Explore the Iconic Dubai Frame: A Marvel of Modern Architecture

Saturday, 1 February 2025

The Dubai Frame is a monumental observatory and museum in Zabeel Park, Dubai, holding the record as the world’s largest frame. Standing 150.24 meters tall and 95.53 meters wide, it offers panoramic views of both old and new Dubai. Designed by Fernando Donis and completed in 2018, the Frame can host 200 visitors per hour, with groups of 20 visiting its Mezzanine, Sky Deck, and Vortex levels featuring augmented reality experiences.

Table of Contents

• Overview of Dubai Frame
• Location, Timings and Tickets
• Five Fascinating Facts About the Dubai Frame
• What to Expect When You Visit the Dubai Frame
• Nearby Attractions
• Restaurants Near Dubai Frame
• Transportation to Dubai Frame
• Frequently asked questions

Overview of Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame, situated in Zabeel Park, Dubai, is a monumental structure that stands 150.24 meters tall and 95.53 meters wide, earning it the title of the world’s largest frame. Opened in January 2018, it offers visitors panoramic views of both old and new Dubai. The design was conceived by architect Fernando Donis, who won the 2009 ThyssenKrupp Elevator International Award from 926 proposals. However, Donis alleged that his intellectual property was stolen, and he was denied credit for the design. The final project was completed by Hyder Consulting, part of Arcadis NV. The Dubai Frame can accommodate 200 visitors per hour, with groups of 20 visiting each of its augmented reality stops: the Mezzanine level, the Sky Deck level, and the Vortex Level.

Location, Timings and Tickets

• Location: The Frame is located at Gate 4 a.k.a Stargate at Zabeel Park
• Opening Hours: The attraction is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Ticket Rate:
  • Ticket Prices: AED 50 for adults and AED 20 for children aged 3-12 years.
  • Free Entry: Children under 3 and people of determination with two companions can enter for free.
  • Additional Perk: The Dubai Frame ticket also provides free access to Zabeel Park.

Five Fascinating Facts About the Dubai Frame

1. High-Tech Sky Deck:

The 150m-high Sky Deck features a glass walkway with pressure-sensitive liquid crystal technology that turns opaque to transparent as you step on it.

2. Golden Rectangle Design:

The Dubai Frame follows the golden ratio (1:1.618), a shape that has captivated mathematicians for centuries.

3. Sky Deck Installation:

The Sky Deck was assembled on the ground and lifted into place as a single unit using hydraulic lifts.

4. Fireworks Viewing Spot:

The Dubai Frame offers one of the best spots in the city to watch fireworks, with views of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Creek.

5. More Than Views:

Located in Zabeel Park, visitors can explore the park’s green spaces, fountains, and nearby food trucks after enjoying the views.

What to Expect When You Visit the Dubai Frame

Visiting the Dubai Frame feels like stepping into a time machine. The attraction takes you through three distinct periods of the UAE – the past, the present, and the future. Let’s explore the three sections you can experience at the Dubai Frame.

• The Past – Old Dubai Gallery: Begin your journey on the mezzanine floor with a multimedia exhibition that immerses you in the history of Old Dubai, showcasing its transformation from a fishing village to a modern city.
• Present Dubai – Uninterrupted Views of Old and New Dubai: Take a 47-second express lift to the Sky Deck for 360-degree views of both Old and New Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa. Walk on the transparent glass floor and explore interactive screens.
• The Future Dubai Gallery: Return to the mezzanine floor and travel through a tunnel with special effects to experience what Dubai may look like 50 years from now, with vibrant colors and interactive projections. Finish your visit at the souvenir shop.

Nearby Attractions

Zabeel Park:

Close to the Dubai Frame, (around 8 minutes’ walk) Zabeel Park is one of Dubai’s largest parks, featuring lush green spaces, walking paths, and recreational areas. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.

Dubai Garden Glow

Located within Zabeel Park (around 7 minutes’ drive), Dubai Garden Glow is a unique theme park that combines art, technology, and entertainment. It features glowing installations, a dinosaur park, and a cultural village, making it a family-friendly destination.

Museum of the Future:

A short 11 minutes’ drive from the Dubai Frame, this future museum offers an immersive experience of future technologies and innovations. Its futuristic architecture and interactive exhibits make it a must-visit for tech enthusiasts.

Dubai Creek:

A historic waterway that has been central to Dubai’s development, Dubai Creek is a short distance from the Dubai Frame (approximately 11 minutes’ drive). Visitors can enjoy traditional abra rides, visit the Dubai Museum, or explore the Gold and Spice Souks nearby.

Dubai Mall:

One of the world’s largest shopping malls, Dubai Mall is approximately a 10-minute drive from the Dubai Frame. It offers a vast array of retail stores, dining options, and attractions like the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Restaurants Near Dubai Frame

• Barbeque Nation:
  • Description: Indian BBQ and buffet with live grills at your table, offering a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, along with desserts.
  • Location: Karama, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Timing: Typically open until 11:00 PM (check for exact timings)
  • Distance to Dubai Frame: Approximately 10-15 minutes
• Ravi Restaurant:
  • Description: A legendary spot in Karama, famous for its affordable and flavorful Pakistani/Indian cuisine, including curries, kebabs, and biryanis.
  • Location: Near Al Dhiyafa Road, Karama, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Timing: Open until 1:30 AM
  • Distance to Dubai Frame: Around 10 minutes
• Calicut Paragon:
  • Description: Specializes in authentic Kerala (South Indian) cuisine, offering dishes like seafood, appam, biryani, and traditional Malabar flavors.
  • Location: Karama, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Timing: Typically open until 11:30 PM
  • Distance to Dubai Frame: Approximately 10 minutes
• Automatic Restaurant:
  • Description: A popular Lebanese restaurant known for its shawarma, grilled meats, hummus, and mezze platters.
  • Location: Karama, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Timing: Open until 12:00 AM
  • Distance to Dubai Frame: Around 10 minutes
• Gazebo:
  • Description: Offers rich and flavorful Mughlai/Indian dishes like biryani, kebabs, and butter chicken in an elegant setting.
  • Location: Karama, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Timing: Typically open until 11:30 PM
  • Distance to Dubai Frame: Approximately 10 minutes

Transportation to Dubai Frame

• By Metro: Max Metro Station, around 2 minutes
• By Bus: Reach Dubai Frame from Max Metro Bus Stop Landside 2 in just 3 minutes for AED 3-5.
• By Taxi: Travel by taxi from Max Metro Station 2 to Dubai Frame in just 2 minutes for AED 8-11.