DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Dubai's ruler has approval a $1.6 billion island development project that would be home to what's billed as the world's biggest Ferris wheel.
The project reflects a renewed appetite in Dubai for extravagance as the economy rebounds from a debt-driven slump during the past three years.
The official WAM news agency reported earlier this month that the Ferris wheel — dubbed the Dubai Eye — will stand 210 metres, exceeding the London Eye's 135 metres (443 feet). Construction is set to begin this year.
Dubai has proposed a series of mega projects reminiscent of its boom years before the downturn hit in 2009. The projects include theme parks and a satellite city named for Dubai's ruler, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashin Al Maktoum.
Source: http://www.montrealgazette.com/travel/Dubai+ruler+plans+island+with+worlds+biggest+Ferris+wheel/8002099/story.html
