We visited the U.A.E. in 2017 when Yuven was a kid, and in 2022, after watching a few videos, he insisted on visiting the Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, and Burj Khalifa. While planning our Europe trip, we found a great deal with Emirates Airlines and deliberately chose a return flight with a 20-hour layover to explore these places.
After completing our Europe trip, we landed in Dubai early in the morning around 6:30 a.m. We obtained our transit visa through Emirates’ online transit visa program. Immigration took hardly five minutes, but since Dubai Airport is enormous, it took us approximately an hour to exit. We knew our check-in luggage would not be available, so we packed essentials for our day in Dubai. Mihir’s brother, Vidit, also flew with us from Amsterdam and planned to spend the day in Dubai, which was a delightful surprise for Yuven—he was thrilled to have his uncle accompany him.
From the airport, we took the hotel’s shuttle bus to reach Holiday Inn Express, which we had booked for a night. We arrived at the hotel around 9:00 a.m., completed the check-in process, and requested a late checkout before heading for a buffet breakfast. After enjoying a sumptuous meal, we decided to rest for a few hours in our room before heading out.
The hotel room was a bit old and not well-maintained, but it served the purpose for a short stay. We got ready by 1:30 p.m., checked out, and stored our luggage in the hotel’s storage room. It was lunchtime, and Yuven wanted to have Indian food. The hotel’s restaurant was only serving a buffet, and the à la carte option was closed. On the hotel staff’s recommendation, we visited a nearby Indian restaurant, ‘Daily Dine’, which had recently opened. We enjoyed a delicious Indian meal before heading out for sightseeing.
Museum of the Future
It was quite hot, which was expected in late May. We booked a cab using the Careem app and headed to the Museum of the Future.
The Museum of the Future is a stunning architectural marvel shaped like a torus (a hollow silver ring) with Arabic calligraphy on its exterior. It symbolizes innovation and technological advancements.
Exhibits & Themes
- The museum has seven floors, each dedicated to a different theme of the future.
- It stands 77 meters (253 feet) tall and spans 30,000 square meters.
- Visitors can experience space missions, futuristic healthcare, and AI-driven environments.
Each floor showcases a unique aspect of the future:
- OSS Hope (5th Floor) – A glimpse into space exploration with a futuristic space station.
- Heal Institute (4th Floor) – Focuses on climate change, sustainability, and biotechnology.
- Al Waha (3rd Floor) – A digital detox zone for mindfulness and well-being.
- Tomorrow Today (2nd Floor) – Showcases emerging technologies and inventions.
- Future Heroes (1st Floor) – An interactive play area for kids to explore creativity and problem-solving.
The tour fascinated science and technology enthusiasts and appealed to those who love taking pictures.
We purchased tickets in advance from their website. The cost for two adults and one child was approximately INR 10,150. We selected the 4:00 p.m. entry slot and arrived around 3:30 p.m. At the information counter, we collected our wristbands and began our museum tour.
There were about 30-40 people in a queue near the elevator, but it moved smoothly in batches of 25-35 visitors. A guide accompanied our group, and each exhibit had assistants to provide explanations. We explored the exhibits at our own pace and skipped a few that didn’t align with our interests. Yuven especially enjoyed the play area.
Before heading to the terrace, there was a photo booth where pictures were taken against a green screen. These were later available for purchase with various digital backgrounds. However, the staff at the kiosk seemed more focused on selling physical copies rather than providing complete information. Initially, we skipped purchasing, but Mihir later revisited the kiosk, checked all available options, and discovered that soft copies were also available. After some discussion, we purchased 16 pictures and one video clip for around INR 3,400.
Our museum visit lasted around 2-3 hours, after which we took a taxi to Dubai Frame.
Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is a stunning architectural landmark that visually connects old and modern Dubai. Located in Zabeel Park, it stands 150 meters (492 feet) tall and 93 meters (305 feet) wide.
When we visited Dubai in 2017, the frame was under construction, so this time, we made it a point to visit at sunset.
We purchased tickets at the entrance, but they are also available online. The cost for two adults and one child was around INR 2,870.
Structure & Design
- The frame is covered in gold-colored stainless steel, inspired by Dubai’s rich heritage.
- It features a glass-floored sky deck offering breathtaking 360-degree views of old and new Dubai.
Exhibits & Experiences
- Old Dubai Gallery – Showcases Dubai’s transformation from a fishing village to a global city.
- Sky Deck – A panoramic glass walkway with stunning views.
- Future Dubai Gallery – A futuristic exhibit using VR and AI to envision Dubai in 50 years.
- Souvenir Shop – A shop with personalized photos and souvenirs taken at the entrance.
Our Experience
At the entrance, our photos were taken before we were guided through the exhibits and up to the observation deck. We spent about an hour exploring the sky deck, marveling at the panoramic views, and engaging with the interactive displays. A highlight of our visit was watching a fascinating documentary on the making of the Dubai Frame, which added depth to our experience.
The sky deck also featured a cozy café where visitors could unwind while taking in the stunning scenery. Before leaving, we stopped by the souvenir shop to check our photos but decided to skip purchasing them due to the high cost.
Outside, the beautifully landscaped gardens and fountains surrounded the frame, creating a picturesque setting. However, the humidity made lingering uncomfortable, so we headed straight to the Burj Khalifa to witness the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain Show.
After enjoying the mesmerizing fountain show, we returned to our hotel, retrieved our luggage, and took the hotel’s shuttle to the airport. The check-in process, including self-check-in, baggage drop, and security formalities, went smoothly. With some time to spare, we enjoyed a meal, browsed through the shops, and soaked in the final moments of our journey.
Soon, it was time to part ways—Vidit departed for Ahmedabad, while we headed to our gate, preparing for our final flight home after an unforgettable 14-day adventure.
Looking back, it was a well-spent day, but I’d reconsider choosing a long layover in the future. The biggest challenge was the hot and humid weather, but aside from that, the experience was truly enjoyable!
Read here about our Europe trip…
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