Dubai Frame to feature 'clear glass' walkway

The Dubai Frame, a 150m tall window-frame like structure in the emirate’s Zabeel Park, will feature a clear glass walkway elevated at 150m, Dubai Municipality head of projects Mohammed Mashroom has revealed at the Construction Week UAE Infrastructure Summit 2014.

The Frame, which is already under construction, comprises a 150m-high, 93m-wide structure being built to resemble a huge picture frame, through which landmarks representing modern Dubai like Emirates Towers and Burj Khalifa can be seen on one side, while from the other side, visitors can view older parts of the city like Deira, Umm Harair and Karama.

Mashroom said that visitors will follow a path detailing the history of Dubai using modern technology, before taking a panoramic elevator up to the top of the frame at an elevation of 150m for views of the city.

He said it will involve “walking on clear glass that will keep on going”, with views of greenery underneath.

“As Dubai Government, we are always trying to update ourselves,” he added.

Dubai Frame, which is owned by Dubai Municipality is due to be completed by 2015.

“Hopefully it will be operated by Dubai Municipality,” said Mashroom.

Previously, Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality said Dubai Municipality has conducted exhaustive studies and research for the exact location to build the giant frame, which will cost Dh120mn ($32.6mn).

“It was after deep study and extensive consultation that the construction was decided near the Star Gate of Zabeel Park, which is a famous point for visitors and tourists,” he said.

The idea for the design emerged from a worldwide architecture competition that began in 2008 and ran for 13 months. The frame concept by Dutch practice Donis emerged as the winner from more than 2,967 submissions by designers from 106 countries.