There’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, to give you a 360-degree view of Dubai. There’s also Burj Al Arab, the tall, luxury hotel that offers the best view of Dubai’s natural beaches and man-made islands. But have you ever heard of what Dubai Frame can offer?
Dubai Frame recently opened in the heart of the city to offer the best, unobstructed views of Old and New Dubai—the best of both worlds. It has a unique and state-of-the-art structure made by the hands of globally renowned architects and engineers. As a result, it’s the only attraction in the city that can give tourists and locals a view of the past, the present, and the future.
Enter Dubai Frame and get transported to any of Dubai’s timelines! Our comprehensive guide can help you plan your visit and book your Dubai Frame tickets without hassle.
Things to Know Before Visiting Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame is the newest attraction and architectural landmark in the heart of the city. If you haven’t visited or haven’t heard about this attraction yet, here’s everything you need to know before you book your Dubai Frame tickets.
What is Dubai Frame?
Dubai Frame is a newly established architectural landmark located in Zabeel Park. The attraction was constructed in 2013 and only opened in 2018. Literally shaped in the form of a photo frame, Dubai Frame perfectly “frames” stunning views of the Old and New Dubai–a metaphor to the past, present, and future of the city.
Dubai Frame, however, is more than just a massive photo frame. It also functions as an observation tower with glass panels. The overall structure of the building is made of glass, aluminum, and steel. The frame is about 150 meters tall, giving visitors a bird’s-eye view of the city. It currently holds the record of the largest frame in the world.
Who Can Enter Dubai Frame?
There are no entry restrictions for locals and tourists at Dubai Frame. Pets, however, are not allowed. Parents and guardians with infants and toddlers are also encouraged to bring baby carriers. Strollers and large bags are prohibited inside the establishment.
Children under the age of three and people of determination can enter the observation deck with free Dubai frame tickets. It’s worth noting that all publicly accessible areas of Dubai Frame inside are child-friendly and wheelchair-accessible.
Is Dubai Frame Safe and Regulated?
Dubai Frame, despite its tall structure and unconventional shape, is perfectly safe as an observation deck. Although not as tall as the Burj Khalifa, it offers a unique view of the bustling metropolitan from above and the same professional-grade security for staff and visitors. The establishment has dedicated security staff and technology in all visible areas. They also have protocols and innovations to prevent or overcome accidents like fire, typhoons, and earthquakes.
COVID-19 Considerations
All establishments and tourist attractions in Dubai follow special health and safety measures to combat COVID-19. Dubai Frame and its independent establishments are required by the World Health Organization (WHO) and local authorities to ensure social distancing among visitors, sanitize publicly-used areas, conduct temperature checks for staff and guests, and promote contactless payments. Some areas and activities inside may limit the number of visitors a day based on local regulations.
Visitors, too, are required to follow individual safety protocols. Visitors should wear face masks at all times, avoid physical contact among staff and other visitors, and submit basic personal information for contact tracing purposes.
When is the Best Time to Visit Dubai Frame?
Dubai Frame operates from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. The good thing about this attraction is it is open all year round, including weekends and special public holidays. Timings, however, may vary during public holidays and Ramadan. Regardless, you can easily adjust your schedule and itinerary based on Dubai Frame timing. The best time to visit Dubai Frame and go sightseeing at its observation deck is at 5:00 PM—to see the sunset and envelope both sides of Dubai, the old and the new.
How Long Should You Stay at Dubai Frame?
It is recommended to explore the whole Dubai Frame for at least an hour and a half. But based on Dubai Frame timing, you can extend your stay to up to 2 hours to visit all areas of the establishment. Aside from the observation deck, you can also drop by the gallery with multimedia exhibitions, buy items at the souvenir shop, and explore other attractions.
Where is Dubai Frame Located?
Dubai Frame stands at Gate 4 / Stargate of the Zabeel Park. The exact address is at Zabeel Park Jogging Track, Za’abeel Al Kifaf, Dubai. The location is bounded by Sheikh Zayed Road, the main road in Dubai, to the south. For landmarks and easy access, Dubai Frame is near Al Karama and the Dubai World Trade Center.
Preparation Tips and Booking Procedures
We’ve established why Dubai Frame, a relatively new attraction in the city, is a must-visit. If you wish to see Old and New Dubai in all their glory, let’s start planning your visit to book your Dubai frame tickets.
How to Get to Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame is accessible by the main roads of Dubai and surrounded by famous city landmarks, so you can easily reach it through public and private transportation. Travelers with private or rented vehicles can easily reach Dubai Frame from the city center or other neighboring areas through Sheikh Rashid Road / E11 or Sheik Rashid Road / D75 in approximately 10 minutes.
If you want to commute, city buses can take you to Dubai Frame, Zabeel Park, and other surrounding areas. Take buses 10, 21, 29, 88, C10, C15, C26, and E304, depending on your location. The final stations could be Karama 1, Al Karama Bus Station, Mankhool, Union Cooperative Society, Department of Health, or Al Jafiliya Bus Station. It will take you a 12 to 20-minute walk from these stations to reach Dubai Frame.
If you want to take the metro, ride the red line to the Al Jafiliya Metro Station or Burjuman Metro Station. From there, you can take a 17 to 30-minute walk or hire a cab to reach Dubai Frame and Zabeel Park.
What to Bring and Wear Inside Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame, like the famous Burj Khalifa, acts as a skyscraper with an observation deck. The primary purpose of visitors dropping by at Dubai Frame is to get the best bird’s eye view of the city. For this reason, you won’t have to bring anything aside from your valuables as a visiting tourist. For reference, however, here are some things you should remember before exploring Dubai Frame inside.
Clothing
There is no dress code inside Dubai Frame, but don’t forget to follow the UAE’s general rule for public dressing. It’s best to dress modestly. Avoid shorts, flip flops, short skirts, and short sleeves. When in doubt, you can go for a smart-casual outfit.
Food and Drinks
Food and drinks are not allowed inside Dubai Frame. There are cafes, restaurants, and designated eating areas if you want to eat. But you are not allowed to personally bring food and drinks upon entering the establishment.
Equipment
You can bring cameras and other recording devices inside Dubai Frame. But try not to bring huge, professional-grade equipment that you would have a hard time carrying while exploring the Dubai frame inside.
Luggage and Baggage
According to Dubai Frame’s management, personal handbags and purses are allowed inside the establishment. However, huge bags like shopping bags, sports bags, and backpacks must be stored in the baggage room at the Gate 4 counter while the visitor is touring around Dubai Frame. The same policy applies to strollers and large carriers.
Is Pre-Booking Necessary?
Pre-booking is not necessary, but Dubai Frame itself and travel and tour companies highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance to avoid queues, especially on weekends and public holidays. You can easily buy tickets online instead of lining up at the entrance. Visitors with pre-booked tickets should claim their passes at least 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled admission time.
Where and How to Buy Dubai Frame Tickets
Dubai Frame tickets are available on-site at the official website of the attraction. You can secure your booking by paying through credit and debit cards accredited by Visa and Mastercard. For regular Dubai Frame ticket price breakdown, refer to the list below:
Adults – 50 AED (13.61 USD)
Children, 3 to 12 years old – 20 AED (5.45 USD)
Tickets for infants under three years old and people of determination are free. A parent or guardian must accompany children under the age of 12 at all times during the visit. For people of determination, free tickets are also issued to their companions. A maximum of two free tickets will be issued.
For discounts, deals, and group bookings, you can also buy Dubai Frame tickets at reputable travel and tourism companies online. Here are some of the most-trusted operators online:
Dubai Frame has a total of 50 floors, constructed from steel, glass, and aluminum. Each floor, of course, has its own functions and offerings. Here are some of the best things to do and see inside Dubai Frame.
Visit the Museum
Get to know the history of Dubai through the Old Dubai Gallery from the Mezzanine Floor. The museum features multimedia exhibitions showcasing Dubai’s rise to modernity—from being a fishing village to a bustling metropolitan. It tells a story through visual and sensory experience, making it easier for international tourists to understand the culture and heritage of Dubai and the UAE.
Go Sightseeing at the Sky Deck
As you head to the Sky Deck level of Dubai Frame, you’ll see an unobstructed panoramic view of the Old and New Dubai. You can easily see the beautiful landmarks and tall skyscrapers of the city from the top. So take a selfie, capture the city in landscape view, or simply gawk at the sight.
Cross and Walk Through the Glass Bridge
Take the 75-second elevator ride to the skywalk to reach the glass bridge of Dubai Frame. You can walk across the glass bridge and take in the magnificent views of the city through the glass panels. From these areas, you’ll clearly see that you’re standing 150 meters from the ground.
Stop for a Meal
You can book a breakfast session with an unforgettable view during golden hours at the top of Dubai Frame from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. On top of your Dubai Frame ticket price, the breakfast experience is priced at 100 AED (27.23 USD) for adults and 50 AED (13.61 USD) for children. It includes a 45-minute session with pastries, cakes, coffee, and other beverages.
Alternatively, you can also eat a delicious meal for lunch or dinner at cafes and restaurants inside Dubai Frame. Try the offerings of Zam Zam Mandi Restaurant, Zou Zou Restaurant, Pind Da Dhaba, Yamanote, or Saleem’s of Delhi.
Drop by the Souvenir Shop
The souvenir shop stands at the exit zone of Dubai Frame. Here, you can purchase special merchandise that you can bring at home like t-shirts, mugs, keychains, and caps—all have the iconic logo of the Dubai Frame.
Final Tips for First-Time Visitors of Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame offers a hassle-free tourist activity. By simply booking a ticket and visiting the establishment, you’ll get to see the whole of Dubai. We recommend pre-booking your Dubai Frame tickets and scheduling your free time to avoid crowds and queues. The best thing to do is to plan ahead and arrive early.
What to Do After Visiting Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame is a unique tourist attraction in Dubai. Due to its structure, it’s also one of the tallest. If you’re looking for attractions offering similar experiences, don’t miss the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab—the tallest building and one of the tallest hotels in the world. If you want an authentic experience of Old and New Dubai, visit luxury shopping malls, traditional souks, and historical neighborhoods like Al Fahidi and Al Seer.
