This impressive feat of engineering opened to the public in January 2018, adding another point of interest to Dubai’s already awe-inspiring skyline.
The Dubai Frame is the world’s largest picture frame and one of the city’s most popular attractions. It consists of two 150-metre towers connected at the top by a 93-metre bridge; the Sky Deck. The exterior is clad with stainless steel sheets. The sheets are coated with titanium nitride, giving a golden appearance to the exterior.
The structure connects Dubai’s past and present. Looking north through the frame are the older districts of Dubai. Looking south are the modern buildings on Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai.
The Dubai Frame is located within Zabeel Park. At the base of the frame, there’s a pleasant landscaped area with fountains.
Inside the Dubai Frame
On entering the Dubai Frame, visitors pass through security. The first exhibit reached is the Old Dubai Gallery on the mezzanine level. Multimedia exhibits tell the story of the evolution of the city from its modest beginnings as a fishing village to the modern city of the present era. Also on the mezzanine level is a fantastic piece of modern art depicting the wings of a falcon; the national bird of the UAE.
Visitors then travel in a glass elevator to the Sky Deck. The ascent to this observation deck takes just over a minute and gives a taste of the views from the top.
The Present Dubai Gallery on the Sky Deck offers fantastic panoramic views of the city. The northern-facing windows give impressive views of Karama, Bur Dubai, and the Dubai Creek. The vista through the southern windows includes landmarks of modern Dubai, such as the Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Trade Centre, Emirates Towers, and Zabeel Park. Visitors are free to take photos. Augmented reality screens provide information about points of interest.
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The floor of the Sky Deck is partially glazed. The glazing is smart glass that turns from frosted to clear when stepped on. The brave can look beneath them for a view of the park and fountains far below.
Visitors then take the lift back down to the base. The final attraction is the Future Dubai Gallery. Multimedia exhibits depict how the city is envisaged 50 years from now.
Tickets and Prices
Tickets for the Dubai Frame cost 50 AED (£10.36, €12.29, $13.61). The price for children aged between 3 and 12 years is 20 AED (£4.14, €4.92, $5.45). Entrance for infants (aged 2 and under is free).
Entry tickets for the disabled (plus 2 companions) are also free. It is necessary to present a People of Determination Card (card issued by the UAE Ministry of Community Development).
The ticket price is considerably cheaper than Dubai’s other high-rise tourist attraction; the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world).
Tickets can be purchased on the day at the entrance. There’s no need to buy tickets in advance.
The Dubai Frame is busiest around midday. However, the queue moves fairly quickly and waiting times aren’t too long. In the afternoon, wait times are shorter.
To skip queues and secure a time, tickets can also be purchased online at the official website (see the information box at the end of the page). The booking tool on the website shows how many tickets remain for each time slot.
Timings/Opening Hours
Timings for the Dubai Frame are 9 am to 9 pm daily. It’s open every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays. Visit during the daytime for a clear view of the city. A trip at sunset offers a different perspective.
Timings may vary during Ramadan and public holidays.
Location and Closest Metro Station
The Dubai Frame is situated in Zabeel Park in Zabeel (between Karama/Bur Dubai and Trade Centre). Visitors should use Gate 4, on the eastern side of the park.
The closest Metro station to the Dubai Frame is Max (Red Line). It’s around 1/2 mile from the station to Gate 4. It’s a pleasant walk. Just leave the station and follow the path around Zabeel Park.
If you don’t want to walk, you can get a bus from Max Metro Station. Feeder bus F09 goes to Gate 4.
Facilities
Facilities include toilets, an information desk, baggage storage, and car parking. A souvenir shop sells miniatures of the Dubai Frame, mugs, keychains, and clothing. There’s a coffee stand/snack bar on the Sky Deck.
Zabeel Park
People purchasing tickets for the Dubai Frame get free access to Zabeel Park. The Dubai Frame and Zabeel Park are owned and managed by Dubai Municipality.
