Ain Dubai - Observation Wheel at Blue Waters

What to expect at Bluewaters Island Dubai

by Dubai Travel Planner

We’ve watched construction unfold across the water from JBR for the best part of 5 years and now finally – for the most part – it’s open to the public!

Let’s take a look through what you can expect from this spectacular new entertainment area of Dubai.

What is Bluewaters Island?

Bluewaters is a purpose-built lifestyle destination. Situated on a man-made island off the shores of JBR but connected by both pedestrian and vehicle bridges, it is the new home to residential buildings, retail therapy, hospitality and entertainment.

It is set to become one of Dubai’s hottest new addresses for luxury and entertainment and it’s ready to woe visitors like you!

Bluewaters Island Dubai - iconci new luxury landmark in Dubai including Ain Dubai wheel

How do you get to Bluewaters?

Although it’s technically an island, it’s very easy to get to Bluewaters from the surrounding beachfront areas:

Bluewaters by foot

You can get to Bluewaters easily on foot from Jumeriah Beach Residence (JBR) – The Beach over a pedestrian footbridge known as The Wharf Link that connects the two beachside entertainment zones of the city.

Bluewaters by Dubai Metro

The closest Metro stations are:

  • Damac Metro Station (9 min walk)
  • Dubai Marina Mall (12 min walk)

Bluewaters by water taxi

A newly-opened water taxi station Bluewaters Wharf Station services. Water taxis operate between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm daily. See the RTA schedule, or arrange a private charter calling

Bluewaters by car

There are over 2000 parking bays on-site making it easy to self-drive, or alternatively, catch a taxi or ride-sharing service to the door. You need Exit 31 from Sheikh Zayed Road.

What is Ain Dubai?

Set to become the tallest observation wheel in the world when it opens, Ain Dubai will soar to heights of 250m – taking it over 80m taller than the current record holder, the High Roller in Las Vegas – and nearly double the height of the London Eye.

Ain Dubai observation wheel
Ain Dubai viewed from across the water at JBR

Some mistakenly refer to it as the Dubai Eye as this was one of the very early project names (as well as Dubai-I) but Ain Dubai is the correct name for “that giant wheel thing over there”.

From the top of the wheel, visitors will be rewarded with spectacular views over Palm Jumeirah and the Burj al Arab, even Burj Khalifa in the distance on a clear day. Rides in your ‘smart capsule’ will last for 48 minutes.

More than just an observation wheel at Ain Dubai, one of the wheel legs will be housing the highest rope climbing platform in the world. Stay tuned for more exciting opening announcements!

Is Ain Dubai open?

Not quite. Originally due to open in line with Expo2020, then there was COVID. We finally have an official opening date announced for 21 October 2021.

You can find further details about Ain Dubai and progress updates here

Madame Tussauds Dubai

Another hit-attraction soon to open its doors on Bluewaters is Madame Tussauds Dubai. It will be the first of it’s kind in the GCC, housing over 60 celebrities’ from Hollywood A listers to royalty and sports stars. Look out for the interactive dance floor party and plenty more to come from this renowned wax works museum. Opens from 14 October 2021.

Justin Timberlake at Madame Tussauds Dubai
Justin Timberlake at Madame Tussauds Dubai

Caesars Palace Dubai at Bluewaters

It certainly caused quite a stir when they announced that Vegas branded hotel Caesars would be opening in Dubai.  But we’ll be clear it does not now, nor will it in the future (as far as we’ve all been lead to believe) have a casino – local laws have not suddenly changed! The similarities, however, to it’s Vegas counterpart is that it will be a hub of live entertainment.

There are, in fact, two Caesars hotels sitting side by side. Both are 5-star offerings. There is also a residence’s building that can be rented by Dubai holidaymakers looking for a little extra space.

As well as 12 dining options and the Qua Spa, stretched between the resorts is Cove Beach, a pool and beach club open to both hotel residents and visitors on day passes.


Further Accommodation at Bluewaters

Beyond the Caesars complex, there are many private luxury apartments on Bluewaters that can be rented via Airbnb, providing access to superb modern facilities, perfect for longer-term guests in Dubai.


Other attractions at Bluewaters

Beyond the stunning Caesars hotel complex and unmissable observation wheel, Bluewaters will be home to 132 retail outlets and restaurants in a lifestyle area known as The Wharf.

Bluewaters retail area and Ain Dubai observation wheel

It’s still early days for this new hot spot in town so give it time for the area to mature and all retail spaces to open, but we’re pretty sure it’s going to become a tourist favourite alongside JBR & The Beach and top of our Dubai family visitor bucket list!.

You can learn more at www.bluewatersdubai.ae


Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.

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2 comments

RAJESHPEDI SOLA VEERAMUNDAN October 12, 2023 - 1:00 pm

Hello
I will be visiting Dubai for the festive seasons end December 2023 for the New Year 2024 celebration. Can you please give me more info if there will be the Drone Show again this year for December 2023 to January 2024 spectacle too please. Saw on YouTube that it was an awesome show.

Awaiting your response. Thanks

Reply
Dubai Travel Planner October 13, 2023 - 8:30 am

Yes, it has run for a few years now as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival. We believe it will be happening again for winter 2023/24 though don’t have the official press release yet. DFS is held 8 Dec to 14 Jan 2024.

Reply

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