Dubai Frame: Is it worth a visit?

February 19, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

The Dubai Frame is an impressive monument from the outside and it is also known as the world’s grandest picture frame. Over two million tourists visit the monument every year, but is a visit to the Dubai Frame worth it? In this blog we will tell you all about that.

What is the Dubai Frame?

Known as the world’s largest picture frame, the Dubai Frame is considered “the gateway between Dubai’s past and future.” The impressive monument was designed by architect Fernando Donis. His project was selected from 900 other projects that aimed to create a new symbol for Dubai. The Dubai Frame consists of 2,000 tons of steel, it is 150 meters high and 93 meters wide.

What is so special about the Dubai Frame?

The most special thing about the Dubai Frame is the shape of the monument and the vantage point that lets you see Dubai from a different perspective. On one side you see the old Dubai and on the other side you see the modern Dubai.

Visit the Dubai Frame

Although it is already an impressive monument from a distance, it is also possible to go inside and visit the observation deck. And to get to the observation deck, you have to take a certain route that starts at an exhibit called, the Past Gallery.

The Past Gallery at the Frame Dubai

The Past Gallery is an exhibition at Frame Dubai that takes you back in time, discovering the old Dubai of the past. Thanks to the reconstructions and objects from that time, you get the feeling of being in a small Arab village. All your senses will be stimulated. Traditional music and olfactory elements immerse you in a completely different era.

Visiting the observation deck of the Frame Dubai

After the impressive exhibition about ancient Dubai, it is time to visit to the observation deck of the Frame Dubai. To get to the observation deck, you take the elevator that takes you up 150 meters in 75 seconds. The elevator is not as fast as the one at the Burj Khalifa or the Empire State Building in New York , but it does give you time to enjoy the view beneath your feet. Because the floor of the elevator is made of glass.

When you get off the elevator, you come to the Frame Dubai’s famous observation deck. It is 100 meters long and it has a glass walkway in the middle that you can walk across and see what is happening below you. The special thing about this observatory is that it is halfway between the neighborhoods of Old Dubai and that of Modern Dubai. It is really great to be able to see and compare the two from both sides!

The view of Old Dubai from the observation deck

From the north side of Frame Dubai’s observation deck, you can see Old Dubai. Enjoy the view of the neighborhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai . You will see that here it is mostly small houses and stores that evoke the authentic atmosphere of Dubai, skyscrapers you will not see on this side.

The view of modern Dubai from the observation deck

On the other side, to the south, you have breathtaking views of luxurious and modern Dubai. In the distance, you can see Downtown Dubai with the skyline in particular, with the Burj Khalifa standing out. Although the Dubai Frame is not very high, it is still far enough back to enjoy a stunning panoramic view.

The Future Gallery at the Frame Dubai

After visiting the observation deck, you can walk toward the exit. At the exit, you can still admire the Future Gallery exhibition. This is an exhibition devoted to the future of Dubai and what this city will look like in 50 years. This exhibition is the perfect ending to a visit to the Dubai Frame.

What does an admission ticket to the Dubai Frame cost?

The Dubai Frame is a very popular activity in Dubai and there are often long queues to get in. To avoid this, we recommend booking your tickets in advance. This will allow you to benefit from a skip-the-line ticket on the day of your choice. admission tickets are available from as little as €14.00

Where is the Dubai Frame located?

The Dubai Frame is located in Zabeel Park , near the Bur Dubai district.

How do you get to the Dubai frame?

Although it is a bit out of the way, you can easily get there by taking a cab. But you can also take the red metro line and get off at Al Jafiliya metro station. From this metro station, it is a good half-hour walk is to get to the Dubai Frame.

What are the opening hours of the Dubai Frame?

The Dubai Frame is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00. During Ramadan, opening hours may sometimes change.

When is the best time to visit the Dubai Frame?

We recommend going there early in the morning or at sunset. In the morning, the view is perfectly clear and there are usually fewer people. At night, the colors are truly brilliant and it is wonderful to watch the sun set and the city light up.

How long does a visit to the Dubai Frame take?

A visit to the Dubai Frame takes about 45 to 60 minutes.

Our opinion of the Dubai Frame

During our visit to Dubai, we also visited the Dubai Frame. And what we really like is the contrast between Old and New Dubai. We also find the exterior of the monument very beautiful and impressive. So we definitely recommend a visit to the Dubai Frame. Also, compared to other activities in Dubai, the price is not very expensive.

Special offers for a city trip to Dubai

Are you going on a city trip to Dubai and would like to visit some of the sights and attractions, take advantage of the offers below!