Walking along one of the man-made bays in Sharjah at dusk, your gaze can never miss a magnificent structure built near the shore. As the sun slowly retires at the west, its dying rays seemingly point to this iron giant. Man made lights turn on and continuously beg for attention while the gigantic ferris wheel's iconic image imerges from the lego-like sky skraper backdrop.
Standing proudly on Sharjah's Qasba canal, the 'Eye of the Emirates' has become a key attraction at Qanat Al Qasba. Her Highness Shaikha Bodour Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Qasba Development Authority, explains: 'Our vision was to create an impressive structure that would allow people to see and appreciate Sharjah's rich mix of tradition, culture and modernity. We are confident the Eye of the Emirates will become Sharjah's most visible icon and portray a fresh, vibrant image of the emirate.' And true to her word, the eye is now an icon.
The wheel was built in the Netherlands according to the latest technology and highest safety standards. It features 42 fully air-conditioned passenger cabins, or gondolas, attached to its external rim, with each gondola accommodating eight people at a time. Passengers enjoy a panoramic view of 25-30 miles, including breathtaking aerial views of Sharjah and Dubai.
Around this tourist spot you are embraced by a nostalgic atmosphere of cozy mediterranean and asian restaurants offering the best of their cuisine along with western snack bars. Children ride their bikes and skateboards while some younger ones tske their shoes off to play along the water fountain.
Boats used mainly for touring the bay area and some routes along the canal are tied to posts along a port that seems to boast an invisible tag with "mini Venice" in it.
Amidst the buzzling noise comes a distinct prayer song from the mosque at one corner. As you wipe the swaet from your brow, the warm arabian night reminds you that you are still in the UAE.
