You’ve seen photos. Maybe even scrolled past them on your feed. A giant golden picture frame standing in the middle of the city, with one side showing old Dubai and the other, the glittering modern skyline. It looks like a trick of the light. Like Photoshop. But it’s real. And it’s bigger than you think.
What Exactly Is the Dubai Frame?
The Dubai Frame is a 150-meter-tall vertical structure shaped like a giant picture frame, located in Zabeel Park, Dubai. It was opened in 2018 and designed by Fernando Donis, a Mexican architect, to symbolize the connection between Dubai’s past and its future. Think of it as a living photo album-except instead of paper, it’s made of steel, glass, and concrete, and it’s tall enough to hold the entire city in its frame.
At first glance, it looks simple. Just a frame. But here’s the twist: it doesn’t just show you views. It makes you feel like you’re standing between two worlds. One side looks over the historic neighborhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai-narrow alleyways, old mosques, and traditional wind towers. The other side opens up to the futuristic skyline of Downtown Dubai-with Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain stretching out like a sci-fi movie set.
Why Does It Feel Like It’s Defying Gravity?
It’s not magic. It’s engineering.
The Dubai Frame is suspended between two 150-meter towers. Between them, a 93-meter-long glass-bottomed bridge connects the two sides. That’s longer than a football field-and you’re walking on transparent glass, 150 meters above the ground. No visible supports. No cables. Just pure structural confidence.
Engineers had to solve a huge problem: how do you build a bridge that long without sinking in the middle? The answer? A steel truss system hidden inside the frame’s structure, designed to handle wind loads, temperature changes, and the weight of thousands of visitors daily. The entire structure is anchored into bedrock 40 meters below ground. It doesn’t just stand tall-it stands firm, even when Dubai’s desert winds hit 70 km/h.
And then there’s the glass floor. You know the one. The one where you look down and see people the size of ants. Your knees go weak. Your heart races. You swear the ground is moving. But it’s not. It’s just the scale. You’re standing on a slab of reinforced laminated glass, 20 centimeters thick, engineered to support over 500 kilograms per square meter. It’s safe. But it doesn’t feel like it. And that’s the point.
What You See From the Top
On the eastern side of the frame, you’re looking at the old city. The dusty lanes of Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. The wind towers of Bur Dubai, built centuries ago to catch the breeze. The Dubai Creek, still alive with abras-wooden boats ferrying people across the water like they have for 150 years.
On the western side? Pure 21st-century spectacle. Burj Khalifa pierces the sky like a needle. The Dubai Opera glows like a jewel. The Palm Jumeirah stretches into the sea like a giant palm leaf. The view stretches over 30 kilometers in every direction.
There’s no telescope needed. The frame’s design makes sure everything fits perfectly in the viewfinder. You don’t need to adjust your phone’s zoom. The city is already framed for you.
Inside the frame, there’s a museum. Not your average museum. It’s an immersive experience-projection-mapped walls, holograms of Dubai’s transformation, soundscapes of the old souks, and interactive timelines that show how the city grew from a fishing village to a global hub. You walk through 1971, when Dubai had 25,000 people. Then 2000, when the first skyscraper rose. Then 2025, when it’s home to over 3 million. You don’t just read history-you live it.
Is It Worth the Hype?
Yes. But not for the reasons you think.
If you’re expecting a thrill ride, you’ll be disappointed. There are no roller coasters. No VR headsets. No screaming rides. But if you want to understand Dubai-not just see it, but feel how it changed-you’ll leave with something rare: perspective.
Most tourists see Dubai as a city of luxury. Skyscrapers. Yachts. Gold shops. The Dubai Frame flips that. It shows you the roots. The grit. The ambition. It’s not just about how tall the buildings are. It’s about how far the city has come.
And here’s something most guidebooks don’t tell you: the best time to go is sunset. Not because it’s pretty (though it is). But because the light changes how you see the two sides. The old city glows amber. The new city sparkles blue. The frame becomes a divider-and a bridge-at the same time.
How to Visit the Dubai Frame
You don’t need a tour guide. You don’t need to book months ahead. But you should plan.
- Location: Zabeel Park, near the Dubai World Trade Centre. Easy to reach by metro-take the Red Line to Al Jafiliya Station, then a 10-minute walk.
- Tickets: AED 50 for adults, AED 20 for children. Online booking is faster. You can buy them on the official Dubai Frame website or through Klook and GetYourGuide.
- Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Last entry at 8 p.m.
- Best time: Weekday mornings or late afternoon. Weekends get crowded. If you want quiet, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes. The walk inside is long. A light jacket. It gets windy up top. And your phone-obviously. But also a power bank. You’ll be taking a lot of photos.
Dubai Frame vs. Burj Khalifa: Which View Is Better?
People always ask: Should I do the Dubai Frame or the Burj Khalifa?
They’re not rivals. They’re partners.
Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Dubai Frame | Burj Khalifa |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 150 meters | 828 meters |
| View Type | Side-by-side: Old Dubai & New Dubai | Overhead: Cityscape from above |
| Experience | Historical narrative + panoramic views | Thrill + extreme height |
| Price (Adult) | AED 50 | AED 149-379 |
| Best For | Understanding Dubai’s story | Feeling like you’re on top of the world |
| Time Needed | 1-1.5 hours | 1.5-2 hours |
If you only have one day in Dubai and want to understand why the city exists, go to the Dubai Frame. If you want to feel like you’re floating in the clouds, go to Burj Khalifa. Do both? Even better.
What People Say About the Dubai Frame
Travel bloggers call it “the most underrated attraction in Dubai.” Locals say it’s where they bring out-of-town relatives to show them what the city really is.
One visitor wrote: “I thought it was just a photo spot. I stayed for an hour. Left with tears in my eyes. I didn’t realize how much my ancestors had to go through to get here.”
Another: “I stood on the glass bridge and didn’t move for 10 minutes. I was just… thinking. About time. About change. About how small we are-and how big dreams can be.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dubai Frame open every day?
Yes, the Dubai Frame is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The last entry is at 8 p.m. It’s closed only on rare occasions for private events or maintenance, which are announced on their official website.
Can I take photos on the glass bridge?
Absolutely. In fact, the glass bridge is one of the most photographed spots in Dubai. The reflections and the views make for stunning images. Just be careful not to block other visitors. The bridge can get busy, especially during sunset.
Is the Dubai Frame suitable for children?
Yes, but with caution. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The glass floor can be intimidating for younger kids, so hold their hand. The museum exhibits are family-friendly and include interactive displays that kids enjoy. There’s also a small gift shop with souvenirs.
Are there restrooms and food options inside?
Yes. There are clean, well-maintained restrooms on both levels. There’s also a small café on the ground floor serving Arabic coffee, fresh juices, and light snacks like hummus wraps and baklava. You can’t bring your own food inside the frame, but there’s plenty to eat in Zabeel Park nearby.
How long does it take to explore the entire Dubai Frame?
Most visitors spend between 60 and 90 minutes. If you’re a slow walker, love taking photos, or get lost in the museum exhibits, you could easily spend two hours. The walk from the entrance to the bridge and back is about 1.2 kilometers, so wear comfortable shoes.
Is the Dubai Frame accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes. The entire structure is wheelchair accessible. Elevators go from the ground floor to the bridge and museum. Ramps are available throughout. There are also accessible restrooms and designated viewing areas. Staff are trained to assist visitors with special needs.
Final Thought: It’s Not Just a Building
The Dubai Frame isn’t just architecture. It’s a statement. A mirror. A time machine.
It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. It stands quietly between two Dubais-and lets you decide which one you want to remember.
So next time you’re in Dubai, don’t just chase the tallest building. Stand in the frame. Look left. Look right. And ask yourself: How did we get here?
