If you travel to Dubai looking for surprising places full of fantasy, the Dubai Frame will be one of the places you’ll like the most. Standing 150 metres tall with its shape like a photo frame, it’s one of the architectural landmarks of Dubai that won’t go unnoticed. Its location, surrounded by the green areas of Zabeel Park and on the outskirts of the city’s Downtown area also make it stand out and make it a viewpoint with one of the widest panoramic views of the metropolis.
The experience in this huge Dubai “frame” is complemented by a ride up a glass lift that allows you to see the surroundings and feel the tingling sensation of the ascent. Once at the top, a view with the skyscrapers pointing skyward on one side and the old city on the other is a contrasting image that you’ll struggle to see from anywhere else.
Trips that focus on Dubai’s architectural landmarks should always include a visit to the Dubai Frame, as well as the Burj Khalifa, or the Burj Al Arab. The skyline changes every year, however, and there’s always something new to discover. Trips to Dubai for leisure and shopping and experiencing nature and architecture are always a success.
- Dubai Frame, una fantasía de construcción
- Mirador del Dubai Frame
- Qué ver en su interior
- Dónde alojarse en Dubái
Dubai Frame, a fantasy structure
The eye-catching Dubai Frame is fairly new, having been opened to the public in January 2018, adding a touch of fantasy to Dubai’s already imaginative skyline. The numbers behind this architectural landmark are astounding, as for starters it’s 150 metres tall and some 93 metres wide. For its construction, 9,900 m3 of reinforced concrete, 2,000 tonnes of steel, and 2,900 m2 of laminated glass were used. And the first thing that will catch your eye is the 15,000 m2 of gold-coloured stainless steel that surrounds this gigantic photo frame. The design and colour are inspired by the logo chosen for Expo 2020 in Dubai.
Even its rectangular design has a reason behind it, as it was inspired by the golden ratio, which many architects and painters consider the ideal measurements for a work of art.
Dubai Frame observation deck
Most visitors come to the Dubai Frame for its spectacular 360-degree observation deck with areas with glass floors. It’s not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo. To get up to the Sky platform, you have to use a lift that is capable of climbing 48 floors in just 75 seconds. Once at the top, take your time to walk around the perimeter and observe the views of the urban area, the old town, and the desert from different perspectives. A visit to the exhibitions on the ground floor is highly recommended.
The Frame monument is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you’re wondering what time you’ll get the best view from the top, the colour of the skyscrapers is very bright at midday, but at sunset it’s even more magical because it’s enveloped in a golden light. So…it’s a matter of taste. Tickets to the Dubai Frame start at 50 AED (around 12 euros). Combined tickets with other iconic buildings are available, so you can save some money.
What to see inside
A visit to the Dubai Frame building can be regarded as not just another landmark with an observation deck, of which there are many, but an educational journey into the past, present, and future of the United Arab Emirates. On the ground floor of the building is an exhibition that tells you about Dubai’s past, with multimedia technology, 3D projections, and special effects. Here, you can learn about the country’s traditions and heritage, and how it has transformed from a fishing village to a luxury urban destination.
For the second part of this educational journey, take the lift up to the top platform to see the city’s present. The view from its large windows is a modern skyline with the tower of the Burj Khalifa pointed skyward. Once you’ve enjoyed the views, it’s time to go down again to go through a tunnel with special effects that seeks to place you in the Dubai of the future, a future fifty years from now. A very interesting experience indeed.
Where to stay in Dubai
Choosing a good hotel in Dubai is a must for a perfect experience in the emirate. You’ll find everything from luxury flats to five-star hotels on fantastic man-made islands. Among our favourites for friends or family is the Barceló Residences Dubai Marina, a tower with 253 elegant residences located in the Dubai Marina district. It has swimming pools, a gym, etc. and the district has a beach, shopping area, and restaurants. The four-star Occidental Al Jaddaf, located near Dubai Creek, is perfect for all types of travel. It has 365 rooms and suites, plus good restaurants, a heated pool, gym, sauna, and a Turkish bath.
If you want to treat yourself, don’t hesitate to choose Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, a five-star hotel with 279 rooms and suites, plus 285 apartments. It’s located in Palm Jumeirah and has a private beach and infinity pool, as well as the Khyber restaurant, which specialises in Indian cuisine.
Two other options are worth mentioning: the Occidental Dubai Production City, a four-star hotel near Dubai Expo with 239 rooms, two restaurants, a bar, two heated pools, and a sky lounge with a pool. And the Occidental Sharjah Grand, located in Sharjah, a city close and well connected to Dubai.
