It's a no-brainer that Dubai is the city of massive feats. From the world's tallest building to the deepest swimming pool, the golden city holds several world records in its cap—even the most peculiar ones: the largest chandelier, the twistiest tower, and the most giant cup of tea. You think it, Dubai might have it.
Ever heard of the largest picture frame? Yes, Dubai's got that, too! Say hello to the Dubai Frame, a towering structure that links UAE's past and thriving present. It's more than just a breathtaking monument—it has galleries and exhibits inside that people can visit!
Interested in visiting the Dubai Frame? We're giving you a quick peek of what you should expect, from ticket prices to location and more!
1. The facts and figures
Before we explain what is inside the Dubai Frame, get to know its architectural facts and figures. The Dubai Frame stands 150 meters high and spans 95 meters. Over 9,900 cubic meters of reinforced concrete, 2,900 square meters of laminated glass, and 2,000 tons of steel were used to build the largest picture frame in the world!
Does its exterior look familiar? The ring design prominent on The Dubai Frame's cover is inspired by the Expo 2020 Dubai logo! More than 15,000 square meters of golden stainless steel were used for the design. Another golden feature of the Dubai Frame is that its measurements follow the golden ratio of 1.618!
2. Dubai Frame’s history
Before its unveiling in 2018, the Dubai Frame started as an idea of framing the existing city landmarks rather than adding another monument within the city. The design for the frame was a winning entry by Fernando Donis during the 2009 ThyssenKrupp Elevator International Award, where participants were tasked with creating "a new face for Dubai."
Its two towers are connected by a bridge tower at the top and a walk-in cross frame on the ground floor. This creates the illusion of a photo frame, where you can see old Dubai to the north and views of modern Dubai to the south. This stays true to the Dubai Frame's ultimate philosophy, which is to remind people to reflect on the present and future within the compass of the past.
3. Plan your visit
Excited to step foot into this monumental landmark? Dubai Frame can be visited all year round, even during public holidays! It is open from 9AM until 9PM. Take note, though, that operating hours may vary during these holidays and during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Dubai Frame's location is Zabeel Park Jogging Track - Za'abeel - Al Kifaf - Dubai - United Arab Emirates. You can access it via Gate 4, also known as the Stargate at Zabeel Park. If you're planning to take the Metro to the Dubai Frame's location, make sure to get off at the Al Jafiliya Metro Station on the Red Line and walk towards the park.
4. What can we expect inside?
One of Dubai Frame's crowning glory lies in the spectacular views from its bridge tower. To get there, hop aboard the Frame's swift and panoramic elevator, which takes you up 48 floors in just 75 seconds. The Bridge is illuminated by a glass walkway filled with interactive screens.
Inside the Dubai Frame are three galleries representing different periods of Dubai. First is the Old Dubai Gallery, which starts from the mezzanine. This multimedia and multi-sensory exhibit charts the city's origins as a fishing and pearl-diving village up to its transformation into a thriving metropolis.
After the past, you'll be directed to the Sky Deck level for Present Dubai, where you can soak in uninterrupted views of Dubai from all sides. Here, you can view the contrast of Old Dubai on the north and New Dubai on the south and use its augmented and interactive screens to identify different city landmarks.
Then, you'll get to see how Dubai would look 50 years from now at the Future Dubai Gallery, back on the mezzanine floor! Prepare for a multimedia experience as you pass through a swirling tunnel complete with special effects!
If you feel hungry after all the walking, you can grab a cup of joe at the coffee and snack stand on the Sky Deck, or grab something to bite on the food trucks at the base.
5. Where can we buy tickets to the Dubai Frame?
Dubai Frame tickets are priced at AED 50 for adults and AED 20 for children aged 3-12 years. The Dubai Frame can take only 200 visitors per hour, so tickets should be purchased prior to your trip.
For a fuss-free visit, better get your Dubai Frame tickets at Klook! You’ll receive instant confirmation on your booking and you can even add round-trip transfers to and from your Dubai hotel for more convenience!
If you also wish to see Dubai's iconic landmarks up close, book a half-day city tour along with your visit to Dubai Frame! Set off to visit Burj Al Arab Hotel, the Blue Mosque, the Palm Islands, and more key attractions while you're in the City of Gold. Don't miss out on the spices you can buy at a traditional souk before you end your day crossing the Dubai Creek in an Abra water taxi.