When Dubai comes to mind, one thinks of a series of breathtaking architectural designs—not only bold and groundbreaking in concept, but more importantly, actually built in reality, such as the Burj Al Arab, the Cayan Tower, and the Burj Khalifa. This year, the “Dubai Frame” has been completed and is set to become the city’s newest iconic structure!
This rectangular, hollow “Dubai Frame,” construction of which began in 2013, is located in Zabeel Park in the city and resembles a giant picture frame. The most extravagant touch is its gold-plated exterior, shimmering so brilliantly that the building exudes an air of dominance from the inside out.
The landmark was built at a cost of $68 million USD by the government. It's not just for admiring from afar—visitors can actually go inside. A glass bridge connects the two sides of the 50-story tower, forming an observation deck that offers visitors a 360-degree panoramic view of the city skyline, definitely a test of bravery. However, the inauguration of this symbolic landmark has once again drawn attention in the architecture world. It’s said that the design concept came from Mexican architect Fernando Donis, who won a competition in Dubai back in 2008. But due to a failure to reach an agreement during contract negotiations with the government, he ultimately did not take part. As a result, ten years later, the work has finally been realized.
For safety reasons, the observation deck can only accommodate 200 visitors per hour, so you might need quite a bit of patience to get in line. In addition, the interior also houses a number of historical artifacts and gallery exhibits for visitors to enjoy. At night, the structure is illuminated, ensuring it remains a focal point around the clock.
Ticket price: AED 50 (approx. HKD 106)
Website: http://www.thedubaiframe.com/