When it comes to breathtaking observation wheels, Ain Dubai and the High Roller in Las Vegas are two of the most iconic and record-breaking attractions in the world.
Ain Dubai, the latest addition to Dubai’s skyline, is the world’s tallest observation wheel, offering views of the city’s modern marvels, including the Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab.
On the other hand, the High Roller in Las Vegas, towering over the Strip, provides an incredible panoramic view of Sin City’s dazzling lights and desert landscape.
Both observation wheels offer a unique way to experience their respective cities, but how do they compare?
Whether it’s size, experience, or the views they offer, Ain Dubai and the High Roller each offer something special.
In this article, we’ll dive into the differences and similarities between these towering attractions to help you decide which should top your travel bucket list.
At a Glance
Here is a snapshot of the world’s highest and second-highest observation wheels, with their comparison points:
| High Roller | Ain Dubai |
|---|---|
| Height: 550 feet (168 meters) | Height: 820 feet (250 meters) |
| Views: Las Vegas Valley and the strip | View: Dubai skylines, Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Arabian Gulf etc |
| Timings: 12 pm to 12 am (Monday to Thursday)12 pm to 2 am (Friday to Sunday) | Timings: 12 pm to 10 pm (all days) |
| Capacity: 40 each for non-bar cabins; 25 each for bar cabins | Capacity: 40 each for non-private cabins; 10 each for private dining cabins |
| Location: Linq Promenade, Las Vegas | Location: Bluewaters Island, Dubai |
| $33 | $35 |
Height and View
The High Roller is 550 feet (168 meters) high, the highest point on the American continent and the second-highest point in the world.
It gives wonderful views of the Las Vegas Valley and strip views as it rotates on its axis.
You get a 360-degree view of the surrounding buildings, the Sphere, hotels, casinos, and the Bellagio fountains, among other things.
The Ain Dubai is 820 feet (250 meters) high and offers a 360-degree view of the Dubai cityscape and skyline.
You can see the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, the entire Arabian Gulf and other iconic landmarks.
In terms of height, Ain Dubai is taller, and regarding views, each attraction has its own unique view from the top.
Timings, Duration and Best time to go
The High Roller’s opening hours are from 12 pm to 12 am Monday through Thursday and 12 pm to 2 am Friday through Sunday.
The wheel takes 30 minutes to do one rotation, which is the duration of the High Roller tour.
The best time to visit is during sunset or in the evening to see the glittering neon lights of the Sin City.
The Ain Dubai is temporarily closed for enhancement works; however, it was open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The wheel takes 38 minutes to complete one rotation as you view all the landmarks from the deck.
The best time to visit the highest observation wheel in the world is at sunset, when you can see the setting sun on the horizon of the Arabian Gulf and the sand city of Dubai.
The High Roller has longer opening hours, while the tour duration is longer in Ain Dubai.
However, the ideal visiting times are the same as the high decks, which give unparalleled unobstructed views.
Location
The High Roller is located in the heart of Linq Promenade in the south Las Vegas strip.
Address: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States. Get Directions
The Ain Dubai is located on Bluewaters Island, near Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.
Address: Bluewaters – Bluewaters Island – Dubai – United Arab Emirates. Get Directions
Ticket Prices
The High Roller standard entry day ticket costs $33 for adults 13+ and $12 for children aged four to 12.
Kids below three years go for free.
The standard High Roller anytime ticket costs $44 for 13+ years adults.
Children between four and 12 pay $22, while infants three years old and below go for free.
The Ain Dubai ticket costs $35 (AED 130) for all adult tickets.
What to Expect and Experiences Inside
Both the High Roller and the Ain Dubai have floor-to-ceiling glass-covered cabins that offer a 360-degree view of the surroundings.
There are seating and standing arrangements with air-conditioning and interior lights during the evenings.
You can see the mechanics, structural make, and outside views as the wheel rotates.
The High Roller has digital audio commentary about the places you see as the wheel moves, and you get a closer look at them.
The interiors of Ain Dubai have LED screens that display information about the landmarks you see from the rotating wheel.
Each capsule or cabin has enough space for visitors to walk around and not feel cramped when they are at full capacity.
Structure and Design
The High Roller’s height is 550 feet (168 meters), and its diameter is 520 feet (158 meters). It is connected to the central axis, which rotates.
There are 28 cabins or capsules, each having a capacity of 40 people and a total capacity of 1,120 people.
The cabin size has an area of 225 square feet (21 square meters).
The Ain Dubai is 820 feet (250 meters) high, has a larger diameter, and can hold 48 cabins.
Each cabin has a capacity of 40 people and carries a total of 1,750.
The cabin size of Ain Dubai is 323 square feet (30 square meters).
Therefore, Ain Dubai has more capacity, is larger in size, uses 33% more material than the Eiffel Tower, and has larger cabins than the High Roller.
Bars and Restaurants
A few of the High Roller cabins have an open bar and a bartender.
To access these cabins, you must buy the happy half-hour ticket, which costs $75 for adults over 21.
During the 30-minute ride on the Las Vegas observation wheel, you get unlimited drinks while enjoying the views outside throughout the day.
You can book a cabin for special occasions, such as a birthday, anniversary party, or bachelorette party, but you must contact the authorities beforehand.
The Ain Dubai offers premium cabins with lounges serving mocktails as you see the views outside.
There are private cabins for themed dining on special occasions, and they offer a complete dining experience.
It had a kitchen and bar, with a proper dining table, tables, chairs, tablecloths, crockery and butlers serving the four-course meal.
Occasions included pizza parties, anniversaries, birthdays, karaoke, lounge access and so on, allowing up to 10 guests.
The cost of tickets started from $1225 (AED 4,500) and above based on the theme chosen.
In terms of convenience and cost, the High Roller is better, and visitors can quickly hop on to enjoy the view with drinks.
The cost is high for Ain Dubai, and the arrangements need proper time and planning.
Contents
How to Reach and Parking
The High Roller, located in Linq Promenade, can be reached by bus, Las Vegas monorail, taxi or car.
The location is well-connected with roads and public transport.
High Roller has its own parking facility, Linq Parking Garage, with multi-story paid parking facilities.
The Ain Dubai is well-connected, with buses, metro, trams, and road connections, making it easy to travel between Dubai attractions.
If you are travelling in your own vehicle, there are parking facilities nearby where you can park your car.
Ain Dubai does not have its own valet parking.
In terms of connectivity and facilities, both go hand in hand.
Conclusion: Which is Better?
When it comes to choosing which Ferris observation wheel to visit, it totally depends on your trip plan, interests and convenience.
Since one is located in Las Vegas and the other in Dubai, your itinerary will determine when you visit these places.
If you are in the USA and plan to visit Sin City, Las Vegas, the High Roller is a must-visit place to see the city from the top.
If you are visiting Dubai, along with the world’s highest building, the Burj Khalifa and a few other top attractions, you must visit Ain Dubai to get a different perspective of Dubai from the sea to the land.
In terms of timing, inside experience, design, reachability and wheelchair access, both attractions provide a similar experience.
Regarding ticket prices, the High Roller is cheaper than Ain Dubai.
However, even though both wheels provide lounge facilities with the tickets, the High Roller provides unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks over Ain Dubai, serving mocktails.
Only in private cabin bookings do they serve themed four-course meals and a dining experience on top, which is unique.
In the end, choose the one that suits you based on your destination, trip budget and interest.
FAQs
1. Which is better, Ain Dubai vs High Roller?
Each attraction has unique views of the city it is located in, and your interest and travel plan will decide. Ain Dubai is the highest, and High Roller is the second highest, and each more or less gives a similar experience inside the glass cabins of the wheel.
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Featured Image: Commons.wikimedia.org, Tripadvisor.in
