Dubai is nothing short of a wonder. It is difficult to imagine that this sprawling metropolis was just a simple fishing village, only a few decades ago. The development of Dubai has not just been fast but exponential as well. Dubai’s skyline is not merely dotted by skyscrapers and luxurious buildings. In fact, the city is home to some of the most iconic buildings of this era. Be it the Burj Khalifa: the tallest building in the world, the Burj Al Arab: the unique sail-shaped seven-star hotel or the Palm Jumeirah: the largest man-made island on earth, Dubai has been able to surprise the world with its architectural marvels.
The recent addition to this list has been the Dubai Frame, also known as the world’s largest picture frame. Shaped like a photo frame, this structure frames the major landmarks of the city, depending from where you are looking. The Dubai Frame has enhanced the skyline of the city and has become one of the popular tourist attractions in Dubai really fast. If you are planning a trip to Dubai, here’s what you need to know about the Dubai Frame before you visit this iconic structure.
1. Dubai Frame: Design and Structure
The structure of the Dubai Frame is designed exactly like a photo frame. The Frame has two vertical towers which are linked by a horizontal bridge at the top. While the towers are 150 meters high and 93 meters wide, the bridge that connects them is 100 meters long. There is also a mezzanine floor that serves as a museum that gives you a glimpse into the past as well as the future of Dubai. Moreover, the exterior design of the structure is inspired by the logo of Dubai Expo 2020. The innovative design and structure of the Dubai Frame have been able to attract locals, expats, and tourists alike.
2. Dubai Frame: All You Need to Know
The Dubai Frame has become the center of attention right from the day of its inauguration. Located in one of the most popular and favorite parts of the city, the Zabeel Park, the Frame has been constructed with the aim to encompass the past, present and future of the city in a single frame. Here is what you need to know about this amazing structure.
The Past: When you enter the mezzanine floor, you are taken on a journey back to the old days of Dubai through audio, visual and sensory projections. You not only be able to see the past of Dubai but also experience it through your senses. Apart from the visual imagery, the mood of the old city is set by using sounds, smells, mist effects, and motion.
The Present: Once you have enjoyed the past of the city, you get into the elevator which takes you to the bridge of the frame which also acts as an observation deck. The bridge, also known as the Sky Deck, gives you a 360o view of the city. But that is not the best part! The Frame is placed in such a way that while one side offers you the view of the old Dubai, the other part shows you the sights of the new Dubai. On the northern side of the frame is the magnificent Old Dubai where you would be able to see the dhow-studded Dubai Creek, Deira, Bur Dubai, Umm Hurair, and Karama, etc. Turn to the southern side and you would be able to see the sparkling modern Dubai, right from the tallest tower to the tallest residential building, the splendid Dubai marina and much more. To enhance the experience of the visitors, the bridge offers amplified reality activated screens which allow them to identify the important buildings and also learn about their interesting facts and other features. Another highlight of the Sky deck is that it has a 25 sqm glass panel that gives you the chance to see directly below you. The glass panel is crack-proof and has been made with the best quality materials.
The Future: The last leg of the Dubai Frame is where you get to see the future of the city. After exiting the elevator that takes you back to the mezzanine floor, you have to pass through a swirling tunnel, known as Vortex Tunnel, which takes you fifty years into the future. With the help of special light and sound effects, you would be able to see what lies in the future of Dubai. Right from future evolution to future mechanics, everything is covered in this presentation, and would not fail to leave you in awe.
3. Dubai Frame: Important Things to Know
If the Dubai Frame seems interesting to you and surely seems to have a place in your itinerary for your next holiday in the city, here are a few things that would be helpful to know.
- The cost of the construction of the Dubai Frame is somewhere around Dhs160 million or $43.5 million.
- If traveling by metro, you must take the red line and get down at Al Jafiliya metro stop. If you are traveling by car, you can park your vehicle in the parking space of Zabeel Park.
- The Dubai Frame is open from 9 AM to 9 PM. The cost of entry for adults is Dh50 while the entry fee for kids is Dh30. Kids under the age of three and adults over the age of 65 as well as people of determination do not require an entry fee.
- The Sky deck has a restaurant where you can have coffee and a pastry while enjoying the skyline of the city.
- The Frame also has a souvenir or gift shop where you can buy souvenirs of Dubai Frame and other iconic structures of Dubai to take back home.
It has been estimated that over 2 million visitors would visit the Dubai Frame every year. After all, the design, structure, and features of the Frame make it one of the iconic structures of the city. Do make sure to visit the Dubai Frame during your travel in Dubai, as you would not want to miss out on something as interesting and exciting as the world’s largest picture frame.
