The Dubai Frame: Bridging Old and New Dubai
Standing 150 meters tall and 93 meters wide in Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Opened in 2018, this massive picture frame-shaped structure has become a must-visit attraction for tourists and a source of pride for residents. The frame is strategically positioned to offer a view of old Dubai on one side and the modern skyline on the other, symbolizing the city dramatic transformation over the past five decades. In 2026, it remains one of the most visited attractions in Dubai, drawing over 2 million visitors annually.
Ticket Prices and How to Book
General admission tickets for the Dubai Frame cost AED 50 for adults (aged 13 and above) and AED 20 for children (aged 3 to 12). Children under 3 enter free. Senior citizens (65 and above) and people of determination receive a 50 percent discount. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, but booking online through the official Dubai Frame website or the Visit Dubai app is strongly recommended to avoid queues, especially during peak season from November to March. Online bookings allow you to select a specific time slot, ensuring a smoother experience.
VIP tickets are available at AED 100 per person and include priority access, a guided tour, and a complimentary beverage at the Sky Deck cafe. For photographers and content creators, a special golden hour package at AED 150 allows access during the last hour before sunset for optimal lighting conditions.
Opening Hours
The Dubai Frame is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, with the last entry at 8:30 PM. During peak tourist season (December to February), extended hours until 10 PM are sometimes offered on weekends. During Ramadan, hours may be adjusted — typically opening at 10 AM and closing at midnight, with modified hours during iftar. The busiest times are between 4 PM and 7 PM when visitors arrive for sunset views. For the shortest wait times and best experience, visit on a weekday morning between 9 AM and 11 AM.
What to Expect Inside
The visit begins at ground level in the Dubai Past Gallery, an immersive multimedia exhibition that tells the story of Dubai transformation from a small fishing village to a global metropolis. The exhibit uses projections, artifacts, and interactive displays to walk you through the city history. This section takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and provides excellent context for what you are about to see from the top.
A high-speed elevator then takes you to the Sky Deck at the 150-meter level in approximately 75 seconds. The Sky Deck features floor-to-ceiling glass panels offering 360-degree views of Dubai. The most thrilling feature is the glass floor walkway on the bridge connecting the two towers. Walking across transparent glass panels at 150 meters above ground is not for the faint-hearted, but it provides incredible photo opportunities and an adrenaline rush.
From the Sky Deck, one side faces the older neighborhoods of Deira, Bur Dubai, and the Creek — the historic heart of the city. The other side showcases the modern skyline including the Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Canal, and the sprawling developments stretching toward the sea. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands.
After enjoying the views, you descend to the Dubai Future Gallery, which presents a vision of what Dubai might look like in 50 years using augmented reality and digital projections. The entire visit typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Photography Tips
For the best exterior photos of the Dubai Frame itself, visit Zabeel Park Gate 4 area where you can capture the full structure against the skyline. The most popular exterior photo spot is from Star Gate, approximately 200 meters from the frame, where you can frame the entire structure in a single shot. Golden hour (30 minutes before sunset) provides the warmest light for exterior photography.
Inside the Sky Deck, the glass panels can create reflections that affect photos. Press your camera lens directly against the glass to eliminate reflections. For the glass floor photos, use the wide-angle lens on your phone and shoot from a low angle for the most dramatic perspective. A tripod is not permitted inside, but image stabilization on modern smartphones handles the slight vibration well.
For Instagram-worthy shots, try framing the Burj Khalifa through the frame from outside — stand along Al Mustaqbal Street for this popular composition. During evening hours, the frame is illuminated with LED lights that change colors, creating stunning nighttime photography opportunities.
Getting There
The Dubai Frame is located in Zabeel Park, accessible through Gate 4 on Sheikh Rashid Road. By metro, the nearest station is Al Jafiliya on the Red Line, from which it is a 10-minute walk. By taxi, simply ask for the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park — the ride from Downtown Dubai costs approximately AED 25 to AED 35. Free parking is available at Zabeel Park Gate 4, though spaces fill quickly during weekends. RTA bus routes 27 and C7 stop near the entrance.
Nearby Attractions
Combine your Dubai Frame visit with other Zabeel Park attractions. The park itself is one of the largest green spaces in Dubai with jogging tracks, a lake, and picnic areas. The Dubai Garden Glow, located within Zabeel Park, offers a spectacular light and art installation during evening hours from October to May, with separate tickets at AED 65 for adults. The Dubai Dinosaur Park, also in Zabeel Park, features over 120 life-size animatronic dinosaurs and is popular with families.