The construction works on Bluewaters Island started in Dubai this Monday. The newest man-made island will be situated approximately 500 meters opposite of the Jumeirah Beach Residence. The project includes the construction of zones for entertainment and dining, as well as five-star resorts and hotels.
The total cost of cost of Bluewaters Island is estimated at approximately $1.6 billion of which over $270 million will go for the creation of the project’s main attraction – Dubai Eye. This will be a ferris wheel inspired by the famous London Eye located in the capital of the UK. However, unlike the British version, which reaches 135 meters of height, the Dubai Eye will be 210 meters high. That is enough to assure it the title of the tallest farris wheel in the world.
Behind the project is Meraas Holding. The private developer is headed by the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashis Al Maktoum. Currently, the company is also working on a complex for entertainment and shopping which will be located on Jumeirah Beach.
The construction of the Dubai Eye will be trusted in the hands of Hyundai Contracting and Starneth Engineering. The two companies participated in the building of the London Eye itself. With Dubai Eye they will take the role of primary contractors and deal with both the construction and the design of the facility.
The project’s duration is estimated to continue for nearly five years. It is expected that the Bluewaters Island will be ready in the first quarter of 2018. The work on the development includes sand dredging from the sea. This contract is assigned to Van Oord. The Dutch firm is known for the fact that it has also worked on Palm Jumeirah, which now is one of the best known landmarks of Dubai.
Once it is built, the development will have a direct highway connection to Sheikh Zayed Road, a monorail connection to the Dubai Metro, as well as a pedestrian bridge and a cable car that will connect the Bluewaters Island with Jumeirah Beach Residence.
