Whenever someone asks me where the best view in Dubai is from, I would usually say the top of the Burj Khalifa. Of course it is one of the most famous buildings in Dubai. Having visited previously and been super unimpressed by the queues and the dirty windows, I decided not to visit again. Looking for a reason to use the Dubai Metro, which I like riding on for the views of the skyscrapers and the coastline. I used a map of the metro line to see what I could visit. Somewhere that stood out to both my photographer and I was the Dubai Frame. I have seen it on Pinterest in the past but believed it to be a made up place. Realising it is real and you can visit, I couldn’t wait to go and see it for myself.
Up bright and early, I chose to get a day pass for the Metro as it was only 22 AED (£4.75). The Dubai metro is very efficient, clean and safe. Best part is I think the longest wait I had for a train was 3 minutes, it’s possibly one of the best forms of public transport I have used. The ride took me from DMCC all the way to Al Jafiliya station in little over 30 minutes. My favourite part was waving at the Burj Khalifa as we zoomed by.
I was very worried when I left the metro at AL Jafiliya station because I came out on Sheik Zayed Road with nothing else around apart from a petrol station. Surprisingly, I couldn’t see the Dubai Frame, even though it is huge. Google maps told me I was very close, so I decided to aim for the nearest green area; Zabeel Park. I was greeted by a friendly security guard who told me to follow the running track around the side of the park, that would take me to the frame. As a dinosaur, I did absolutely no running ( big surprise there), instead I squealed with excitement when I saw lots of dinosaurs in the park across the road. Sadly, the park was closed for a dinosaur only event (I’ll sneak back next time I’m in Dubai).
After many distractions, dinosaurs and a woodpecker sighting (I’ve since learned it was a Eurasion hoopoe). I finally made it to the entrance for the Frame. It was very quiet when I arrived, I really wasn’t expecting to have no queue at Dubai’s newest attraction.
52.5 AED was the price to enter into the frame and the grassy area surrounding it. The giant picture frame is 150 metres tall and 93 metres wide. I was surprised at how big it actually is, though I don’t think it sticks out. Upon entering I took a ride through the security scanner and headed up to the first floor. To get to the lift I had to take a walk through old Dubai, which looks very different to the Dubai shown in the media.
The lift itself takes 75 seconds to go up to the sky deck on the 48th floor. I love how the lift has a glass ceiling and a glass wall so you can see the skyline as you go higher into the sky. Once again I was expecting to have to stand in a queue to look out of the windows, as I did at the Burj Khalifa. Once again I was proven wrong. I was greeted by a security guard who informed me old Dubai was to my left and new Dubai to the right. Most excitingly, the centre of the sky walk is glass and you can see all the way to the floor!
I chose to begin by looking over to the more modern side of Dubai because it was such a clear morning I could see for miles. As a dinosaur I am easily pleased and very lucky with always having great weather when I climb tall buildings. The view took my breath away, the whole idea of the Frame is so cleverly put together. Modern Dubai poses perfectly in the random shaped windows, with the Burj Khalifa right at the centre. I’d love to come back at sunset as I think this would be a perfect spot to watch the buildings begin to sparkle. The views I had from the top of the Burj Khalifa were incredible but I must say I preferred the Dubai Frame views mainly because I was still low enough to see everything clearly.
Heading over to the other side of the Frame I had to be very brave and walk across the glass panels. I think this may be the scariest thing I have ever done. I didn’t stay on the glass long, I quickly waved to the humans at ground level before I jumped back onto something less see through.
Old Dubai is totally different to new Dubai, I found the Frame to be a great way of bringing them together. A bridge between eras some may say. All of the buildings are very similar and are nowhere near as tall as the newer buildings. I really liked this because I could pick out different buildings and even see Dubai Creek, with all the boats floating on it. I think I could even see Sharjah in the distance but as the morning progressed the heat haze became more apparent. As the view was becoming a bit less clear I decided to head back to ground level. The mezzanine has a display of Future Dubai which I would love to have watched but sadly my photographer was unable to look at the 4D curved screen. I did manage to get a quick glimpse of a quote on my way past.
The future is for those who dare to dream and find the courage to pursue their dreams.
Flashes of Thought by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Feeling hungry and content after a morning filled with beautiful views, I chose to head back to the Dubai Mall. My favourite restaurant is located on the 1st floor and has a balcony overlooking the fountains, Paul. I raved about their Mojito’s last year and I am definitely raving about them this year too. Dinosaurs don’t drink alcohol and Europe has very few places which sell virgin mojitos. Paul has so many exciting flavoured ones, so I had two! Lemon lime basil and blackberry mojito helped wash down a vegan tartine. My photographer had a Rose Anise Iced Latte which I tried to steal but they drank it too quickly.
After all the food and a morning of excitement I jumped in the handbag of doom for a quick snooze whilst my photographer went shopping. My nap lasted a while longer than I care to admit but I woke up in time for the sunset and fountain show. With less people travelling and wanting to be in areas with other humans I was able to get a spot at the front to watch the show; something my photographer has been trying to do for years. While I was waiting I got to watch the Burj Khalifa turn orange with the sunset and sparkle behind some fairy lights. This building is so photogenic at every time of day!
I was excited to see the fountains as I remembered them to be very exciting. Though sadly I had over hyped them in my head. Combined with a comparison to the KLCC fountain show, I found myself to be slightly disappointed. The show only lasted 5 minutes which is a lot shorter than I remembered it to be, it was still beautiful nonetheless.
My day ended with another great ride on the Dubai metro, this time with the view of Dubai Marina all lit up, a great end to a great day.
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