The world’s largest Ferris wheel, the 210-metre Dubai Eye, will be built off the coast of the emirate as part of a USD1.6bn entertainment project.
The Bluewaters Island project off Jumeirah beach is expected to attract more than three million visitors a year.
Construction of the Dubai Eye, which will surpass the 165-metre Singapore Flyer that was completed in 2008, is expected to start before June.
The first stage of the Bluewaters development will include retail, residential, hospitality and entertainment zones, and will be ready in two years.
Dubai Eye will allow panoramic views of Dubai’s coastline and landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa.
Dubai recently approved the development of five linked theme parks at Jebel Ali, as well as plans for Emaar and Dubai Holding to develop a Universal Studios theme park and the world’s biggest shopping mall.
"Anything that continues to add to the diversity is a good thing," Ian Albert, regional director of Colliers International, told The National newspaper.
"In order to grow as a tourist destination, it is not the size but it is the ability to constantly bring something new to get people to return for the second, third and fourth time."
