NEW YEAR’S GIFT TO THE DUBAI PUBLIC FRAMES CITY’S PAST AND FUTURE NICELY
▶ The 150-metre attraction has everything for the inquisitive visitor, but watch out below
Visitors walking across the top of Dubai Frame should not be alarmed to find the dark glass floor suddenly disappear from beneath them halfway across the 150-metre high bridge.
The step-sensitive flooring, which gives a direct view of the landscape beneath, is installed in the 93-metre horizontal bar at the top of the frame that connects the structure’s two sides.
Those afraid of heights may want to avoid the Sky Bar – there is a concrete walkway on hand – but Dubai’s latest landmark offers more than just skyline views.
Along with a stunning view of the present, Dubai’s latest architectural marvel will provide visitors a window into the city’s rich past and a glimpse into its ambitious future.
Walking into the reception at Dubai Frame, or “Birwaz Dubai”, visitors are greeted with the National Anthem and screens playing documentaries of the UAE’s history. To the left, galloping horses are etched into the wall and on the right, an escalator leads visitors to the “ground floor”.
Visitors opting to stay on ground will find a museum detailing Dubai’s transformation from a fishing village to a sprawling metropolis – 3-D overlays display the city’s projected development and a gallery shows the country’s heritage.
Those looking to soar the heights will then be directed to the Sky Deck level where they can enjoy uninterrupted views of the city from all sides: old Dubai to the north and new Dubai to the south.
The vista could also be viewed through augmented reality-activated windows whereby the visitor can identify buildings and landmarks in three dimensions.
As visitors descend to ground level on the other side of the frame, they will find themselves in the Future Dubai Gallery, which depicts one possible Dubai 50 years from now.
The gallery creates a virtual metropolis through interactive projections and virtual reality technology.
Dubai Frame opens to the public on Monday, with more than two million visitors a year expected.
Tickets for adults are Dh50 and Dh20 for children aged between three and 12. Entry for the elderly and disabled people will be free of charge.
Visitors must, however, register for a timeslot between 10am to 7pm to experience Dubai’s latest attraction.
Billed as a New Year’s gift to the public, Dubai Frame is designed using 15,000 square metres of gold cladding, which was used to cover the exterior of the structure.
It was designed by award-winning architect Fernando Donis, who was responsible for Dubai’s Porsche Design Towers, and the Dubai Renaissance Tower.
More than 2,900 sq m of laminated glass was used to build Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park, which was chosen for its location in the heart of Dubai. On Tuesday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visited the emirate’s latest landmark.
He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and described the Dubai Frame as an elegant architectural feat.
The opening of the structure, which is managed by Emaar, was delayed because of a materials-sourcing issue.