Visiting Dubai is like stepping into a real-life colossal art gallery that showcases some of the finest architectural works of the modern world. There is no dearth of attractions and landmarks in Dubai that won’t get an awe-inspiring reaction from you. Each year, the emirate adds a dash of awesomeness to its city skyline and if you observe, the cityscape keeps changing in creative ways every year. Looking back at Dubai’s architectural marvels, the emirate grabbed attention with the unveiling of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – the only seven-star hotel in the world designed to resemble a billowing sail of a ship. From that point onwards, every architectural creation in Dubai was looked upon as a masterpiece in the making. With the creation of the Palm Islands and Burj Khalifa, Dubai cemented its role as a pioneer for contemporary design across the globe, propelling it to the forefront of cities of the future.
As years followed, many landmark attractions popped up on Dubai’s cityscape among which Dubai Frame, or ‘Berwaz Dubai’ as the locals call it, is another architectural marvel that Dubai proudly shows off to its visitors. If there is one place other than Burj Khalifa to enjoy unparalleled 360-d views of the stunning Dubai skyline, it is at Dubai Frame. Read on to know more interesting facts about Dubai Frame.
Let us begin with some essential facts that will come in handy for those keen on visiting this fantastic Dubai landmark.
• What is it?
Dubai Frame is exactly as the name suggests. It is a colossal metal and glass picture frame that showcases Dubai’s sceneries and visions.
•Why is it famous?
Dubai Frame is tagged as the biggest frame in the world and is located at Zabeel Park. This giant rectangular structure is designed keeping in mind the golden ratio of 1.618 which architects use as a guide to create a perfect structural balance. The attraction is an ideal photo op spot but it has more in store for its visitors. The landmark offers an ode to Dubai’s past of humble settlements, showcases the present galore of contemporary architecture after the discovery of oil in the region, and gives a glimpse of futuristic visions of the emirate. The top bridge that connects the two standing towers is also a deck level that offers mesmerizing 360-degree scenic vistas of Old Dubai to the north and has modern Dubai as its south view.
• When is it open?
Dubai Frame welcomed its first guests in January 2018. Presently, the attraction is open 365 days from 9 am till 9 pm. These timings may vary during public holidays and Ramadan month.
• How much does an entry fee cost?
At AED 50 per adult and AED 20 per child under 12 to 3 years of age, it is one of the cheapest ways to enjoy the aerial scenic panorama of Dubai compared to Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, or any other rooftop viewing experience. Children under the age of 3 and people of determination with 2 companions can visit free of cost. Due to its popularity among visitors and to offer a smooth visual experience, only 200 visitors are allowed per hour at this gorgeous attraction.
Dubai Frame in figures
Fascinating trivia and facts Dubai Frame visitors should know
*The concept of Dubai Frame is set on the thought of creating a connection between Dubai’s old-world charms and the current modern ambitions. It does exactly that with the sky deck forming a bridge among Dubai’s past and present panoramas. The location at Zabeel Park acts as the prime spot to frame all of Dubai’s essence – the old and the new beautifully creating a visual treat for its visitors.
*The mezzanine levels on both towers offer museums and galleries that showcase Dubai’s cultural and modern times. The journey starts at the mezzanine level of one tower of Dubai Frame which takes you through the past era of the emirate. The humble beginnings and simple lifestyle of this Arabian desert settlement is showcased with special effects creating visuals sounds and certain notes of smell that create the same ambience of a Bedouin era. Once you view the scenic view from sky level of Dubai as it looks presently, you zoom down to the ground level of the adjacent tower of Dubai Frame where a vortex tunnel creates an illusion of walking through a passage to the future. The audio and visual effects project how Dubai would look in the next decade or so.
*The entire top deck forms a bridge between the two standing towers of the structure as well as acts as a glass-paneled observatory deck. For those with fear of heights or vertigo issues, it is best to avoid this sky deck as the glass floor walkway may look opaque, but it turns transparent the moment you step on it. A unique way to add a hint of adventure to a panoramic viewing experience.
*This architectural wonder has had its share of controversy when the architect Fernando Donis created the design and idea of Dubai Frame. He won the international competition held for brainstorming ideas for the new face of Dubai but later claimed that even though he won, there was no credit given to him as promised. Dubai Frame is thus also tagged as the biggest stolen structure in the world.
*Dubai Frame is adorned in intricately designed gold-plated circular rings which resemble the Dubai Expo 2020 logo. These installations dazzle in sunlight giving a glistening look to the attraction during the day. In the evening, it is illuminated with vibrant neon lights that add yet another dramatic element to the stunning night view of the Dubai city skyline.
Conclusion
Venture out on a journey to Dubai’s past, present, and future at Dubai Frame. The glistening golden rectangular frame is one of the best attractions to visit if you want to experience Dubai in a nutshell. Designed to offer the perfect comprehensive view of Dubai, Dubai Frame deconstructs the emirate into 3 exhilarating visual experiences. It gets you acquainted with Dubai’s history which is totally contrasting to the present Dubai ambience. The view from the glass sky deck of Dubai Frame perfectly captures all the architectural marvels of Dubai’s famous cityscape. Look to the south and you get a glimpse of how different Dubai was as a fishing and pearl trading settlement of the Middle East decades ago. The opposite direction presents sweeping views of the avant-garde man-made wonders. It then swiftly gets you to witness what Dubai envisions to be in another decade giving you an enticing and complete visual experience of Dubai as a whole. For a Dubai visitor, Dubai Frame adds in a spectacular experience along with recreating ambiences and tales of Dubai’s inspirations and dreams.
