One of the most popular things to do for tourists in a new city especially one like Dubai is to check it out from a birds eye view. There’s something about looking from above and photographing wonderful city skylines that really attracts tourists to such attractions. And with endless skyscrapers, Dubai is made for such viewing experiences.
In this post we will explore four of those viewing experiences that are available to you in Dubai and then suggest the best one in our humble opinion. Included will be: 1. the Dubai Frame, 2. the View at the Palm, 3. the Burj Khalifa and 4. Sky Views.
1. The Dubai Frame
The Dubai frame is an award winning and record breaking attraction. It holds the record for being the largest frame in the world. You’ll probably notice this first on your ride to your hotel from the airport as it is pretty hard to miss due to its size and structure.
What can you do?
Firstly, you’ll be able to take some awesome shots of the frame as well as from the frame. As you go up (and then back down) the elevator, you see mesmerising views of the city. And these views just get even more impressive as you reach the top of the frame. It is a fascinating viewpoint because you are bang in the middle of the city enabling you to see the modern side of Dubai on one side and then the old part on the other. Really interesting contrast. There is a glass bridge at the top too, which you can walk on – can be a bit daunting for those scared of heights. The park that it is located in also makes a great picnic spot for families – perfect for a post sight seeing picnic. The park also has a nice fruit juice stall.
Where is it?
It is located in Zabeel Park and the closest Metro station is (Max formerly Jafiliya) – 5 minute walk from there.
How much does it cost?
Tickets cost AED 50 per person. You can book your tickets online here and booking online will allow you to skip the queues (but when we went there weren’t any).
Top tip:
For the best shot of the frame, walk over the bridge towards Zam Zam Restaurant (advise you eat there) – this will be away from the Metro station. As you go there, the bridge that you cross will give you some amazing views of the frame along with the Dubai skyline in the backdrop all in one shot. And combine that with a sunset and bingo!
2. The View at the Palm
This one is a little different to the other ones on the list in that it is in a different area of Dubai and the focus is not the sky scrapers and downtown Dubai. The focus here is the world famous Palm Jumeirah – one of the largest man-made islands in the world. It is one of the new attractions in Dubai and for the first time you can get a birds eye view of the Palm and WOW what a view!
What can you do?
The main attraction here is of course the breathtaking views of the Palm Jumeirah. It certainly is a fascinating experience. Prior to entering the viewing area you will watch a video and go through a mini exhibition conveying the history of the Palm, which is quite interesting to know. This helps to build up the anticipation well before you see the sight. After you’re done, you can go on the monorail and travel through the palm, head over the to the Atlantis hotel, or you can just stay in the Nakheel Mall and do some shopping and eat at one of their eateries.
Where is it?
It is located in the Nakheel Mall Rooftop – Level 2. The closest Metro is the Nakheel Mall one, but you have to get on the tram line first and then on the monorail, so it may be simpler to just take a taxi to the Nakheel Mall.
How much does it cost?
Tickets cost AED 100 per person. You can book your tickets online here.
Top tip:
If you are going to book ahead of time, try to book directly on their website as opposed to any third party sites (be careful as their URLs are deceiving), delays in receiving your tickets may be caused if booked via these websites.
3. The Burj Khalifa
This just seems the right thing to do, the first thing to do on your trip to Dubai right? I mean it is the tallest building in the world, so how can you not? I’ve been twice. I went on my first ever trip to Dubai, which was actually just a layover for a few hours and I could do one thing (I chose this!) and the second time was with my wife (her first). But is it really worth it? And if it isn’t why is it on this list?
What can you do?
You learn about the tallest building in the world – about how it was designed and built. You get to see Dubai from the highest point in the world. Then, you can enjoy the best mall in the world – the Dubai Mall.
Where is it?
It is located in downtown Dubai with access from the Dubai Mall itself. The closest Metro is named after it – Burj Khalifa Dubai Mall!
How much does it cost?
Ticket prices start at AED 149 per person. You can book your tickets online here.
Top tip:
Sorry, but my top tip here would be to not do it. The other spots on my list here provide much better views and I think views that include the Burj Khalifa are better than actually from the tower itself. It is so high up that on many days you won’t even be able to see that well due to the clouds.
4. Sky Views Dubai
This is a new activity in Dubai that combines views with thrills! It’s the perfect combination for both the sightseer as well the thrill seeker. I often find viewing experiences get a bit boring quickly after taking a few pictures, so adding this element of thrill takes this experience to the next level and makes it the number one viewing experience for me.
What can you do?
1. Views. You get 360° views of downtown Dubai, from the sky scrapers to the busy roads and of course the tallest building in the world – the Burj Khalifa!
2. Glass Bridge. You can walk on the glass bridge overlooking the busy roads of the city from 53 floors up!! Warning: it may make you dizzy. It is scarier and more “open” feeling than the walking bridge on the Dubai Frame.
3. Glass Slide. You can have a go on the glass slide!! It goes from one floor down to another and is 219.5 metres up in the air. And the best part is the slide is all glass, so yeah pretty daunting.
4. On the edge experience. This one’s for the ultimate thrill seekers! You can go/walk/hang/swing on the edge where there is nothing between you and… well the world.
Where is it?
Located on the 53rd floor of the Address hotel in downtown Dubai, it oversees the iconic Burj Khalifa. This makes for the perfect location for such an activity. If you take the metro, it’s right outside the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro. If you take a taxi, tell them to go to the Address Hotel.
How much does it cost?
Experiences 1-3 cost only 65 AED!! A bargain if you ask me compared to other view experiences you pay for in the city. Experience 4 is 699 AED. Book your tickets here.
Top tip:
They give you a pouch to place your mobile in on the glass slide to record the experience. What they don’t tell you is how to place it best – I placed it the right way round and all it recorded was the sky/ceiling – so a fail of a recording to be honest. So, I think maybe placing it upside down where the camera is at the bottom may produce a better result. Also, go during sunset for the best views, but there may be more of a crowd there. We went in the morning (10am) and there was literally no one there (only one or two couples).
Personally, I find view experiences a bit underwhelming and short-lived. So, I like how the Sky Views experience includes a thrill factor. Bravo 👏🏼 It may give you a sleepless night prior to the day (like it did with my wife – she even managed to do some deep research and find out some random facts like the glass being from Germany (lol yeah she didn’t sleep)), but the walk and slide themselves aren’t too bad. Also, I think this gives the best views of Dubai. When we went it was literally empty too, so we were comfortable enough to take our time and without the large crowds encountered at the other spots mentioned on this post. A definite addition to your Dubai to do list me thinks. You can probably tell how much we loved this place from the massive photo dump above!
Would you be brave enough to do all four?
