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Multi-Layered Experiences


Kasun Illankoon speaks to Ron Drake, General Manager at Ain Dubai, about the unique attractions and offerings of the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel in the world

 

Since the launch of Ain Dubai, have the level of expectations set at the beginning for the success of Ain Dubai been achieved so far?

Since Ain Dubai’s inauguration, the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors from the UAE and across the globe. Many firsts have been achieved and celebrated at Ain Dubai in addition to multiple stellar events which have truly fortified Ain Dubai and Bluewaters as a thriving lifestyle island destination.

Being the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel in the world gives Ain Dubai a unique advantage to view the skyline of Dubai. What are the other steps taken by Ain Dubai to attract the crowd to this iconic landmark?

ain dubaiAin Dubai eclipses anything that has come before it, heralding a new era in the world of entertainment. The world’s largest and tallest observation wheel will prove a must-visit experience for visitors and residents in the UAE. More than just an attraction, Ain Dubai is a unique entertainment proposition that provides multi-layered experiences that provides a different experience to its visitors each time.

From sundowners, dining in the sky and unique celebration packages to bespoke corporate & event offerings, Ain Dubai brings truly unique & customizable experiences, all against the backdrop of Dubai’s dazzling skyline for breath-taking land and seascapes. Open both day and night, Ain Dubai will invite visitors to experience two very different sides of Dubai from stunning Bluewater’s views to night-time entertainment hub. Gaze at sunrise’s golden rays glittering across the skyscrapers or watch Dubai’s spectacular LED lights switch on as darkness falls across the backdrop of the sea.

Personally, my favourite thing about Ain Dubai is the multiple, unique photo-taking opportunities this project affords. Every moment is a great photo that is distinctly Dubai. From stunning views of the JBR skyline, to a bird’s eye view of the Palm, to the changing vibrant colours when Dubai goes from day to night, we can assure guests the best photo spots for that perfect shot.

 

Why is Bluewaters the perfect location for Ain Dubai?

With Ain Dubai, we are truly completing the Bluewaters experience and positioning it as an entertainment hub – the entertainment offering creates the destination. Beyond Ain Dubai, the Island also includes the Ain Dubai Plaza, Madame Tussauds, Caesar’s Palace Hotel, 160+ retail, restaurants, and bars and it is easily accessible, whether you are traveling by car, taxi, foot or boat.

 

What are some of the unique offerings that Ain Dubai has to offer for both local and international tourists?

More than a bucket-list, Ain Dubai is the ultimate celebration destination that has captured the imagination of the world and provides customizable experiences for a different perspective each time. With Ain Dubai, we are delivering a range of new and unique experiences for guests that are looking for something truly different. And that is not just limited to the views and ride – this entertainment venue is unique in several ways from photo opportunities to food and beverage and hospitality which provide multiple moments of enjoyment for all those that visit.

In terms of private events, Ain Dubai caters to both consumer events and business events. Tell us what are the offerings, features given for business and consumer events?

At Ain Dubai, we talk about it being ‘more than just a view’ and what we mean by that is yes, people come to Ain Dubai for an incredible view, but beyond that Ain Dubai re-imagines the observation wheel experience, translating it into a world-class, landmark entertainment venue.

We have six premium indoor and outdoor venues from the Plaza to the Seaview lounge with the ability to hold up to 8,000. Ain Dubai offers a range of event possibilities for both the MICE market and larger private events including catering, audio-visual equipment, entertainment, and activation support in a unique environment and with Caesars Palace Dubai on Bluewaters next door, we can even help with any accommodation needs. We believe Ain Dubai will have a profound effect on the MICE industry, with companies of all sizes wanting to take advantage of such an iconic asset to truly elevate their next event.

Catering and the food provided during these private events provides a unique experience. Are there any challenges when it comes to providing these services?

Of course, when it comes to providing food and beverage the pressure is always on to ensure we provide the best possible experience. We are lucky to work with the best partners to provide the most premium food and beverage each and every time, whether it be in our lounge, in-cabin or at our on-site café, Coffee Planet.

  

A specialist in commercial entertainment project revitalisation, Drake brings over 35 years of extensive experience developing global tourist attractions, retail, and live entertainment projects. Can you tell us how different is managing Ain Dubai as compared to your previous entertainment project ventures?

Ron Drake Ain Dubai

Photo: Ron Drake, General Manager at Ain Dubai

Personally, I have 35 years’ experience working within Caesars Entertainment and on the High Roller in Las Vegas, and we spent huge amounts of time there on consumer experience development – what did they like, what did they react to, what didn’t they like? So, we bring huge amounts of learning to this project. Of course, the Dubai consumer has its own wants and needs so a lot of time will be spent gathering consumer feedback here to constantly update and evolve the experience. We know a huge element will be variety, and we will work hard to deliver on that. Ain Dubai is designed to deliver a different perspective each time so our visitors can enjoy it time and time again – we can guarantee you will never have the same experience twice when you fly Ain Dubai.

Can you tell us what excites you about taking on this role at Ain Dubai?

Dubai has been a leader in the travel and tourism sector for several years with a reputation for pioneering projects that have placed our emirate firmly on the global map for making the seemingly impossible, possible. Dubai sets the bar when it comes to being a tourist destination and sees itself as its biggest competition with the city breaking records on a regular basis. This is what excites me as we set out to demonstrate how Ain Dubai is another icon for this mantra and is a testament to the many innovative initiatives developed in Dubai to further enhance its competitiveness as a destination.