Qasba Ferris wheel to be relocated
NATION
sharjah — In a monumental move for Sharjah’s most recognisable landmark, the iconic Eye of the Emirates wheel will be completely relocated from its home of 13 years at Al Qasba to Al Montazah Parks.
According to officials, it will provide more spectacular bird’s eye views across the landscape to a larger number of residents and visitors. The iconic attraction will be closed for visitors from March 10 at Al Qasba for dismantling.
The move will provide tourists with supreme panoramas over the city’s major attractions and famous markets, such as the Central Souq, Al Jubail Souq, Al Majaz Waterfront, Khalid Lagoon, The Flag Island, Al Noor Island, Al Noor Mosque and various government entities in Al Layya, while being easily accessible to visitors.
Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), said: “We are enormously grateful to His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for his support and confidence in this project. The relocation of the Eye of the Emirates to Al Montazah Parks aligns with Shurooq’s strategy that aims to develop its tourist and recreational destinations, and provide residents and visitors with the opportunity to enjoy Shurooq’s attractions. The new location of the Eye of the Emirates will enhance its importance, given the broader views it will feature.
“The Eye of the Emirates will be one of the array of state-of-the-art facilities and world-class services at Al Montazah Parks that meet the aspiration of all visitors. At the new location, it will overlook many premiere tourist destinations in Sharjah. It will have a positive impact on the flow of tourists and visitors and provide them with the opportunity to enjoy a horizontal bird’s eye view of the city,” Al Sarkal added.
Inaugurated in 2005, the 60-metre high Eye of the Emirates with 42 cabins is one of Sharjah’s most recognisable landmarks. Over the last 13 years, it has become part of the aesthetic identity of the emirate and a tourist icon that is regularly featured on media and social media platforms.
The wheel is also recognised for being a beacon of many celebrations in Sharjah and for witnessing numerous events. This year, the Eye of the Emirates celebrates the Year of Zayed, placing the famous symbol of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan at the centre of the Ferris wheel.
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I am going to miss seeing the Eye of the Emirates at Qanat Al Qasba. It is one of the star attractions in that area and Qasba would probably look empty without the eye. But the shift may be a good thing. Reshma Menon, resident
I think I am curious to see what impact the new location will have on the ride experience. Change is good, and hopefully, the new location will be a better fit for the iconic attraction. Ancy Alexander, resident
We live in a country that is always striving to make great things better and this is one of those things. Change is the only constant. I think this is a good move. Yogesh Mehboobani, resident
The move is in the best interest of the citizens. I believe the wheel will finally get its due credit. Al Qasba is a great location, however, the wheel was located at one corner, often missed by visitors. Nausheen Shamsher, resident