The Dubai Frame is one of the city’s most clever and visually striking attractions. It is exactly what the name suggests — a giant picture frame, 150 metres tall, standing on the edge of Zabeel Park. But its genius lies in what it frames: old Dubai on one side, new Dubai on the other. For a fraction of the cost of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Frame offers a genuinely unique perspective on the city.

What Is the Dubai Frame?

The Dubai Frame is a pair of rectangular towers, each 150 metres tall, connected at the top by a 93-metre long glass-floored sky bridge. It was designed to symbolise the connection between Dubai’s past and its future. Stand on the south side and look out over old Dubai. Turn to the north side and the gleaming skyscrapers of Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai stretch to the horizon. It opened to visitors in January 2018.

Tickets and Opening Hours

  • Adult ticket: AED 50 per person
  • Children aged 3 to 12: AED 20 per child
  • Children under 3: Free
  • Opening hours: Daily from 9am to 9pm (last entry at 8pm)
  • Location: Zabeel Park, Gate 4, near Al Jafiliya

The Experience: What to Expect

The visit begins at ground level with an immersive exhibition tracing the history and development of Dubai — from its origins as a small pearl diving village to its transformation into a global city. From there, you take an elevator to the sky bridge on the 48th floor. The bridge floor is made of reinforced glass — you can look straight down 150 metres to the ground below. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for the full experience.

Photography at the Dubai Frame

  • Bring a wide-angle lens or use your phone’s ultra-wide mode for the full frame structure shot.
  • The glass bridge is best photographed looking straight down — if you can manage it.
  • For the old versus new Dubai comparison shot, stand in the middle of the bridge and look to each side.
  • Golden hour (just before sunset) gives the best light on both sides of the frame.

Getting to the Dubai Frame

  • Dubai Metro: Red Line to Al Jafiliya station, then a short taxi ride or 15-minute walk to Zabeel Park Gate 4.
  • Taxi or Careem: Ask for Zabeel Park Gate 4. The most convenient option.

Tips for Visiting the Dubai Frame

  • Visit in the late afternoon for the best light on both sides of the frame.
  • The attraction is much less crowded than the Burj Khalifa — no need to book weeks in advance.
  • The glass bridge can feel very exposed and windy. Hold on to your belongings.
  • If you suffer from vertigo, the glass floor can be intense — you can stay near the solid edges if needed.
  • At AED 50, this is one of the best-value paid attractions in Dubai.

Final Thoughts

The Dubai Frame offers something uniquely valuable — a simple, clear visual story of where Dubai came from and where it is going. That juxtaposition of old and new, framed perfectly by the structure itself, makes it one of the most thoughtful attractions in the city. Dubai Travel Club recommends the Dubai Frame for every visitor — especially first-timers who want to understand the full story of this extraordinary place.