Standing tall and shimmering like a gilded portal in the heart of Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame is one of the city’s most captivating architectural marvels — a bridge between Dubai’s glorious past, thriving present, and ambitious future.
More than just a viewing structure, the Dubai Frame is a symbolic time capsule that perfectly captures the city’s journey from humble beginnings to futuristic brilliance — a golden gateway linking old and new Dubai.
A Vision in Gold
Inaugurated in January 2018, the Dubai Frame was developed by the Dubai Municipality and designed by award-winning architect Fernando Donis, who also contributed to iconic projects like Dubai’s Porsche Design Towers and the Dubai Renaissance Tower.
The structure stands at an impressive 150 meters tall and 93 meters wide, designed to resemble a giant picture frame — literally framing the city’s skyline.
From one side, visitors see the historic districts of Deira, Umm Hurair, and Karama — symbols of “Old Dubai.” From the other, they witness the towering skyscrapers of Sheikh Zayed Road, representing “New Dubai.”
It’s not just architecture — it’s art, storytelling, and innovation fused into one golden frame.
Architecture and Design Brilliance
The Dubai Frame’s sleek geometric design draws inspiration from the logo of Expo 2020 Dubai, showcasing the city’s emphasis on connectivity and vision.
Its façade gleams with gold-colored stainless steel cladding, embossed with circular motifs inspired by the Expo’s ring of connectivity, and changes hues with the desert light throughout the day.
Key Specifications:
- Height: 150 meters
- Width: 93 meters
- Construction Material: Reinforced concrete, steel, aluminum, and glass
- Lift Speed: 75 seconds to reach the top
- Sky Deck: A 93-meter-long glass walkway offering 360° panoramic views
A Walk Through Time
The Dubai Frame is designed as a journey through three dimensions of Dubai’s evolution — Past, Present, and Future — each carefully curated within the structure’s three main sections:
1. Old Dubai Gallery
Located on the ground floor, this immersive exhibition uses multimedia, archival images, scents, and sounds to take visitors back to the fishing villages, souks, and deserts that shaped early Dubai.
You’ll experience how the city once looked — from pearl diving and camel caravans to traditional Emirati houses and heritage markets.
2. Present Dubai (Sky Deck Level)
Once the glass elevators ascend 48 floors, visitors step into the panoramic Sky Deck, which literally offers two contrasting views —
- To the north, Old Dubai with its bustling souks, the Creek, and Al Fahidi District.
- To the south, New Dubai, dominated by futuristic towers and highways.
The transparent glass bridge floor gives visitors a thrilling sensation of walking in the air — 150 meters above the ground — with the city sprawling below their feet.
3. Future Dubai Gallery
As the descent begins, visitors enter a futuristic tunnel filled with immersive LED projections, AR/VR experiences, and digital effects that visualize Dubai’s aspirations for the next 50 years — from flying taxis to smart cities and sustainable ecosystems.
It’s an inspiring glimpse into the Dubai of tomorrow — bright, bold, and limitless.
A Photographer’s Dream
The Dubai Frame is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city, particularly at sunset when the golden exterior glows against the deepening sky.
From the top, photographers can capture breathtaking panoramic shots — the old quarters to the north, Downtown Dubai to the south, and the desert meeting the sea on the horizon.
The view at night, when the frame lights up in radiant patterns of gold, blue, and red, makes it a true architectural jewel of Dubai’s skyline.
Symbolism and Significance
Beyond its beauty, the Dubai Frame represents Dubai’s journey through time —
- The Past: Where the city’s soul and culture were forged.
- The Present: A living symbol of its growth and innovation.
- The Future: The city’s endless quest to push boundaries and redefine progress.
It stands as a metaphor of reflection — looking back with pride and forward with ambition — a concept that resonates deeply with Dubai’s identity.
Visitor Experience
Timings: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (open year-round)
Tickets: AED 50 (Adults), AED 20 (Children aged 3–12), Free for seniors and people of determination
Duration: 1.5–2 hours recommended
The venue also features a souvenir shop, cafés, and interactive exhibits, making it an ideal stop for tourists and residents alike.
Location
Zabeel Park, Gate 4, Dubai, UAE
📍 Location – Click Here
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