Dubai Frame – The Stunning Architectural Wonder Connecting Dubai’s Past and Present

It’s winter in Dubai, the most ideal time to wander around and see what the city has to offer. Fresh air and a cool breeze make for a great sightseeing day. How about picnicking on the lush green grass of Zabeel Park, and admiring the shiniest structure in the city that blinds you with all its grandeur. A picture perfect memory! Where else would you frame it if not here at the Dubai Frame?!

The Dubai Frame

In this blogpost, I will share with you some interesting facts about Dubai Frame, and tell you why visiting this breathtaking cultural landmark is well worth a visit.

What Is The Dubai Frame?

The Dubai Frame is a picture frame-shaped structure. It is 150 meters tall and covered in gold-coloured stainless steel with a ring design inspired by Expo 2020 Dubai.

This fantastic landmark symbolizes a link between Dubai’s past and present. The Dubai Frame is positioned in a way that the modern part of the city can be viewed from one side of the frame, whilst the older part of the city can be seen from the other. It serves as an observation deck from which you can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire city.

One of the highlights of the Dubai Frame is the bridge with its glass-bottomed walkway. It serves as an observation deck from which you can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire city.

Are your feet already shaking? 🙂

Dubai Frame’s Bridge With its Glass Walkway

Dubai Frame opened its doors on January 1, 2018.

What To Do At The Dubai Frame?

Dubai Frame is an excellent place to learn about Dubai’s culture, history, and architecture. It gets even more exciting once you embark on a thrilling lift ride to the top. So, what will you experience there?

Learn About The Old Dubai

Upon entering the building, you begin a journey through time. Through the Past Gallery on the mezzanine floor, you’re transported back in time to learn about Dubai’s heritage and growth.

A projection and artifacts showcase the city’s humble beginnings and its development into a futuristic metropolis.

See The Present Dubai

As your journey continues, you will encounter a second experience which represents Dubai’s Present.

On one side of the Frame, you can step back in time and catch a glimpse of Old Dubai, the city’s north. It is where the oldest areas of Bur Dubai and Deira reveal the rich heritage of the city. Among the old buildings are the spice souks, the abras, and the Creek.

As you look on the other side of the bridge, you can see modern Dubai, the city’s south. It is an amazing bird’s eye view full of skyscrapers, luxury hotels, shopping malls, and of course, the Burj Khalifa which dominates the scene.

The Sky Deck also features interactive applications, such as augmented reality activated screens, that allow you to identify different landmarks, explore interesting facts and observe buildings in 3D.

Step Into The Future Dubai

Hundreds of selfies later, just one more glance around, and you are back to the Future of Dubai.

You’ll now pass through a vortex tunnel with special lights and sound effects. The visually captivating experience will transport you to a Virtual Metropolis, a bustling hub of activity, with futuristic buildings, robots, and flying cars.

Take Home a Souvenir

After your thrilling adventure, grab a souvenir from the gift shop.

You can also get one from the souvenir machines at the Sky Deck.

What to Eat At The Dubai Frame?

We’re all in for a coffee with a view, right? You can indulge in fresh Japanese bakery treats and artisan coffee at Yamanote Atelier’s pastry stand. Find your spot in a corner, and enjoy the panorama with your flat white. 

If you’re looking for a cosy place to recharge along with lunch, the Low Battery Café is right after you exit The Dubai Frame.

Perhaps just an espresso would be the perfect way to end your day. Café Bot is just a few steps away. Get a chair and enjoy some winter sun.

How To Get To The Dubai Frame?

  • By Metro – A metro ride is the easiest way for tourists to get to the Dubai Frame. Take the red line to Max station. It takes about 20 minutes to walk there.
  • By Car – Those driving can park next to the Frame (Zabeel Park gate 4). Parking costs 10 dirhams with no time limit.

As a Final Note

The Dubai Frame is not just a tourist attraction; it is a symbol of Dubai’s growth, history, and vision for the future. It is the perfect place to enjoy stunning views of the city’s skyline and learn about Old and New Dubai. With its unique concept, it has become an icon of the city. See it, snap it, frame it!

Fun Facts About The Dubai Frame

  • To reach the Sky Deck, the elevator travels through 48 floors in 75 seconds.
  • The rectangular design of Dubai Frame was inspired by the ‘golden ratio’ of 1.618, which many architects and artists believe creates an ideal structural balance.
  • The view deck was raised with 4  hydraulic jacks, each capable of lifting 300 tons. It took two days to complete the work.
  • A team of more than 3600 experts, including engineers, architects, technicians, and laborers, worked on the Dubai Frame project.
  • Switchable smart glass covers 116 square meters of the bridge floor. When a voltage is applied to the glass, its light transmission properties change. Walking over the glass floor transforms it from translucent to transparent.

Thanks For Reading!

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