“Celebrating the Emirate’s journey from past to present.” The Dubai Frame
Dubai’s latest cultural landmark, The Dubai Frame rises 150m above the city in Zabeel Park. The gigantic frame offers panoramic views of old and new Dubai from it’s viewing platform in the sky. The tourist attraction, which The Guardian newspaper has called ‘the biggest picture frame on the planet’, has been designed as a window to the emirate’s past as well as serving as a showcase to the present and its future.
The iconic golden frame, which opened on 1st January 2018, is set in a landscaped garden filled with date palms in Zabeel Park just off the Sheikh Zayed Road (Sharjah bound). As you make your way to the elevator to ascend to the viewing platform (you are transported to the top in just 75 seconds) you pass through the old Dubai gallery that celebrates the history and culture of the emirate from its humble beginnings to the now modern day urban metropolis it has become with multimedia displays of pearl-diving, traditional souks and dhows.
The present is observed from the Sky Deck platform itself which at forty-eight floors high gives you have uninterrupted views across older Dubai neighbourhoods to the North and to the South, the new, where modern buildings such as the Burj Khalifa shape the ever changing skyline. Interactive screens are dotted around to help visitors identify particular buildings and landmarks as well as providing facts and figures. Those who have a head for heights or perhaps just like a thrill can walk on the three glass floor panels with a sheer drop below. A selection of food, beverage and retail concessions are situated along the centre of the platform.
Once you have descended to the mezzanine level you exit through the future Dubai gallery. A tunnel with special effects gives an insight on how the emirate will continue to evolve through its continued development, the introduction of AI and other such technology that will shape its future.
The frame’s rectangular design has been inspired by the ‘golden ratio’ of 1.618, which architects and artists consider forms an ideal structural balance. The inspiration for the ring design on the golden exterior of the stainless steel structure came from the Expo 2020 Dubai logo.* A social media wall displays photos taken from the observation deck that are available to purchase as well as a gift shop with frame inspired souvenirs.
Take a trip to the top of the Dubai Frame to see the emirate from a new and affordable vantage point, test your nerves with a walk on the crack free glass of the observation platform and enjoy a fresh coconut in the garden cafe on your way out.
*Facts and figures from www.dubaiframe.ae/en
The Dubai Frame
Location: Gate 4, Zabeel Park, Dubai
Website: www.dubaiframe.ae/en
Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Admission Prices: Adults AED 50, Children (aged 3 – 12 years) AED 20, Infants (under 3 years), Seniors and People of determination (with 2 Companions) FREE
All views are my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2018. All rights reserved.