What to see at the Dubai Frame?
The Dubai Frame (also known as Golden Frame Dubai, Dubai Photo Frame, and "the largest photo frame on the planet”) is an observatory, museum, and monument located in Zabeel Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The frame-shaped structure stands at a height of 150.24 meters and a width of 95.53 meters, offering a panoramic view of Old Dubai to the north, and Modern Dubai to the south.
The Dubai Frame is a unique structure located in the Zabeel Park district of Dubai. It was designed by architect Fernando Donis and was inaugurated in January 2018. It consists of two 150-meter-high towers connected by a frame-shaped walkway. The frame offers a 360-degree view of the city of Dubai.
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The Dubai Frame holds the record for the largest frame in the world.
History of the Dubai Frame
Like many other architectural projects in the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai Frame is an absolutely oversized construction.
The Dubai Frame was visited by 17.73 million people in 2019.
By the numbers
The construction of the Dubai Frame required the use of 2,000 tons of steel and nearly 3,000 m² of laminated glass.
The Dubai Frame has been listed in the Guinness World Records since April 2019.
Its construction
This absolutely unique frame-shaped monument was created by architect Fernando Donis. This project received the ThyssenKrupp Elevator International Award in 2009 and was selected from a list of nearly 1,000 architectural projects to become one of Dubai's new landmarks. Its symbolic purpose is to establish a link between historical Dubai and modern Dubai, the one looking towards the future. The location of the structure was chosen so that on one side, it could frame all the city's most modern landmarks, and on the other, the elements of Dubai's historical heritage.
Across its entire facade, the 15,000 m² of walls are covered with gold-colored stainless steel. The decoration of these facades is largely inspired by the logo of the Dubai 2020 World Expo.
An architectural project imagined and designed by Fernando Donis (selected as the winner of a design competition by an international jury), the project was finally completed by Hyder Consulting, part of Arcadis NV.
Its inauguration
Visiting the Dubai Frame
Open to the public since January 2018, the Dubai Frame is a massive monument shaped like a golden photo frame.
From its summit, located 150 meters high, you can enjoy an absolutely unique view of the entire city, notably the Burj Khalifa and the historic districts.
At the heart of the building, you will learn more about the past and future of the golden city.
For me, the Dubai Frame is a truly unusual place as it offers a unique perspective on the city. When I was there, I felt like I was in a living, life-sized museum! If you have the chance to include it in your itinerary, I highly recommend taking a tour. You will have a memorable experience of this atypical place 🙂
Zabeel Park and the fountain show
Even before entering the monument, you can take a stroll in Zabeel Park, one of the largest and most pleasant green spaces in the city. It's an ideal spot for a picnic on the grass, and many activities can also be enjoyed here, such as boat rides or mini-golf.
At the foot of the Dubai Frame, you can also enjoy a fountain show. Following a perfectly orchestrated choreography, the water jets are projected to the rhythm of traditional songs and more contemporary music. If you enjoy the show, know that an even more impressive aquatic ballet awaits you in front of the Burj Khalifa tower.
The Dubai Past Gallery exhibition
The Dubai Frame is not just a magnificent monument to be admired from the outside, offering a panoramic view at its summit. The building also houses the Dubai Frame exhibition Past Gallery. This museum, located on the ground floor, traces the entire evolution of the city over the centuries, with numerous objects and reconstructed scenes. It's a true little village from the era that you can discover in this gallery.
Here too, modernity blends with tradition, and reconstructions, interactive videos, and holographic effects bring even more life to these scenes from the past. Sound effects and even scent diffusers also add more authenticity to the visit, truly recreating the atmosphere of Dubai from that time.
The Sky Deck
After discovering this first exhibition, the visit continues, and you will take a very modern elevator that will take you to the top of the monument in just 75 seconds. This elevator has a glass floor, and during your ascent, you can watch the landscape recede beneath your feet.
At the top, a platform over 100 meters long will allow you to view Dubai like nowhere else, with a 360-degree view. If you have already enjoyed the panorama offered by the Burj Khalifa tower, you will find that these two visits are truly complementary and allow you to admire all the beauties of the city.
From the top of the Dubai Frame, you can see to the north the old Dubai with the modest-sized buildings of historic districts like Deira, Bur Dubai, as well as the creek and the souks. Simply turning south and taking a few steps, you will feel like you are in a different world: you can admire the grandeur of the Dubai Skyline and all the modern infrastructures of the city.
As is already the case in the elevator, on the floor of the Sky Deck, you will notice the presence of a glass walkway located right in the center of the platform. You will need to muster your courage and walk on these glass tiles to enjoy a breathtaking view of everything 150 meters below.
Once you have fully enjoyed the view, it will be time to descend, but the visit will not be over yet. A final experience awaits you once you return to the ground floor. Upon entering the Dubai Frame, you discovered the city's past. From its summit, you admired the current contrast of Dubai, this city between tradition and modernism. It is therefore quite natural to end this visit with a glimpse of what Dubai will be like in the future.
A virtual experience will take you on a journey for a few minutes 50 years into the future, with the help of visual and sound special effects. In this large multimedia room, you can discover all the technological advances planned for the coming decades, particularly in robotics, renewable energy, and medicine!
Accessibility
The Dubai Frame is accessible to people with reduced mobility: an elevator allows visitors to reach the top of the structure, and the walkway is wheelchair accessible.
The building staff is also trained to assist them and is available if needed.
The restrooms at the Dubai Frame are also adapted for people with reduced mobility.
Tickets for the Dubai Frame
Get the best price by purchasing your tickets for the Dubai Frame from one of our partners:
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To enjoy the best rates and avoid queues, it is recommended to buy your tickets in advance, online. The ascent and access to both exhibitions are free for children under 3 years old.
Since Dubai is not particularly known for its nighttime illuminations, the view from the Dubai Frame is more beautiful during the day than at night.
Opening hours
The Dubai Frame is open all year round, every day, even on public holidays, from 9 AM to 9 PM.
The last entry is at 8:30 PM, 30 minutes before closing.
Hours may vary during Ramadan.
Getting to the Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is a must-see in the city. It is located in the Zabeel district, near Zabeel Park. It is easily accessible by car or public transport. Many bus lines pass through the area.
The site will be served by the Al Jafiliya metro station, via the Red Line, as well as a TaxiDrone1 station.
It's hard to miss this massive building. The Dubai Frame is situated between Downtown and old Dubai, right inside Zabeel Park, which is near gate 4. To get there using public transport, you can take the Al Jafiliya metro number 21 on the red line and then walk for a few minutes, or take the F9 bus to arrive directly at the correct park entrance.
Address: Gate 4, Zabeel Park, Dubai
Nearby
Make the most of your visit to the Dubai Frame by exploring:
- Zabeel Park: plenty of green spaces, beautiful gardens, and numerous activities for all ages - it's one of the best places to relax and enjoy the city views.
- The Dubai Museum: located in the old Dubai fortress, it's the perfect place to learn more about Dubai's history and culture.
- The Burj Khalifa: the tallest skyscraper in the world - located near the Dubai Mall, it offers breathtaking views of the city!
- The Dubai Mall: with its many shops, restaurants, and attractions, it's one of the most visited shopping centers in Dubai.
- The Dubai Miracle Garden: certainly the most iconic park in Dubai.
- Ski Dubai: the largest indoor ski resort in the world.
- The Burj Al Arab: the most famous hotel in Dubai.
- Jumeirah Beach: with its many activities and attractions - such as the Aquaventure Waterpark, the Wild Wadi Waterpark, or the Dubai Dolphinarium - it's one of the most popular beaches in Dubai.