Old Dubai

Old Dubai represents the traditional heart of the emirate, where centuries of trading history and cultural heritage converge. The historic districts of Al Fahidi, Al Shindagha, and Deira showcase the authentic Emirati way of life, with their narrow alleys, traditional wind-tower architecture, and bustling souks.

These areas tell the story of Dubai's origins as a fishing and pearl-diving village that grew into a major trading port. The Dubai Creek, which divides the city into Deira and Bur Dubai, was the lifeline of commerce, connecting the emirate to the wider world through maritime trade routes.

Old Dubai

Modern Dubai

Modern Dubai emerged from the vision of transforming a small trading port into a global metropolis. Beginning in the 1970s with the discovery of oil and the leadership's ambitious development plans, Dubai has become synonymous with architectural innovation, luxury, and forward-thinking urban planning.

The skyline of modern Dubai, dominated by structures like the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Palm Jumeirah, represents the city's transformation into a world-class destination for business, tourism, and innovation. This modern landscape stands in stark contrast to the traditional architecture of Old Dubai, yet both coexist harmoniously.

Modern Dubai

Evolution Timeline

2013
The Dubai Frame design competition is launched, attracting international architects to propose a structure that would symbolize Dubai's transformation.
2014
Mexican architect Fernando Donis wins the competition with his innovative frame design concept, chosen for its symbolic representation of past and future.
2015
Construction begins in Zabeel Park, with the foundation and structural framework taking shape over the following months.
2017
The sky bridge construction is completed, connecting the two vertical towers and creating the iconic frame structure.
2018
Dubai Frame officially opens to the public, becoming an instant landmark and tourist attraction, symbolizing Dubai's journey through time.
2025
The Dubai Frame continues to serve as a cultural icon, hosting exhibitions and events that celebrate Dubai's heritage and future vision.

Design Competition

The Dubai Frame was born from an international design competition launched in 2013 by the Dubai Municipality. The competition attracted over 900 entries from architects and designers worldwide, each proposing unique concepts for a structure that would symbolize Dubai's transformation.

The winning design by Mexican architect Fernando Donis was selected for its elegant simplicity and powerful symbolic meaning. Donis's concept of a literal frame that would showcase both old and new Dubai resonated with the competition judges and the city's vision for the landmark.

The competition process involved multiple stages of evaluation, with expert panels assessing designs based on architectural merit, symbolic significance, feasibility, and alignment with Dubai's cultural identity.

Construction Challenges

Building the Dubai Frame presented numerous engineering and construction challenges that required innovative solutions and careful planning.

Structural Engineering

Creating a stable frame structure that could support the sky bridge while maintaining aesthetic elegance required advanced engineering techniques and materials.

Weather Resistance

The structure needed to withstand Dubai's extreme temperatures, high humidity, and occasional sandstorms while maintaining its appearance and structural integrity.

Safety Standards

Implementing comprehensive safety measures for visitors, including fire safety, emergency evacuation systems, and structural stability monitoring.

Timeline Management

Coordinating multiple construction phases, material deliveries, and specialized assembly work within the project timeline required meticulous planning and execution.

Opening Ceremony

The Dubai Frame was officially opened to the public on January 1, 2018, with a grand ceremony attended by dignitaries, officials, and members of the public. The opening marked a significant milestone in Dubai's cultural and architectural landscape.

The ceremony featured traditional Emirati performances, speeches highlighting the Frame's significance, and the first official tours of the structure. Media coverage from around the world brought international attention to this unique architectural achievement.

Since its opening, the Dubai Frame has welcomed millions of visitors, becoming one of Dubai's most popular tourist attractions and a symbol of the city's commitment to innovation and cultural preservation.

Visitor Statistics

The Dubai Frame has achieved remarkable success in attracting visitors since its opening, establishing itself as a must-visit destination in Dubai.

5+ Million

Total Visitors Since Opening

15,000+

Daily Visitors (Peak Season)

150+

Countries Represented

4.8/5

Average Visitor Rating

Awards & Recognition

The Dubai Frame has received numerous awards and recognition for its architectural excellence, innovative design, and cultural significance.

Architectural Excellence Award

Recognized for outstanding architectural design and engineering innovation in the Middle East region.

Tourism Innovation Award

Awarded for creating a unique visitor experience that combines architecture, culture, and technology.

Cultural Heritage Recognition

Honored for its role in preserving and promoting Dubai's cultural heritage while embracing modernity.

International Design Award

Recognized internationally for innovative design that successfully bridges past and future.