International. Visitors to the Middle East will soon be able to experience the world's largest and tallest Ferris wheel, Ain Dubai (the Eye of Dubai), which is being protected by AkzoNobel coatings.
With a dizzying height of 210 meters, the attraction features more than 9,000 tons of steel (almost 25% more than the Eiffel Tower in Paris). AkzoNobel is the sole supplier of protective coatings for the massive structure, which is expected to be completed later this year.
Located on the artificial island Bluewaters, adrenaline junkies will be delighted to hear that one of its legs is also being equipped with the world's tallest rope climbing platform (with a maximum of 150 meters). It means AkzoNobel has now covered four of the world's most iconic observation wheels, the others being the London Eye, Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and Singapore Flyer.
"It is an honor to be associated with such an iconic project, which will welcome tourists from all over the world," said Rajiv Rajgopal, regional director of Performance Coatings in the Middle East and Africa. "We have a proven track record of supporting large-scale ventures that require superior technical expertise, products and technology; Ain Dubai is a proud addition to our global portfolio."
International products applied to the structure include Interzinc 52 primer, Intergard 475HS (a high-strength epoxy resin that provides corrosion protection), Interthane 990 (a high-thickness epoxy finishing layer) and interfine 979 polysiloxane top layer.
"Given the hostile local climate and Ain Dubai's proximity to water, it was important to specify a system that would provide both corrosion and UV resistance," added Andrea Meconcelli, AkzoNobel's Director of Performance Coatings for the Middle East. "The specification is designed for maximum protection, as well as excellent color and brightness retention."
AkzoNobel has a growing presence in the UAE, and the company was established in Dubai in 2011. An advanced application training centre was also opened in Dubai last year. Other high-profile projects in the UAE with AkzoNobel products include the Yas Viceroy Hotel, Aldar HQ and Sheikh Zayed Bridge, all located in Abu Dhabi.
