London got one first. Malaysia was quick to announce its own record-breaking example and now Singapore lays claim to the largest in the world although even that will soon be eclipsed by rivals in Beijing, Berlin and Dubai. A state-of-the-art observation wheel appears to be the symbol of national vitality that no self-respecting cityscape can do without.

At dusk today guests will take their places aboard the inaugural flight of the Singapore Flyer, a 165m (541ft) high feat of engineering whose

360-degree views, it is hoped, will galvanise further the buoyant economy of the island. The wheel is 30m higher than the London Eye and has 28 observation capsules, panoramic views of Malaysia and the Indonesian islands and a rotation rate of 1,000 visitors every hour.

Florian Bollen, the chairman of Singapore Flyer, said that the £87 million wheel would start its first rotation as the sun set on the island republic.

The first three nights have already sold out. For the inaugural 30-minute rides, corporate clients and individuals have paid 8,888 Singapore dollars, an auspicious number in Chinese culture and equivalent to £3,200.

David Beevers, the general manager of the Singapore Flyer, said. “We’re actually ahead of time and on budget. Through the month of February it’s a whole series of private events each day that’s going to allow us to ramp up to full opening for the public.”

Groups of between 600 and 1,000 people are expected to attend the first series of private previews, with a formal opening on April 15. SG Private Banking, the French-based global private wealth manager, has booked 11 of the 28 capsules on Wednesday to celebrate the Chinese new year.

Once the wheel is open to the public, walk-in passengers will get a view of up to 45km (28 miles) across the island for 29.50 Singapore dollars. Higher-priced tickets will include food and cocktails.

The attraction, designed by architects in Japan and Singapore, will raise the standard for the new generation of big wheels. It is part of a campaign to attract 17 million visitors to the island, giving tourism revenue a huge boost. By the end of next year its place as the world record holder will be taken by the Great Beijing

Wheel, at 208m tall. The Chinese wheel, which will carry up to 1,920 passengers in 48 capsules, was planned as a spectacular landmark befitting an Olympic host.

Ever since the London Eye opened to great acclaim in March 2000 other cities have determined to transform their skylines in similar fashion. Wheels in Dubai and Berlin are due to open in 2009.

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