Dubai is known for doing everything on a grand scale, and the latest attraction set to be unveiled in January is no exception. The Dubai Frame, is exactly what it seems, a giant picture frame erected on the skyline that places the city inside a gigantic gilt frame.
It is hoped the frame will become a major attraction in in the city, like the Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab. Located in Zabeel Park, the structure encapsulates the old and new Dubai, the two 150 metre-high glass structures are connected by a bridge giving visitors a 360-degree view of the city. “The idea is to create an illusion of time travel through a warp vortex and arriving into the city 50 years ahead,” an official announcement said.
A panoramic elevator ride to the observatory will give visitors views of old Dubai with areas such as Bur Dubai, Karama and Deira. Other landmark areas and towers that will be visible from the frame include skyscraper, the Emirates Tower. A gallery museum on the ground floor will display 3D projections of old Dubai and include virtual reality technology for visitors to discover more about the history and heritage of the city.
The choice of colour behind the frame was selected to capture the essence of Dubai. Hussain Nasser Lootah, director-general of the Dubai Municipality said, "initially, we had first thought of having silver colour, but that was not giving the required aesthetic beauty of the structure.” The picture-perfect frame is covered in gold cladding and reflects the sun during the day intensifying the “frame's brightness.”
It is hope that The Frame will attract two million visitors a year, the project cost Dh160 million ($43 milllon). The Frame will be accessible through a pre-booking system where visitors will be able to book their tour online. Entry tickets are priced at Dh50 (US$13) for adults and Dh30 (US$8) for children. An exact date in January for the opening has yet to be confirmed.
