Dubai is a city of accolades, and the latest addition to this collection is an architectural wonder. Dubai Frame, also known as the Frame of Dubai or Berwaz Dubai, comprises two towers of 150 meters joined by two bridges of 93 metres, with a void in the middle like a picture frame.
This structure is a historical representation of old and new Dubai – South of the frame, you can see the present Dubai in its glory, and the North shows you the old Dubai.
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Dubai is brimming with world-famous attractions, but the world’s largest picture frame, Dubai Frame, is one-of-a-kind. The structure honors Dubai’s evolution from a tiny fishing village to one of the world’s wealthiest cosmopolitans. If you are in the city, you should not miss out on the Dubai Frame experience – it’s mesmerizing.
Why Visit Dubai Frame?
You should visit Dubai Frame simply because it has been touted to be one of the greatest manmade wonders of the world alongside the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. Designed by Mexican architect Fernando Doris, the structure creates a picture frame where you can view older parts of the city and modern Dubai at the same time.
He is the proud project designer for two other structures in Dubai: Porsche Design Towers and the Renaissance Tower. Located at Zabeel park, the Dubai Frame is made of 2000 tons of steel and 2,900 square meters of laminated glass.
Nearly 15,000 square meters of gold cladding wraps the structure as a symbolic tribute to Dubai as the ‘City of Gold.’ It is also draped in a honeycomb design that is inspired by the logo of Dubai Expo 2020. At night, changing lights keeps the structure sparkling.
Best Time to Visit Dubai Frame
For the ultimate Dubai Frame experience, you should know the right time to visit. If you want to spot stunning views of old and new Dubai, plan and time your visit well.
Like most popular attractions in the city, Dubai Frame is open every day all year round, so you can visit whenever it suits you best. However, its opening hours are 9 AM, so catching the sunrise might not be possible.
Dubai Frame boasts spectacular sunsets – the changing colors in the sky offer the perfect backdrop to this shimmering gold structure. Since the Zabeel Park gate doesn’t shut till 9 PM, you have plenty of time to catch the sunset and the night view. However, these timings change during public holidays and Ramadan.
Explore Dubai Frame
The vibrant history of Dubai is not just inspiring but commendable. The Dubai Frame provides the perfect opportunity to get panoramic views of Dubai’s past, present and future. Here’s all that you can do inside the Dubai Frame:
Past Dubai Gallery
Learn more about the origins of this luxury travel destination – how a desert was transformed into one of the most livable oases in the world. The mezzanine floor of the structure will lead you to this museum and gallery, an exhibit of the city’s humble beginnings as a Bedouin fishing village.
This old Dubai gallery showcases the city’s past with astounding exhibits, AV presentations, projections, scents and mists. Creating the perfect mood for a visit, you may now elevate to the floors above.
Panoramic Views
You will have to take a glass capsule elevator up to the 48th floor for uninterrupted views of the city. Enjoy stunning views of Zabeel Park on your way up while the Dubai skyline slowly inches into your periphery.
The elevator will take you to the viewing gallery, also called the Sky Deck level, where you will be introduced to panoramic views of Dubai’s evolution.
On one side of the Sky Deck, which is the South, you can see present Dubai at the cusp of its glory – a skyline glittering with Burj Khalifa, the Palm islands, the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Metro, Deira Creek, Old souks, the wooden dhows, among others. The North side takes you back to a few years exhibiting Dubai’s past, defined by Deira and Bur Dubai.
A glass patch on the Sky Deck gives you a top-view peak of the Dubai Frame. Drop by the chocolate and coffee bar and spend a few extra minutes basking in the two different worlds of Dubai.
Future Dubai Gallery
The Future Dubai Gallery is a unique experience often dubbed similar to time travel. A Vortex tunnel equipped with special audio and visual effects, and AR technology, will transport you to the future of Dubai.
It’s almost like a first-class ticket to the future. Learn about the different ways the government in Dubai and the UAE is planning to grow the city.
By the end of it, you will definitely feel like you’ve just traveled to the future. It’s a must-watch for visitors and locals alike.
Skip The Line
Famous attractions like the Dubai Frame witness considerable footfall year-round. One way to skip the long line is to reach the location before opening hours. However, this is only sometimes a guarantee because, just like you, several others may think the same.
The best way to skip the line is to purchase Dubai Frame tickets in advance. The admission tickets for adults are AED 50, for children are AED 20, and free for others. However, you can also purchase Dubai Frame Combo tickets. These tickets allow you to explore more than one attraction in Dubai, such as:
- Dubai Frame and Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Frame and Museum of Illusions
- Dubai Frame and Lost Chambers
- Dubai Frame and iFly Dubai
You can also avail Dubai Frame tickets with discounts to major attractions in the city. These are called Dubai passes and provides great offers, so your visit is wider than just one attraction.
How to Get to Dubai Frame?
There are several ways to get to the world’s largest picture frame, located at Zabeel Park. While cabs and driving down to Dubai Frame are convenient but pricey.
If you’re looking for a pocket-friendly way to visit Dubai Frame, then the best option for you is to board a metro from the Dubai metro station on the red line. The closest metro station from Dubai Frame is the ADCB metro station. From here, you may choose to walk or take a cab.
The third way to travel to Dubai frame is to take the bus. The number 7 bus will drop you at a bus stand nearest to Dubai Frame. From here, all you have to do is walk!
Things to Remember Before Your Visit
Dubai Frame is the pride of the city and UAE as well. It’s an experience that you should surely not miss out on. However, there are a few rules and regulations in place to ensure that every visit to the Dubai Frame is a memorable one – one that makes you want to visit again in the near future.
Among the restrictions, you are not allowed to bring your pets, drink, smoke, lean or climb the railings, touch the items displayed and carry food, beverages and sharp tools. It is advised that visitors should wear respectful clothing as a mark of respect to this monument.
Children under 12 need to be with an adult at all times and should be prevented from playing around the railings. Maintaining harmony and safety for guests visiting a monumental attraction like the Dubai Frame requires considerable work, and hence, these rules are in place to ensure you have a memorable visit.
A Memorable Experience Awaits You
A visit to Dubai is a fascinating experience on its own. But what makes it even more worth it are architectural wonders like the Dubai Frame. The city is home to the biggest manmade wonders of the world, and Dubai Frame is just another feather in the cap.
With views from the 48th-floor framing different versions of this vibrant city, the Dubai Frame is an experience you shouldn’t miss out on. Although cameras aren’t allowed in the galleries, take a mental picture of the experience to tell friends and family back home. If Dubai Frame isn’t on your list of places to visit while on vacation here, then you must add it now!
FAQ
Ans. Dubai Frame was inaugurated in January 2018. Since then, it has become a major attraction among locals and visitors alike, witnessing some of the biggest footfall all year round. The structure, considered to be the biggest picture frame in the world, is an architectural wonder that makes it a must-visit.
It’s fascinating how through art and architecture, the monument is a glorious perspective into the history of this rich and vibrant city. In addition to stunning views of the city, Dubai Frame also has an observation deck and museum. One visit to Dubai Frame can take you through its history in one of the most marvelous ways possible.
Ans. The purpose of the Dubai Frame is to give you panoramic views of old and new Dubai. It is a fascinating perspective of the city. The South provides uninterrupted views of modern Dubai, while the North frame shows you the older parts of the city.
Ans. The team at Dubai Frame prohibits the use of cameras in their galleries. However, feel free to use your phone to click pictures of the mesmerizing views that will welcome you here.
Ans. Although there is no dress code for visiting Dubai Frame, it is advised that you should wear respectful clothing. This abides by UAE rules for public dressing, and hence, it is observed at Dubai Frame as well. You should avoid wearing flip flops and short clothes like skirts, shorts and dresses. If you are wondering what would be considered respectful clothing, go for a smart-casual outfit. It’ll be comfortable throughout your visit, and you simply can’t go wrong.