubai
2
3
1,500 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
325,000 AED/year
Vacant | Fully Upgraded | Rare Unit
Apartment Building 5, Bluewaters Residences, Bluewaters, Dubai
1
2
1,146 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
430,000 AED/year
DUBAI EYE VIEWS l 2 PLUS l UNFURNISHED
Apartment Building 7, Bluewaters Residences, Bluewaters, Dubai
2
3
1,608 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
330,000 AED/year
Exclusive 1-BR Bluewaters Apartment |Full Sea View
Bluewaters Bay Building 2, Bluewaters Bay, Bluewaters, Dubai
1
2
893 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
355,000 AED/year
Luxury Living 1 Bd | Sea Front | Fully Furnished
Apartment Building 5, Bluewaters Residences, Bluewaters, Dubai
1
2
1,145 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
395,000 AED/year
VACANT FEB 14TH I FULLY FURNISHED I APPLIANCES
Apartment Building 10, Bluewaters Residences, Bluewaters, Dubai
2
3
1,481 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
350,000 AED/year
Vacant | Sea View | Fully Furnished
Apartment Building 2, Bluewaters Residences, Bluewaters, Dubai
1
2
1,168 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
310,000 AED/year
Vacant | Ready to move in | Fully Furnished
Apartment Building 5, Bluewaters Residences, Bluewaters, Dubai
1
2
1,138 sqft
Transportation Methods Overview
Ain Dubai can be reached by metro, bus, water taxi, footbridge, or car, providing visitors with flexible travel options.
- Metro + Walk or Taxi
- Bus Routes
- Water Taxi or Ferry
- Walking from JBR via the footbridge
- Car/Taxi/Rideshare
Metro Routes & Connections to Ain Dubai
The metro is a convenient way to get close to Ain Dubai, though a short walk or taxi ride is needed from the nearest stations.
Closest metro stations:
- Damac Metro Station (Red Line): About 620 meters from Ain Dubai, roughly a 9-minute walk.
- Sobha Realty Station (Red Line): An alternative metro stop, followed by a short taxi ride.
- DMCC Station: Offers connections via water taxi plus some walking; less direct.
Metro + feeder services:
- Alight at Damac or Sobha Realty Metro, then either walk (~9 minutes) or take a short taxi for the final stretch.
- Walking paths include pedestrian bridges and clearly marked Bluewaters Island signage. Some routes are elevated or heat-shielded for comfort.
Bus Routes & Walking Access
Several public buses serve Bluewaters Island, with short walks from the stops.
Major Bus Lines
| Route | Stops Near Bluewaters / Ain Dubai | Approx. Walking Time |
| F55A | Bluewaters Island | 10-12 minutes from Jumeira, Royal Meridian stop |
| 883, 8, 4 | Bluewaters Island stops including Shatha Tower / Royal Meridian | 10-20 minutes depending on stop |
| F57 | From Jebel Ali Metro to Bluewaters Island | Walk from final stop; connects from metro |
Walking from Bus Stops
- Jumeira, Royal Meridian – 02: 10-12 minute walk
- Shatha Tower – 01: Approximately 20-minute walk
Other Modes: Water Taxi, Footbridge & Tram
Visitors can reach Ain Dubai using scenic walking routes, water taxis, or trams, offering flexible alternatives to buses and the metro.
Walking via the Footbridge from JBR:
A pedestrian bridge called The Wharf Link connects The Beach Mall (JBR) to Bluewaters Island. The route is scenic, partially shaded, and takes about 10-15 minutes to walk.
Water Taxi / Marine Transport
- Depart from Dubai Marina Mall Marine Transport Station and take the water taxi BM3 to Bluewaters Marine Transport Station.
- This option is convenient when combined with a metro ride to DMCC.
- Operating hours are generally from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Tram & Light Rail
- Nearest tram stop: Jumeirah Beach Residences 2 (JBR-2).
- Distance to Ain Dubai: approximately 6.6 km, so a taxi is required for the final stretch.
Car, Taxi & Ride-Share Options
- Take Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and exit at Junction 31 onto Al Azraq Street for Bluewaters Island. Signage clearly points to the destination.
- Drop-off zones are available on Bluewaters Island. Parking facilities include main parking, valet services, and accessible spaces.
- Taxi cost estimates:
- From Dubai Airport: AED 80- AED 100
- From Downtown or Dubai MarinAED 20 – AED 30, depending on distance and traffic surge
- Parking charges: Free for the first 4 hours; afterwards AED 10 – AED 20 per hour. Valet options are also available.
Time & Cost Comparison
Different transportation options to Ain Dubai vary in travel time and cost, depending on your starting point and mode of transport.
| Transport Mode | Typical Travel Time* | Estimated Cost (One-Way) |
| Bus (RTA public bus + walk) | 30-60 minutes depending on origin | AED 3-8 (depends on zones & Nol card) |
| Metro + Taxi/Walk | 25-45 minutes, depending on the starting metro station | AED 4-8 for metro + AED 5-15 for taxi |
| Taxi / Rideshare Direct | 10-30 minutes, depending on the starting point | AED 30-80 or more, depending on distance & traffic |
| Water Taxi + Walk/Taxi | 30-60 minutes, depending on the connection | Varies; generally higher than public transport |
| Walking via the Footbridge (from JBR / The Beach) | 10-15 minutes from the JBR area | Free |
*Times assume starting from Dubai Marina, Downtown, or nearby areas; adjust if coming from further away.
Tips Before You Go
Images Alt text: The Dubai Tram during the day.
- Bring a Nol card for public transport (metro, buses); cash is not accepted on RTA buses.
- Wear comfortable shoes; walking segments can get hot during the day, and shade is limited on the off-bridge and on Bluewaters pathways.
- Avoid peak midday heat by travelling early morning or evening; sunset timing offers the best views.
- Check public transport schedules for late-night returns, especially for buses and water taxis.
Key Takeaways
- Ain Dubai is located on Bluewaters Island and can be reached by metro, bus, water taxi, footbridge, or car.
- The closest metro station is Damac on the Red Line, from which it’s about a 9-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
- Several bus routes, including F55A, F57, 4, 8, and 883, serve Bluewaters Island, with walking times varying by stop.
- Walking from JBR via the pedestrian bridge is scenic, direct, and often the fastest option from that area.
- For maximum comfort, especially during extreme heat, driving or taking a taxi is recommended, with convenient parking facilities available on the island.
FAQs
No – while you can take the metro to stations like Damac or Sobha Realty, you’ll need to walk, take a taxi, or use a feeder bus or water transport for the final segment. Metro stations do not serve Ain Dubai directly.
Using public buses with your Nol card combined with walking is the most affordable option. Metro, plus a short walk or bus, also keeps costs low. Avoid taxis or water taxis to minimise expenses.
Yes – walking from JBR via The Wharf Link (footbridge) takes about 10-15 minutes, is scenic, and straightforward. From Dubai Marina, options include walking, plus a short taxi or public transport.
Yes – for example, F57 connects from Jebel Ali Metro to Bluewaters Island. Other bus lines also serve Bluewaters; check the latest RTA schedules before travelling.
Water taxis generally operate during daylight hours through early evening, roughly from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Exact times vary by route and day, so verify before you travel.
