While driving past Zabeel Park, you will see a giant structure soaring 150 feet into the sky with a beautiful golden exterior, looking like a massive frame. This is Dubai Frame, a landmark structure that took almost five years to build and opened its door to visitors on January 1, 2018. The exterior of the Dubai Frame has an intricate Expo 2020 logo that adorns it throughout. One would feel that the golden rings of Dubai Expo 2020 drape the entire Aluminum and Glass structure. The Golden Frame Dubai is one of the best places to visit in Dubai.
The location chosen to make this structure is also very unique. When Dubai Municipality wanted to build a frame, it invited designers to make something that would stand out. Design expert Fernando Doris proposed a structure encapsulating Dubai’s products in one place. That is how the idea of a frame came to him. His design was accepted and given the go-ahead by Dubai Municipality for construction. The Dubai Frame has two side towers 93 meters apart, connected by a bridge. Initially, it was planned to construct an utterly transparent glass bridge. And however, later, the designers felt that there would be many who have a “fear of heights” and hence won’t be able to enjoy the Dubai Frame. So, only the glass is added partially to the bridge that connects the two towers. Apart from Dubai Frame, there are many more exciting things to do in Dubai for tourists worldwide.
At night, the whole frame is draped with changing lights. The shimmering gold exteriors with a backdrop of changing lights are a sight to behold.
The Dubai Frame site in Zabeel Park is one of the largest parks in Dubai. There is no tall tower anywhere close to this site. This makes Dubai Frame the tallest structure and affords an unobstructed view of Dubai. The Guardian describes The Dubai Frame as the enormous manmade frame in the world.
The best time to come to Dubai Frame is around sunset time. This means you can see Dubai in the daylight, sunset, and the full glory of neons. Avoid going there when there is too much fog or dust, as you won’t get the perfect view. Dubai Frame also serves as an edutainment. It is educational and motivating to understand its rulers’ vision backed up by firm action. It is educational to see how a vast plain desert is converted into one of the world’s most livable Oasis with everything modern life requires. The contrasting view of Dubai from the Dubai Frame is not conflicting but “transforming.” The “Old” Dubai is the “Heritage” Dubai, and the “new Dubai” view is the “Young-hip-happening” Dubai.
Frame Dubai was conceived to be a tourist destination, and it has lived up to the vision of the Dubai Municipality. Every day hundreds of visitors make a beeline to see two different Dubai views at a time. Each hour, only 200 visitors are allowed on the main bridge to ensure that as many visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Dubai Frame as possible.
Here are some awe-inspiring data for you;
· More than 9.900 cubic meters of reinforced concrete is used to make the Dubai Frame
· 2000 tons of steel has been used to complete the structure of the Dubai Frame
· There are 48 floors in Dubai Frame
· 2900 square yards of glass have been used
· The ratio of The Dubai Frame sides is 1:1.618, called the golden ratio, which the architect considers as the Golden Ration
Experiences
After buying your ticket, you may have to wait for 15 minutes. That is when you would be welcomed with Arabic music, and a large object high above that is like a giant snake that slowly moves in all dimensions to give a unique character to the roof of the mezzanine. In the foyer outside, there are water fountains. Your actual will start from the Mezzanine deck, a museum showcasing Dubai of yore, including various items used in the past. The whole experience is immersive as the entire museum is multi-dimensional. There are objects, audiovisual film, and lovely frames capturing some landmark dates, like 1971, when the current Dubai Airport Terminal – 1 was launched.
If you want a 360-degree panoramic view of Dubai, plan to come to the Dubai Frame today!
Dubai Frame Sky Deck
The upper deck is where the action is. You take the elevator, a “capsule” lift giving you a full view of the surrounding greenery of Zabeel Park. When you reach the sky deck, you suddenly come across the Present Dubai. A Dubai is defined by Burj Khalifa, the tallest manmade structure, the Palm islands, The iconic Sheikh Zayed Road, The Dubai Metro, its broad and clean roads, the flower beds along the streets, and vast and majestic towers. You do not forget the idyllic Deira Creek, Old souks, the wooden dhows (both commercial and passenger), the Abra, and who can forget the famed Karama, home to thousands of ex-pats! Dubai’s present is changing rapidly and is at the cusp. For a premium dinner cruise experience, you may book a dhow cruise. The two Dubai views are on the two sides of the frame. You turn and see the old Dubai of Karama, Deira, and Bur Dubai. Turn south, and you will see the new Dubai view of Burj Khalifa, Down Town, the Financial Center, and much more!
The sky deck floor has a glass patch from where you can see down and see the complete Dubai Frame lower area. Often, you will experience a faint sound of “crack” on the glass. You need not worry, and it is just to give you a bit of a scare.
If all the waiting and viewing made you hungry, then the sky deck has a nice chocolate-cum-coffee bar where you can buy your coffee and sandwich to spend some more time viewing the two different worlds of Dubai. The coffee and chocolates are a bit pricey. You may also buy a souvenir from the same “open” kiosk. There is also a triangle-like writing pad where you can write your name, which is then automatically projected on a giant screen.
The Future
The future of Dubai is showcased in the adjoining room of Sky Deck. This consists of projections of what the future is going to look like. It is dark and very abstract. You will see hovercrafts, robots, and buildings draped in webs. The rulers and the government are trying to prepare the current generation for a different world future altogether. This is a MUST-watch too. The journey to the end is depicted as time travel. You will feel that you have come to a different place altogether and everything seems far removed from current realities. But that is where Dubai is heading to. Its rulers are determined to put Dubai first to reach a future that many others have not visualized yet.
Dubai Frame Timings
All days 9 am to 9 pm.
However, the Dubai Frame timing changes on holidays and Ramadan
Tickets
Adult ticket is Aed 50/= per person
Children (3 to 12) Aed 20/= per person
For infants below three years, entry is free.
People with determination and two accompanying visitors are allowed for free.
Location and Reaching to Dubai Frame
Reaching Dubai Frame is very easy. Board Dubai Metro – Redline and get down at ADCB station. From there, it is a walking distance. However, you can hire a cab, which will take you there within 5 minutes.
You can also take the Number 5 bus that would drop you at any bus stands from where you can walk up to Dubai Frame. There is a lovely sky bridge from Karama to Zabeel Park. A walk across this bridge will directly lead to Gate number 4, where Dubai Frame is located.
This walk may be challenging during summer, and it is advisable to hire a cab and reach the Dubai Frame.
Few Important Things to Remember Before Visiting Golden Fram Dubai
· Cameras are not allowed inside the “Dubai 50 years
· No pets allowed
· No outside food or beverages allowed
· No Smoking
· No jumping on the glass base
· Clothing MUST be respectful