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Architecture

Five surprising facts about Dubai Frame

Mon, August 24, 2020

Dubai Frame is a must-see attraction in the city, but there’s more to it than might first meet the eye.

Dubai Frame is a must-see attraction in the city, but there’s more to it than might first meet the eye.

1

The Sky Deck walkway hides high-tech features

One of the most talked-about features of Dubai Frame is the transparent glass walkway that runs along the 150m-high Sky Deck. Aside from being an engineering marvel with super-reinforced glass panels, the walkway also boasts a world-first – pressure-sensitive liquid crystal technology, which allows the glass to turn from opaque to transparent the moment someone steps on it. This unique effect makes the trip across the walkway even more dramatic.

2

It's designed as a 'golden rectangle'

You might be struck by Dubai Frame's elegant proportions and the natural balance to its shape. That's because it was designed to be a golden rectangle, which is a shape that follows the mathematical golden ratio of 1:1.618. This means that if you divide a golden rectangle into a square and a rectangle, the smaller rectangle is also a golden rectangle. The Dubai Frame perfectly reflects this striking geometric concept, which has fascinated mathematicians for millennia.

3

The Sky Deck was lifted into place in one piece

Not many people know that the Dubai Frame's Sky Deck was assembled on the ground and then raised to the top of the two side towers as one whole unit. Four powerful hydraulic lifts took days to lift the bridge the full 150m, after which it was fixed in position and fitted out.

A few other impressive facts about Dubai Frame: the Sky Deck’s glass floor consists of 116sqm of high-tech glass panels while 2,000 tonnes of steel were used in its construction.

4

It's a popular spot to watch fireworks displays

The main views from Dubai Frame are towards the Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Road’s skyscrapers to the south, or towards Dubai Creek and Deira to the north. But come at the right time (and day), and you can watch spectacular firework displays from one of the best vantage points in the city. Head to the top if you can – but whether from the Sky Deck or the base, watching fireworks from the Dubai Frame is not to be missed.

5

Its location lets you admire more than views

While many visitors head straight to the top of Dubai Frame to admire phenomenal views, there’s lots to explore around it too. The architectural landmark is set in Zabeel Park, so you can take one of the most iconic selfies in the world at ground level too. Afterwards, explore the park's extensive green spaces, enjoy the fountains at the bottom of Dubai Frame and treat yourself to something tasty at one of the food trucks nearby.

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