Dubai is renowned for its innovative landmarks and tourist attractions that dot the city. Whether it’s Al Qudra Lakes, a man-made eco-friendly Oasis in the Desert, or ski slopes inside a shopping mall, Dubai is where you must expect the unexpected. It never ceases to amaze me. 

However, back in 2013, Dubai began constructing something rather strange in the center of the city. It made me wonder, had Dubai gone too far this time? Dubai created the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and several other significant architectural feats. Now, Dubai was building the world’s Largest Frame. Yes, you read that right. A Frame! 

What Was Dubai Thinking?

I couldn’t decide whether to visit or not. Was it worth it? I finally made up my mind. I had to know – what was Dubai thinking? So, I booked two tickets for the 6 pm slot and headed to the Dubai Frame with my husband. I planned to get to the Frame, photograph the exterior, then head inside to check it out. Trust me; you do not want to stroll around the streets in Dubai’s scorching June heat – it pushes 45 degrees! 

Located inside the Zabeel Park, the Frame’s closest entrance is at Gate 4. We parked close by and made our way across the footbridge just outside the gate. The sun was still blazing, but we gathered some courage, walked up to film, and photographed this unique structure. After 30 minutes, we were drenched in sweat and out of patience. We headed straight to the gate to enter the enormous Dubai Frame.

From the outside, this structure looked relatively average, though the gold-plated exterior gave it an alluring edge. It’s huge, too! Located inside a park, the Frame benefits from lush green surrounds; Dubai sure knows how to enhance the customer experience. Give something mundane to Dubai, and it will supersize it into something so special, you’ll be amazed. 

Visiting Dubai’s Tourist Attractions During A Pandemic

Dubai’s tourist attractions have only recently opened following the quarantine restrictions that were in place. International flights haven’t resumed either, so there are no tourists in the city yet. This worked in our favor, as there was barely anyone visiting the landmark while we were there. No queue to buy tickets or enter! 

Upon entering, a staff member checked our temperature, and security scanned our baggage. As glad as I am that precautions are taking place, it’s strange to think that this is the new normal. This time last year, I would have thought it very odd to have your temperature taken as you entered a tourist attraction! Having said that, we have to start moving forward, and this is a great place to start.

Inside the Dubai Frame

The interior is decorated beautifully, and as you walk around, there’s a fascinating aroma that is hard to explain. My best way of describing it is that it’s refreshing. Anyway – so far, so good. Everything was going well. 

As we took the escalator up a level, a variety of exhibits showcased the concept of the Frame, the construction, and its impressive height. The exhibits thoroughly explain everything, and you come away feeling like you’ve learned a lot. 

Dubai: The Past

Before heading up to the ‘Sky Deck,’ you enter a museum, passing through a spray of mist as you go. The museum is a fabulous depiction of Old Dubai. They have tried to capture the essence of the souks as they once were, with life-sized replicas of market stalls. You can even smell the aromas of spices and other products, just how it would have been in Old Dubai! 

There’s an interesting display of artifacts, too, showcasing the transformation of Dubai from a mere fishing village to today’s modern metropolis. The museum is a short glimpse into what the old souks of Deira and Bur Dubai looked like. As you walk around, there are LED screens with footage showing how trade took place amongst the fishermen. You’ll see little jute bags holding spices and a section filled with antique copper and silver pots and cutlery. It’s similar to the displays at the Dubai Museum. If you haven’t visited it yet, I strongly recommend you check it out!

Dubai: The Present

After that surprisingly enlightening experience, we finally took the elevator to the deck to see the views of Dubai. The staff pleasantly greeted us and directed us towards a grey-colored glass panel that spreads across the floor. 

I had seen pictures of this before, so I knew exactly what it was. However, my husband was none the wiser – rather him than me! The grey shade disappears with each step you take, activating the glass to turn transparent for a view of the floor 150 meters below you. If you suffer from Vertigo or a height phobia (like me), steer clear of the panels. A walk around it may be a better option. My husband let his inner child out and was having the time of his life walking across it!

The idea of the Frame is that one direction of the deck faces the old Dubai – Deira/Karama. The other side faces the new Dubai, with its beautiful cityscape and impressive towering skyscrapers. It’s fantastic to come face-to-face with the old and the new; to see how far the city has come along in a relatively short time.

      

The experience is truly fascinating. It was as I looked out across the skyline that my previous question came to me – what was Dubai thinking? Most cities build and modernize their landscape and perhaps let the old slip away. Yet here we were, at an attraction that celebrates Dubai’s rich heritage with an epic landmark. The Frame reminds us of how the old and new are equally crucial for the growth and development of a city. The present can’t happen without the past.

Dubai: The Future

After you take the elevator back down to the ground level, you’re greeted with an immersive virtual simulation. There’s nothing like technology to remind you of the present! The simulation depicts the possible predictions of Dubai’s future, and what you can expect. Vision 2050! It’s strange to look so far ahead into the future after the crazy year we’ve had so far; we’ve learned to take every day as it comes. 

Dubai may have many points of interest, but this architectural delight is truly unique in every sense of the word. Visit for a picnic in the surrounding park, and this attraction is a great add-on. Centrally located and easily accessible, it’s a must-do on any Dubai sightseeing itinerary. 

Most tourists visiting Dubai will naturally head to Burj Khalifa. However, if you have some spare time and you are interested in seeing Dubai from a new perspective, I’d say to head to the Dubai Frame. I can’t think of a single vantage point in Dubai from which you take in the old and the new all at once.

Overall, we are impressed with the Dubai Frame. We weren’t expecting much for 50 dirhams per person (around £10), but we left feeling pleasantly surprised! It’s a great attraction to learn more about Dubai’s past and see how far we have come – and how far we have to go! What was Dubai thinking? Well, I believe they were thinking of something great to add to our list of exciting attractions.

Thinking of visiting Dubai as a tourist, check out my blog about the ‘New Normal’