World’s Tallest Skyscraper Breaks Ground in Dubai

By Keith Loria, Contributing Editor

The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour

Dubai—A joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding is developing The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, a waterfront development in Dubai that will be the largest skyscraper in the world. The project is an investment vehicle of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The tower is slated for completion by 2020, and it will anchor Dubai Creek Harbour, one of the world’s largest developments and one which embraces the future with advanced digital lifestyle features. According to a CNN interview aired this summer, the building will be approximately 100 meters (328 feet) taller than Burj Khalifa, the current record holder. This would bring the high-rise to approximately 3,045 feet. The development has a projected cost of roughly $1 billion, Business Insider and Bloomberg report.

“The Tower (…) represents a new phase in the development vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed whereby His Highness will present to the world a new icon and to humanity a higher point in its development, adding to our national pride in our path-breaking achievements,” HE Mohammad Al Gergawi said in a prepared release. “It reflects the vision of His Highness to further strengthen the tourism sector, diversify our economy and reinforce the sound economic stature of the UAE globally.”

Designed by Spanish/Swiss architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava Valls, the skyscraper will feature grand observation decks with unprecedented 360-degree views of the city and beyond. The Tower will have dynamic illumination and movement lighting, which will make it a stunning visual landmark during the day and night. In addition, several green corridors will offer pedestrian access and effortless connectivity with Dubai Creek Harbour.

Located just off the Dubai Creek, the Tower will be in close proximity to the Ras Al Khor National Wildlife Sanctuary, protected under the UNESCO Ramsar Convention and is just 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport.

According to Mohamed Alabbar, Emaar Properties’ chairman, from Burj Al Arab, Emirates Towers, Burj Khalifa and now The Tower, Dubai has been the centre of innovation for supertall structures and breakthrough developments in design, architecture and engineering.

“We are pushing our boundaries in every aspect of this new master-planned development, one of the largest in the world, which underlines the spirit of positivity and hope that our nation celebrates,” he said. “It will be a sterling addition to the smart city that HH Sheikh Mohammed envisages, with futuristic digital features that meet the aspirations of the next generation. We will continue to push the frontiers of engineering and construction to complete the project in time for Expo 2020 Dubai.”

Image courtesy of Emaar Properties