If you're aware of Dubai, United Arabic of Emeritus (UAE), you're captured by the city's extreme architecture. The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab extends 1,053 ft. towards the sky; the indoor snow resort Ski Dubai is the world's third-largest indoor ski slope and the first to open in the Middle East. The world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, dominates the skyline with its thin silver steel structure. It can be seen for miles, and its height surpasses 2,625 ft., including 160 floors.
Then there's this magnificent gold vertical rectangle! A project designed by award-winning architect Fernando Donis the Dubai Frame. It stands at 492 feet with 4,921 feet of stainless steel gold coating and a clear glass walkway along the entire 313-foot width on the Sky Deck level. So it is the tallest picture frame in the world. The cost was 43 million USD, and the golden rings on the frame are inspired by the Expo 2020 logo.
Getting There
It's now my seventh day in Dubai, and it's early afternoon. Today's plan was about using the transit system to get around. So rather than using private transportation or even my hotel's shuttle or a taxi to get around. I jumped aboard Dubai's fully automated train (subway), which has over 45-stops and was within walking distance from my hotel (J.W. Marriott Marquis). The trains are popular not only because of the accessibility but its option for first-class (Gold-class), women-children-only cars, and the incredible views of the city. There are also shared-ride services such as Uber and tram, so surprisingly it's easy to get around the city.
My first stop was the Marina, about a 10-minute walk from the Red Line station. As I walked around the Marina, the day was getting warmer. To be honest, I was still exhausted from the previous day's excursions. However, I was determined to get to the frame, so I took a taxi; I cheated, but did I because I did experience the driverless train? However, suppose you decide to take the train to the frame. In that case, you'd take the red line and exit the station at Al Jafiliya or Burjuman Metro station. Then the walk to get to the frame, which is about 30-minutes long.
Inside The Dubai Frame
There are no offices in this building, and its sole purpose is to be a tourist attraction and landmark. The cost for me as an adult to enter was AED50 (14 USD). Upon entering, you're guided through a ramp where you can take pictures that will be for sale later than a gallery of Old Dubai from the Mezzanine Floor. The museum represents Dubai's beginnings as a fishermen's village. Then you'll enter an elevator to exit on the Sky Deck. From this incredible viewpoint, you'll see "the past, present, and future of Dubai." Bur Dubai and Deira Creek are the city's historic areas on one side. The Burj Khalifa and the Dubai International Financial Center are on the other side. Aside from being a fantastic piece of architecture, The Dubai Frame is symbolic of the old and new city.
The elevator had one glass wall allowing you to enjoy the scenery on the way up (I had my eyes closed because I'm afraid of heights). The doors opened, and I entered a room 305 feet long and 49 feet wide, with color-changing lights across the ceiling. The walls were lined with windows, allowing the most stunning pandemic views over Dubai. The designers decided to make the experience fascinating by creating the glass floors transform from translucent to transparent as visitors walked over them! Scary for me but a welcoming experience if you're looking for an adrenaline rush. However, I was not going to allow my fear to make me miss out on the opportunity of walking across the Dubai Frame glass walkway!
The Elaborate Exit
After an hour of enjoying the deck and the cafe stationed in the center of the Sky Deck, I was ready to go. I waited for the elevator to go down on the other end of the floor, which then opened into a neon vortex tunnel. A simulated movie projected onto a curved wall tells us a story of where there are electric vehicles, personal aircraft, walkways lined with windmills, and drones delivering packages. A health care system can grow back severed limbs and an eco-friendly city. The video is the UAE, 50 years from now, displaying Dubai as a city thinking ahead.
All Good Things Come To An End
Overall I spent at least two hours at this museum, including the time at the gift and souvenir shop on the ground floor. I believe that it was sufficient time to immerse myself in this piece of skyscraping architecture. But it's not over yet! Outside there's a beautiful fountain show coupled with Arabic music. Because the weather permitted, I enjoyed the Zabeel Park, where the Dubai Frame is located.
The Dubai Frame met my expectations of extreme architecture. You should absolutely not skip seeing this beautiful chic landmark. It's easily identifiable across the city; as such, it does its job of attracting attention. Be sure to subscribe and follow for travel inspiration, tips, and hacks.