Want a fabulous view? Dubai has a new attraction for that

Buildings appear as though by magic when scaffoldings are removed.

It's difficult even for me to digest. On May 15 this year, I will complete 20 years in the UAE. People have been here longer. However, I too can now claim to be a part of the growth of the nation, as someone who has seen it evolve and change majestically over the last two decades.
Being a part of mainstream journalism in the UAE, I've been intricately following the growth of Dubai. Seriously, I'm in love with the city. I love driving around assimilating the changes.
Like the tagline of our newspaper, it is literally 'Feeling the Change' and the beauty is that change happens without disruption in normal life. Buildings appear as though by magic when scaffoldings are removed.

Architects and students of the subject visit Dubai to see the diversity of buildings that adorn the city. Each one is unique, has a theme and attractive features of its own - literally 'out of the box' designs. I was there, at the press conference way back when Dubai Mall was announced. Critical as we are, the journalist fraternity wondered from where people would come to the mall. Look at it today. People visit from all corners of the globe.
I remember the Dubai Marina area when it was just sand. Look at it today. High-rise buildings compete with each other and you might just sprain your neck in an attempt to view the buildings. I live close to the Dubai Canal. Hats off to the architects who completed the project with utmost professionalism. Though I miss walking around Safa Park, the whole area is now popular with residents who visit to enjoy its ambience.
A new entrant that has caught the imagination of many a passer by is the Dubai Frame, another aesthetic icon that literally frames other landmarks in Dubai. The beauty of this is that with its location at Zabeel Park, it connects the past and the present.
According to Dubai Municipality, the frame has two towers of 150m height that are connected by a 93m bridge at the top. Apparently the space between the towers gives a clear view of the city from a height. The interesting aspect is that on one side you can see Sheikh Zayed Road and modern Dubai, while on the other, you can see old Dubai that includes Deira, Umm Hurair and Karama.
At the mezzanine level, an immersive experience in history awaits. Projections, mist effects and motion set the mood. Using modern technology, the 'Past Dubai Gallery' narrates the evolution of the city.
'Present Dubai' can be experienced at the Sky Deck level - uninterrupted views of Dubai - Old Dubai to the north, and New Dubai to the south supported by interactive applications such as augmented reality activated screens. You can identify landmarks, explore interesting facts or even observe in the third dimension.
The 'Future Dubai Gallery' is on the other side of the mezzanine level. This concept zooms into the future - Dubai 50 years from now - the virtual metropolis, through virtual reality and interactive projections. There is a vortex tunnel with special lights and sound effects that creates an illusion of time travel through a warp portal and arriving into the city 50 years ahead.
With all this and more in store, I am waiting for the end of the year when Dubai Frame will open to visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds hidden there. With so much Dubai has to offer, I always hope I have more time to discover Dubai and unlock its secrets.
Suchitra is KT's Supplements Editor. She's passionate about work, people, art and taking photos and videos
-suchitra@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai