01 March 2013

DUBAI has given the go-ahead to plans for the Dh6-billion ($1.6 billion) Bluewaters Island development, a new island project featuring the world’s largest ferris wheel at its centre.

Destined to be one of the largest tourist hot spots in the world, the project will be developed by state-owned Meraas Holding and will be located off the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) coastline.

The 210-m-high ferris wheel, the Dubai Eye as it is known – plans for which were unveiled earlier by Meraas Holding – will be a major component of the development. The wheel, which will cost Dh1 billion ($272 million), is inspired by the 135-m-high London Eye on the River Thames.

Bluewaters will also feature retail, residential, hospitality and entertainment zones.

The island’s construction is set to commence next month, while work on Dubai Eye is scheduled for the second quarter of 2013.

South Korea’s Hyundai Contracting and Starneth Engineering – whose engineers helped build the London Eye – have been appointed primary contractors for the design and construction of Dubai Eye.

The Dubai Eye will offer breath-taking views of Dubai’s coastline and iconic landmarks such as Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Khalifa. The piazza at the base of the wheel will serve as an entertainment zone and a unique venue for special occasions and conferences. Additionally, a large LED screen mounted on the wheel will create an innovative electronic platform for broadcasting, advertisements and interactive information.

The development includes a suq encircled by a promenade that will feature alfresco dining outlets serving a wide variety of cuisine. The suq will also host an eclectic mix of retail stores and a food hall offering fresh produce in a traditional market atmosphere.

Complementing the ambience, Bluewaters will host a luxury five-star hotel and varied residential options.

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