Sunday, 27 July, 2025


Dubai Frame: A Spectacular Portal Between the Past, Present, and Future
ar
June, 2025
Dubai Frame

Standing tall at 150 meters with a width of 93 meters, the Dubai Frame is one of the city’s most striking architectural icons. Nestled in Zabeel Park, this massive golden structure was completed in 2015 and opened to the public in January 2018. Costing around AED 160 million (approximately USD 44 million), the Dubai Frame was built to symbolize the contrast and connection between the old and new Dubai.

The concept behind the frame is brilliant in its simplicity. Designed as a gigantic picture frame, the structure offers an uninterrupted visual split: on one side, the ultramodern skyline along Sheikh Zayed Road, and on the other, the historical neighborhoods of Deira, Umm Hurair, and Karama. This juxtaposition captures the essence of Dubai’s journey—from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis.

Located near the popular Stargate attraction within Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame is more than just an observation point—it’s a powerful architectural statement. Its construction involved 9,900 cubic meters of reinforced concrete, nearly 2,000 tons of steel, and 2,900 square meters of glass. The entire exterior is sheathed in a golden stainless steel cladding, covering 15,000 square meters and inspired by the golden ratio (1.618), which is revered for its aesthetic perfection in art and architecture. Each tower of the frame has 48 floors, with ultra-fast elevators that whisk visitors to the top in just 75 seconds.

A Journey Through Time

Old Dubai Experience

The experience begins at the mezzanine level with the “Old Dubai Gallery.” Here, visitors are immersed in the city’s heritage through interactive digital exhibitions, complete with sound, visual, and sensory effects that bring Dubai’s past to life.

Present-Day Dubai

After the historical introduction, guests ascend to the top of the frame where a sky bridge connects the two towers. Part of the floor is made of transparent, shatterproof glass, offering visitors a thrilling and unobstructed view of both modern and historic Dubai in every direction.

Dubai of the Future

The final stop on this time-travel experience is the “Future Dubai Gallery,” located on the mezzanine level of the opposite tower. Visitors enter through a futuristic, vortex-like tunnel that simulates a journey forward in time. Using cutting-edge light and sound effects, this gallery presents a visionary look at what Dubai might become—complete with flying taxis, moving buildings, and smart urban living.

The Dubai Frame is far more than an architectural feat—it’s a symbolic journey through time. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, the Frame offers a unique lens through which to view and appreciate the extraordinary transformation of Dubai. From its golden past to its glittering present and ambitious future, this landmark captures the spirit of a city like no other.