Dubai is a city that never ceases to amaze and inspire. From its towering skyscrapers and luxurious malls to its cultural heritage and natural wonders, there is something for everyone to enjoy and explore. But if you want to see the best of Dubai in one place, there is no better option than visiting the Dubai Frame, the world's largest picture frame.
The Dubai Frame is a stunning architectural marvel that stands 150 meters tall and 93 meters wide, located in Zabeel Park. It consists of two vertical towers connected by a glass bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the city's skyline, landmarks, and landscape. The Dubai Frame is not just a sight to behold, but also a journey to experience. It showcases the past, present, and future of Dubai, through interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and time travel simulations. The Dubai Frame is a must-see attraction for anyone who wants to discover the essence and evolution of Dubai, as well as enjoy a thrilling and memorable adventure.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about visiting the Dubai Frame, from its history and design to its features and benefits, as well as tips and tricks for booking tickets online. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group, you will find this guide useful and informative. So, let's get started!
History and Design of the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is not just a random structure, but a carefully planned and executed project that has a lot of history and meaning behind it. Here are some of the key aspects of the history and design of the Dubai Frame:
How the Dubai Frame was built
The Dubai Frame was built as part of the Dubai Municipality's vision to create an innovative and sustainable city that attracts tourists and residents alike. The project was launched in 2013 and completed in 2018, after five years of construction. The Dubai Frame costed around AED 160 million ($43.6 million) to build, and involved more than 2,000 workers and 200 engineers. The Dubai Frame is made of reinforced concrete, steel, aluminum, and glass, and weighs around 15,000 tons. The Dubai Frame is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 160 km/h and earthquakes of up to 5.9 on the Richter scale.
Who designed the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame was designed by the award-winning architect Fernando Donis, who also designed the Dubai Porsche Design Towers and the Dubai Renaissance Tower. Donis won an international competition in 2009, organized by the ThyssenKrupp Elevator Architecture Award, which invited architects from around the world to submit their proposals for a "tall emblem structure" that would promote "the new face of Dubai". Donis's proposal, titled "The Frame", was selected among 926 entries from 73 countries, for its simplicity, elegance, and originality.
What inspired the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame was inspired by the concept of framing, which is a common technique in photography and art. Donis wanted to create a structure that would frame the views of Dubai, and highlight the contrast between the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, the humble and the extravagant. The Dubai Frame is strategically positioned to offer two different perspectives of the city: one that showcases the historical and cultural side of Dubai, such as Deira, Umm Harare, and Karama, and one that showcases the futuristic and glamorous side of Dubai, such as Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers, and Burj Al Arab. The Dubai Frame is also inspired by the golden ratio, which is a mathematical proportion that is considered to be aesthetically pleasing and harmonious. The Dubai Frame follows the golden ratio in its dimensions, shape, and proportions, creating a balanced and beautiful structure.
What the Dubai Frame symbolizes
The Dubai Frame is not just a physical frame, but also a metaphorical one. It symbolizes the past, present, and future of Dubai, and how the city has transformed from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis. The Dubai Frame also symbolizes the culture and heritage of Dubai, and how the city has preserved and celebrated its roots and identity. The Dubai Frame also symbolizes the innovation and ambition of Dubai, and how the city has embraced and pioneered new technologies and developments. The Dubai Frame also symbolizes the unity and diversity of Dubai, and how the city has welcomed and integrated people from different backgrounds and cultures. The Dubai Frame is a tribute to the vision and achievements of Dubai, and a source of pride and inspiration for its people.
Features and Benefits of Visiting the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is not just a spectacle, but also an experience. It offers a variety of features and benefits that make it worth visiting. Here are some of the main features and benefits of visiting the Dubai Frame:
What the Dubai Frame offers
The Dubai Frame offers four main attractions and experiences that will take you on a journey through time and space. These are:
- The Glass Bridge: The glass bridge is the main attraction of the Dubai Frame, and the highlight of the visit. It is located at the top of the structure, 150 meters above the ground, and spans 25 meters in length and 15 meters in width. The glass bridge has a transparent floor, which gives you the feeling of walking on air, and a panoramic view, which gives you a 360-degree view of the city. The glass bridge is a thrilling and exhilarating experience that will make your heart race and your eyes widen.
- The Museum of the Future: The museum of the future is located at the ground floor of the structure, and showcases the past and present of Dubai. It features a series of galleries that display the history, culture, and development of the city, using artifacts, models, and interactive displays. The museum of the future also features a 3D projection that depicts the evolution of Dubai from the 7th century to the present day, using holograms, special effects, and sounds. The museum of the future is an educational and entertaining experience that will make you appreciate and admire the city.
- The Time Tunnel: The time tunnel is located between the ground floor and the top floor of the structure, and transports you from the past to the future of Dubai. It features a motion simulator that mimics the movement of a time machine, and a multimedia show that portrays the vision and aspirations of the city, using images, videos, and sounds. The time tunnel is an immersive and futuristic experience that will make you feel and imagine the city.
- The Panoramic Views: The panoramic views are the bonus attraction of the Dubai Frame, and the reward of the visit. They are the views that you get from the glass bridge, as well as from the observation decks on both sides of the structure. The panoramic views offer you a stunning and spectacular sight of the city, from different angles and perspectives. You can see the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, the humble and the extravagant, all in one frame. The panoramic views are a breathtaking and mesmerizing experience that will make you capture and remember the city.
Why the Dubai Frame is worth visiting
The Dubai Frame is worth visiting for many reasons, such as:
- It is a unique and iconic attraction that is unlike any other in the world.
- It is a thrilling and exhilarating attraction that will challenge your senses and test your nerves.
- It is an educational and entertaining attraction that will enrich your knowledge and broaden your horizons.
- It is an inspirational and motivational attraction that will spark your curiosity and ignite your dreams.
- It is a convenient and affordable attraction that is easy to access and reasonable to pay.
What makes the Dubai Frame stand out
The Dubai Frame stands out for many reasons, such as:
- It is the world's largest picture frame, and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest building in the shape of a frame.
- It is the world's highest glass bridge, and offers the highest and widest views of the city.
- It is the world's first time-travel attraction, and offers the most immersive and futuristic experience of the city.
- It is the world's most symbolic attraction, and offers the most meaningful and profound message of the city.
Prices and Opening Hours of the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is a popular and busy attraction that attracts millions of visitors every year. Therefore, it is important to know the prices and opening hours of the Dubai Frame, as well as how to get there. Here are some of the essential information about the prices and opening hours of the Dubai Frame:
How much the Dubai Frame costs
The Dubai Frame costs AED 50 ($13.6) for adults, AED 20 ($5.4) for children (3-12 years old), and free for children under 3 years old and people of determination. The tickets include access to all the attractions and experiences of the Dubai Frame, as well as a souvenir photo. The tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket counter at the entrance of the Dubai Frame. However, it is recommended to book online in advance, as the tickets are limited and subject to availability.
How to get to the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is located in Zabeel Park, which is a central and accessible location in Dubai. There are different ways to get to the Dubai Frame, such as:
- By car: The Dubai Frame has a dedicated parking area that can accommodate up to 200 vehicles. The parking fee is AED 10 ($2.7) per hour. The Dubai Frame is also close to other parking areas in Zabeel Park, which charge AED 5 ($1.4) per hour. The Dubai Frame is about 15 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport, and about 20 minutes drive from Dubai Marina.
- By bus: The Dubai Frame is served by several bus routes that stop near Zabeel Park, such as 21, 29, 53, 61, 66, 67, and 68. The bus fare is AED 3 ($0.8) per ride. The Dubai Frame is about 30 minutes bus ride from Dubai International Airport, and about 40 minutes bus ride from Dubai Marina.
- By metro: The Dubai Frame is within walking distance from two metro stations, Al Jafiliya and Al Karama, which are both on the red line. The metro fare is AED 4 ($1.1) per ride. The Dubai Frame is about 10 minutes walk from Al Jafiliya station, and about 15 minutes walk from Al Karama station. The Dubai Frame is about 20 minutes metro ride from Dubai International Airport, and about 25 minutes metro ride from Dubai Marina.
- By taxi: The Dubai Frame is easy to reach by taxi, as it is a well-known and popular attraction in Dubai. The taxi fare depends on the distance and traffic, but it is usually around AED 30 ($8.2) to AED 50 ($13.6) from most parts of the city. The Dubai Frame is about 10 minutes taxi ride from Dubai International Airport, and about 15 minutes taxi ride from Dubai Marina.
Tips and Tricks for Visiting the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is a fun and fascinating attraction that will make your visit to Dubai unforgettable. However, there are some tips and tricks that will make your visit to the Dubai Frame even more enjoyable, convenient, and rewarding. Here are some of the best tips and tricks for visiting the Dubai Frame:
How to make the Dubai Frame more enjoyable
The Dubai Frame is an attraction that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, but there are some times that are more preferable than others. Here are some of the best times to visit the Dubai Frame:
- Early morning: The early morning is a great time to visit the Dubai Frame, as it is less crowded and more peaceful. You can enjoy the sunrise and the fresh air, and take amazing photos of the city without any glare or haze. The early morning is also a good time to avoid the heat and humidity, especially in the summer months.
- Late afternoon: The late afternoon is another great time to visit the Dubai Frame, as it is more lively and colorful. You can enjoy the sunset and the changing colors of the sky, and take stunning photos of the city with the golden light. The late afternoon is also a good time to witness the transition from day to night, and see the city light up with dazzling illumination.
- Night: The night is a magical time to visit the Dubai Frame, as it is more romantic and enchanting. You can enjoy the stars and the moon, and take spectacular photos of the city with the sparkling lights. The night is also a good time to experience the contrast between the old and the new, and see the city from a different perspective.
The Dubai Frame is also an attraction that can be enjoyed from different spots, angles, and poses. Here are some of the best spots, angles, and poses to take photos or videos at the Dubai Frame:
- The center of the glass bridge: The center of the glass bridge is the most popular and iconic spot to take photos or videos at the Dubai Frame, as it offers the best view of the city and the structure. You can stand, sit, or lie down on the glass floor, and capture the city below and above you. You can also pose with your arms or legs spread, or with your hands or feet touching the edges of the frame, to create a dynamic and dramatic effect.
- The corners of the glass bridge: The corners of the glass bridge are another great spot to take photos or videos at the Dubai Frame, as they offer a different angle and perspective of the city and the structure. You can lean, bend, or twist on the glass wall, and capture the city on your side and behind you. You can also pose with your head or body tilted, or with your face or back against the frame, to create a fun and quirky effect.
- The observation decks: The observation decks are a good spot to take photos or videos at the Dubai Frame, as they offer a wider and clearer view of the city and the structure. You can stand, sit, or lean on the railing, and capture the city in front and below you. You can also pose with your arms or legs crossed, or with your hands or feet on the frame, to create a relaxed and casual effect.
How to avoid queues or crowds at the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is an attraction that is popular and busy, especially during the weekends, holidays, and special events. Therefore, it is important to know how to avoid queues or crowds at the Dubai Frame, and enjoy the attraction more peacefully and privately. Here are some of the best ways to avoid queues or crowds at the Dubai Frame:
- Book online: Booking online is the best way to avoid queues or crowds at the Dubai Frame, as it will give you access to fast track, priority access, or skip the line options that are not available at the ticket counter. Booking online will also allow you to choose your preferred time slot and date, and secure your spot in advance.
- Visit early or late: Visiting early or late is another way to avoid queues or crowds at the Dubai Frame, as it will help you beat the rush and enjoy the attraction more calmly and quietly. Visiting early or late will also give you the opportunity to witness the sunrise or the sunset, and see the city in a different light. The best times to visit the Dubai Frame are between 9:00 am and 10:00 am, or between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm, depending on the season and the weather.
- Visit off-peak: Visiting off-peak is another way to avoid queues or crowds at the Dubai Frame, as it will help you skip the peak hours or seasons, and enjoy the attraction more comfortably and conveniently. Visiting off-peak will also give you the chance to experience the attraction more intimately and exclusively. The best days to visit the Dubai Frame are between Sunday and Thursday, and the best months to visit the Dubai Frame are between October and April, depending on the events and the holidays.
How to access hidden areas or attractions at the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is an attraction that has a lot of hidden areas or attractions that are not easily accessible or visible to the public. However, there are some ways to access hidden areas or attractions at the Dubai Frame, and enjoy the attraction more fully and deeply. Here are some of the best ways to access hidden areas or attractions at the Dubai Frame:
- Book a VIP package: Booking a VIP package is the best way to access hidden areas or attractions at the Dubai Frame, as it will give you access to exclusive and premium features and benefits that are not available to the regular visitors. Booking a VIP package will also give you a personalized and professional service that will make your visit more special and memorable. You can book a VIP package online or at the ticket counter, or contact the Dubai Frame for more information or booking. Some of the hidden areas or attractions that you can access with a VIP package are:
- The rooftop garden: The rooftop garden is a hidden area that is located at the top of the structure, and offers a serene and scenic view of the city and the park. The rooftop garden is a perfect place to relax and unwind, and enjoy the fresh air and the greenery. The rooftop garden is also a great place to host private events or parties, such as weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries.
- The VIP lounge: The VIP lounge is a hidden area that is located at the ground floor of the structure, and offers a luxurious and comfortable space to rest and refresh. The VIP lounge is equipped with amenities and facilities, such as sofas, tables, chairs, TVs, Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and bathrooms. The VIP lounge is also a great place to meet and greet with the staff or the guests, or to get some work done.
- The backstage tour: The backstage tour is a hidden attraction that is offered as part of the VIP package, and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the Dubai Frame. The backstage tour is led by a guide, who will take you to the different areas and rooms of the structure, such as the control room, the maintenance room, the storage room, and the staff room. The backstage tour is also a great opportunity to learn more about the technical and operational aspects of the Dubai Frame, and to ask questions or share feedback.
- Join a special exhibition: Joining a special exhibition is another way to access hidden areas or attractions at the Dubai Frame, as it will give you access to temporary and seasonal features and benefits that are not available to the regular visitors. Joining a special exhibition will also give you a chance to see and experience something new and different at the Dubai Frame, and to expand your horizons and knowledge. You can join a special exhibition online or at the ticket counter, or check the events calendar of the Dubai Frame for more information or booking. Some of the special exhibitions that you can join at the Dubai Frame are:
- The art exhibition: The art exhibition is a special exhibition that is held occasionally at the Dubai Frame, and showcases the works of local and international artists, who use the Dubai Frame as their canvas or inspiration. The art exhibition is a wonderful way to appreciate and support the art and culture of Dubai, and to discover new and emerging talents and trends. The art exhibition is also a fun and interactive way to express your creativity and imagination, and to participate in workshops or contests.
- The light show: The light show is a special exhibition that is held regularly at the Dubai Frame, and displays the beauty and brilliance of the Dubai Frame, using lights, colors, and music. The light show is a spectacular way to admire and celebrate the Dubai Frame, and to see it in a different and dazzling way. The light show is also a festive and joyful way to enjoy the Dubai Frame, and to join the crowd or the party.
Conclusion
The Dubai Frame is an amazing attraction that you should not miss when you visit Dubai. It is a unique and iconic structure that offers panoramic views of the city's past, present, and future. It is a thrilling and exhilarating experience that will challenge your senses and test your nerves. It is an educational and entertaining experience that will enrich your knowledge and broaden your horizons. It is an inspirational and motivational experience that will spark your curiosity and ignite your dreams.
