Las Vegas and New York might just be face-palming themselves after a plan to build the world’s highest observatory wheel in Dubai was announced this week.

At a proposed 210 meters (689 feet), the mammoth observatory wheel will be dubbed the Dubai Eye. Construction is set to start later this year.
The Dubai Eye will supersede the The High Roller in Las Vegas (168 meters/550 feet) and 190 meter (623 feet) New York Wheel. Both of the U.S. wheels are proposed and would have been the highest wheels when built.

The Dubai Eye will tower over the current highest observatory wheels, the Singapore Flyer (165 meters/541 feet), the Star of Nanchang in southeastern China (160 meters/525 feet) and the London Eye (135 meters/443 feet).

Hyundai Contracting and Starneth Engineering will be responsible for the design and construction of the Dubai Eye, according to WAM, the official news agency in the United Arab Emirates.

According to the report, Dubai Eye will offer views of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. A massive LED screen will be mounted on the wheel for telecasts, advertisements and other information.

The base of the wheel will feature an entertainment zone and venue for special occasions and conferences, the report said. Construction of the wheel is part of the Bluewaters Project, a mixed-use land development project off the Jumeirah Beach Residence coastline.
In addition to the Dubai Eye, the AED6 billion (US$1.6 billion) Bluewaters Project will include a promenade with al fresco dining outlets, a mix of retail stores and a luxury five-star hotel.

Source: travel.cnn.com

Christina