1. Riding in the Daytime Daylight is all about detail. From the top you can clearly make out the fronds of Palm Jumeirah, the sail shape of Burj Al Arab, the beach at JBR right below you, and on a clear day even the Burj Khalifa far off in the distance. Good for photos where you actually want to see things. Kids tend to enjoy it more too, spotting boats and cars and pointing at everything. One catch. In summer there's often haze over the city, so the far views go a bit soft. Winter mornings are much clearer.

2. Riding at Night Different mood completely. The Marina towers light up, Sheikh Zayed Road turns into a line of moving lights, and the wheel itself glows with its LED display. Couples go for this one a lot. It's calmer, a little romantic, and the cabins are air-conditioned so you're comfortable either way. The downside? Photos through glass at night pick up reflections. Turn off the flash and put your phone close to the window, it helps.

3. The Sunset Slot The middle ground, and the one many people end up choosing. Board about 30 minutes before sunset and you get daylight on the way up, the sun dropping into the Gulf near the top, then city lights coming on as you come down. Best of both. It's also the busiest slot, so these times sell out first.

4. Now, cost. Ain Dubai tickets for a normal shared cabin begin at around AED 145 per adult. Kids pay a little less, babies under 3 ride free. Going at sunset or in the evening? That's peak time, so the price goes up compared to a midday ride. Premium cabin means drinks plus lounge access, and it costs more. There are private cabins too, people book them for birthdays and proposals mostly. The timings have been changed a few times since it reopened, so check before you go.

So which one? First time in Dubai and want to see the city properly, go in the day. Want the atmosphere, go at night. Can't decide, sunset. Book Ain Dubai tickets online a few days early for the evening slots, walk-up queues get long on weekends.

CityTourinDubai.com has Ain Dubai tickets for day, sunset and night rides, plus combo deals with Dubai Marina cruises. Check what's available and pick your time.