Ronald Drake takes the helm of the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel primed to become a must-visit, iconic entertainment venue offering a different perspective each time for UAE residents and tourists from around the world.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 11 August 2021 Dubai Holding, a diversified global investment company with operations in 13 countries, today confirmed the appointment of Ronald Drake as General Manager of Ain Dubai as the Emirate's newest landmark and the world's largest and tallest observation wheel gears up for a highly anticipated public opening in Q4 this year.
A specialist in commercial entertainment project revitalisation, Drake brings over 35 years of extensive experience developing global tourist attractions, retail, and live entertainment projects. He is responsible for creating and delivering the strategic vision of Ain Dubai through its launch and operations, as well as developing and nurturing growth for Ain Dubai, establishing it as one of Dubais iconic landmarks on the global stage.
Set to become the 'must-visit' venue for views, sunsets, entertainment and celebrations, Ain Dubai re-imagines the traditional observation wheel experience, translating it into a world-class entertainment hot spot that delivers bespoke experiences suited to all types of celebratory occasions for people of all ages to enjoy.
Mohamed Sharaf, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Holding Entertainment said: "The highly anticipated Ain Dubai is ready to open to the world in the next few months as the newest skyline-defining landmark and the latest offering by Dubai Holding to elevate the Emirates rich and vibrant leisure and entertainment landscape. Ain Dubai holds ever so true to fortifying Dubai's leading position as a key international tourism destination and serves as testament to the grand vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai."
"We are extremely proud of Ain Dubai as we endeavor tirelessly to ensure innovative concepts are brought to life in Dubai, building on our track record of launching some of the Emirate's most popular entertainment attractions and destinations, while expanding Dubai Holdings diverse entertainment and leisure portfolio as the region's largest and most prolific. We have every confidence that Ronald's invaluable contribution will ensure that this project will be another success," Sharaf added.
Passionate about international entertainment and attractions, Drake's long-standing career includes roles in America, Asia, and now the Middle East.
Commenting on his new position, Ronald Drake, General Manager of Ain Dubai said: "I am delighted to be trusted with a project of this scale and magnitude. With my background in developing world-class attractions across the globe, the focus will be tailoring these learnings and delivering the best possible experience for visitors to Ain Dubai."
Set against the backdrop of Dubais dazzling skyline with breath-taking land and sea views, Ain Dubai, at over 250 metres tall, eclipses anything that has come before it, heralding a new era in the world of entertainment. The 48 double-glazed uber-luxurious cabins will boast the capacity to collectively carry up to 1,750 passengers at a time. The custom-built, fully air-conditioned cabins offer unrivalled and unforgettable 360-degree views of Dubai in premium comfort.
Ain Dubai is the latest addition to the extensive Dubai Holding entertainment portfolio. As one of the largest diversified investment conglomerates in the region, Dubai Holding continues to play an instrumental role in the sustainable growth of the Emirate across various sectors in line with the UAE Government's diversification strategy. Dubai Holding has the credential and a solid record of success, having launched some of Dubai's leading entertainment offerings including ARN, Coca-Cola Arena, Global Village and other leading theme parks and waterparks.
The magnificent Ain Dubai sits at the heart of the unique, must-visit lifestyle destination, Bluewaters, where the charm and exclusivity of island living meet the exuberance of a sophisticated urban lifestyle. Bluewaters boasts hospitality, lifestyle, residential, and leisure and entertainment opportunities. The jewel of the Bluewaters experience, Ain Dubai offers a majestic new perspective from the eye in the sky across Dubais mesmerising skyline. Open both day and night, visitors can experience two very different sides of Dubai gazing at sunset's golden rays glittering across the skyscrapers or watching Dubais spectacular neon lights switch on as darkness falls.
To find out more about Ain Dubai, please visit www.aindubai.com.
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AboutRonald Drake:
Ronald Drake is the General Manager for Ain Dubai. A specialist in commercial entertainment project revitalization, Drake is responsible for creating and delivering the strategic vision of Ain Dubai through its launch and operations, as well as developing and nurturing growth for Ain Dubai, establishing it as one of Dubais iconic landmarks on the global stage. Joining the project in 2017 as the project manager from Caesars Entertainment, Drake was charged with building a multi-layered, connected entertainment destination through innovative sales, product and experience delivery aligned to a commercial framework. Drake joined the Ain Dubai team as General Manager in early 2020 and will lead the global launch of Ain Dubai in 2021.
Before joining Ain Dubai, Drake was based in Las Vegas, Nevada, working for five years with the entertainment giant Caesars Entertainment, leading the attraction sales and development team. The Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel is one of Drakes most notable projects, where he created and implemented new sales and distribution campaigns and developed new experience-based products for corporate and consumer segments.
Drake brings over 35 years of extensive experience developing global tourist attractions, retail and live entertainment projects in various leadership and project management roles. Guided by his commitment to providing innovative, world-class experiences for all to enjoy, Drake has developed tourist attractions including the Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel and Madame Tussauds. Passionate about international entertainment and attractions, Drakes long-standing career includes roles in America, Asia, and now the Middle East.
Ronald has led the event development of several large-scale tourist focused retail, dining and entertainment projects including the Linq Promenade in Las Vegas and Aloha Tower Market Place in Honolulu. Ronald has an extensive background managing live entertainment venues including several arenas, stadiums, festival grounds and has served as General Manager of Tinseltown Studios, an interactive dinner show. He has had various sales and production roles representing major televised events such the National Final Rodeo, Professional Bull Riders, and Monster Truck and Supercross motorsports as well as creating Events Live!, which provided sales and event production services to the Hard Rock Live! entertainment venue in Florida.
A U.S. national, Drake has a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV).
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About Ain Dubai
Ain Dubai is the worlds largest and tallest observation wheel, standing at over 250 metres. The record-breaking monument offers unrivalled and unforgettable social and celebratory experiences as well as 360-degree views of Dubai in premium comfort all at heart of Bluewaters, the sophisticated, must-visit island destination. The 48 passenger cabins that circle the enormous circumference of the wheel have capacity to carry more than 1,750 visitors at once.
A prestigious asset of Dubai Holdings entertainment portfolio, Ain Dubai has quickly become recognized as one of the Middle Easts most remarkable landmarks which has elevated the aesthetic of Dubais skyline. The world-class, landmark entertainment venue delivers extraordinary and customisable one-of-a-kind experiences for every occasion. Ain Dubai plays a strategic role in supporting Dubais long-term vision to strengthen its global position as a key tourism hub, continuing to build on the emirate's reputation as a leader in the global leisure and entertainment landscape.
To find out more, please visit https://www.aindubai.com/
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About Dubai Holding
Dubai Holding is a diversified global investment company with operations in 13 countries and employing over 20,000 people. Established in 2004, Dubai Holding touches the lives of millions of Dubai residents and visitors through its extensive portfolio of over AED 130 billion worth of assets that support the diversification and sustainable growth of Dubais economy across 10 key sectors: Real Estate, Hospitality, Leisure Entertainment, Media, ICT, Design, Education, Retail, Manufacturing Logistics and Science.
Our portfolio is comprised of four leading companies: Dubai Holding Real Estate, one of the largest landowners and integrated master developers in Dubai; Dubai Holding Asset Management, which offers a world-class portfolio of 10 business districts, 20 retail destinations and 15 residential communities that collectively enable business and tourism activity as well as an enriched living experience for residents; Dubai Holding Hospitality, which manages leading hospitality assets and a diverse collection of unique FB concepts as well as top-notch hotel brands including Jumeirah, Dubai Holdings flagship hospitality brand and global luxury hotel company; and Dubai Holding Entertainment, which comprises Dubais leading leisure attractions, media and entertainment venues such as Ain Dubai, Global Village, Dubai Parks and Resorts, ARN, and Roxy Cinemas, amongst others.
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Raj Bhatt
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE
Iconic structure in Dubai, great tourist attraction, must visit !