Ain Dubai vs London Eye: Differences, Height, Capacity and More

Two cities, two icons – and one sky-high rivalry. When you compare Ain Dubai vs London Eye, you see how both structures changed the way people view their cities. But how do they really compare? This guide breaks down their height, design, capacity, and the all-important question: which one’s open right now?

• Overview of two iconic observation wheels
• Key comparison table: Ain Dubai vs London Eye
• Detailed differences between Ain Dubai & London Eye
• Notable facts and trivia
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

Overview of two iconic observation wheels

Here’s a quick look at what makes Ain Dubai and the London Eye stand out.

Ain Dubai, also called the Dubai Eye, opened in October 2021 on Bluewaters Island as the world’s tallest observation wheel at 250 metres (820 ft).

The London Eye, on the other hand, has stood on the South Bank of the River Thames since 2000 and remains one of the UK’s most visited attractions. At 135 metres (443 ft), it was the world’s tallest wheel for six years before being surpassed by rivals in Asia and the Middle East.

Key comparison table: Ain Dubai vs London Eye

Here’s a side-by-side look at their main specifications.

Detailed differences between Ain Dubai and the London Eye

Let’s break it down by what really sets them apart.

Height and scale

Ain Dubai dominates the record books at 250 metres, making it about 75 metres taller than the London Eye. Each of its four support legs is 126 metres long – the length of 15 London buses lined up end to end – and the structure used over 9,000 tonnes of steel (around 25% more than the Eiffel Tower).

The London Eye rises to 135 metres, but its slender, graceful silhouette remains an integral part of the Thames skyline – and one of London’s most photographed landmarks.

Capacity and cabins

Ain Dubai can carry up to 1,750 passengers per rotation across 48 spacious, high-tech cabins, each holding up to 40 people. Additionally, cabins are fully air-conditioned and equipped with LED displays and private event options.

The London Eye accommodates about 800 passengers per rotation in 32 glass capsules, which can accommodate 25 people. Every capsule represents one London borough, a symbolic nod to the city’s unity.

Ride experience

A rotation on Ain Dubai lasts 38 minutes, offering a slow, panoramic journey over Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Palm Jumeirah, and even Burj Khalifa on clear days. When operational, its private cabins hosted events from birthday parties to corporate dinners.

Furthermore, the London Eye’s 30-minute ride sweeps across the River Thames, revealing Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, and – on clear days – views stretching up to 40 kilometres. Though shorter, its steady motion and central location keep it consistently busy year-round.

Design and construction

Ain Dubai’s assembly involved engineering firms from the UAE, South Korea, and the UK, with WSP Middle East leading structural design and Hyundai Engineering handling fabrication. Construction began in 2013 and was completed in 2018, with finishing and testing continuing until its 2021 opening.

The London Eye was built in just two years (1998–2000) by Marks Barfield Architects and was initially a temporary millennium attraction – but its success made it a permanent fixture. Its 32 capsules were assembled horizontally over the Thames before the structure was slowly raised upright.

Cultural significance and popularity

Ain Dubai was created to symbolise Dubai’s ambition and engineering prowess – a landmark to rival the Burj Khalifa. It is the centre-piece of Bluewaters Island and a key feature in Dubai tourism marketing.

The London Eye is a beloved British symbol and the UK’s most visited paid tourist attraction, welcoming over 3.75 million visitors annually. Its distinctive silhouette and location beside the Thames have become synonymous with modern London.

Notable facts and trivia

Here are a few fun facts and lesser-known details about both observation wheels.

• Neither wheel includes a cabin numbered 13 – a superstitious omission.
• Each London Eye capsule represents a London borough.
• Ain Dubai’s steel cables stretch a combined 2,400 km – about the distance from Dubai to Cairo.
• Model Kate Moss reportedly holds the record for the most rides on the London Eye (25+ times).

Key takeaways

Ain Dubai remains the tallest observation wheel in the world at 250 metres, surpassing the London Eye by 115 metres. It can carry more than double the number of passengers per ride and features air-conditioned, event-ready cabins designed for Dubai’s climate. Both are operating and you can enjoy visiting them; the London Eye continues to spin daily as Europe’s most famous observation wheel. Both offer very different experiences – Dubai’s is about scale and innovation, London’s about heritage and charm.

FAQs

Share