Visitors walking across the top of Dubai Frame should not be alarmed to find the dark glass floor suddenly disappear from beneath them halfway across the 150-metre high bridge.
The step-sensitive flooring, which gives a direct view of the landscape beneath is installed in the 93m horizontal bar at the top of the frame, connecting the structure’s two sides.
Those afraid of heights may want to avoid the Sky Bar – though a concrete walkway is on hand for the slightly less squeamish - but Dubai’s latest landmark offers more than just skyline views.
Along with a shocking view of the present, Dubai’s latest architectural marvel will provide visitors a window into the city’s rich past and a glimpse into its ambitious future.
Walking into the reception at Dubai Frame, or “Birwaz Dubai”, visitors are greeted with the UAE National anthem and screens playing documentaries of the UAE’s history. To the left, galloping horses are etched into the wall and on the right, an escalator leads visitors to the “ground floor”.
Visitor’s opting to stay on the ground will find a museum detailing Dubai’s transformation from a fishing village to a sprawling metropolis. Three-dimensional overlays display the city’s projected development and a gallery showcases the country’s heritage.
Those looking to soar the heights will then be directed to the Sky Deck level where they can see Dubai through uninterrupted views of the city from all sides: old Dubai to the north and new Dubai to the south.
The vista could also be viewed through augmented reality activated windows whereby the visitor can identify different buildings and landmarks in 3-D.
Dubai frame set to open January 1
As visitors descend back to the ground level on the other side of the frame, they will find themselves in the Future Dubai Gallery, which aims to depict Dubai 50 years from now.
The gallery creates a virtual metropolis through interactive projections and virtual reality technology.
Dubai Frame opens to the public on January 1, 2018 with more than two million annual visitors expected.
Tickets for adults will cost Dh50 and Dh20 for children aged between three and 12. Entry for the elderly and disabled people will be free of charge.
Visitors must, however, sign up for a timeslot between 10am to 7pm to experience Dubai’s latest attraction.
Billed as a New Year’s gift to the public, Dubai Frame is designed in its namesake using 15,000 square meters of gold-coloured cladding which was used to cover the exterior of the iconic structure.
It was designed by award-winning architect Fernando Donis, who also designed Dubai's Porsche Design Towers, and the Dubai Renaissance Tower.
More than 2,900 square-metres of laminated glass was used to build Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park, which was specifically chosen for its location in the heart of Dubai.
On Tuesday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid visited the emirate's latest landmark .
The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and described the Dubai Frame as an elegant architectural feat.
The structure, which is managed by Emaar, was originally set to open in November after a delay due to sourcing materials.
Hussain Lootah, director general of the municipality, previously said, “We gave special attention to the project’s general appearance and safety standards. Stainless steel gold cladding is used in the project to give it a glittering look and, at the same time, is immune from fire.”
Tickets can be purchased on the Dubai Frame website.
