Dubai to build new tower taller than Burj Khalifa

Dubai’s Emaar Properties, the developer behind Burj Khalifa, is all set to build a new $1 billion tower in the emirate.

Emaar Properties Chairman Mohamed Alabbar announced the project today. However, he did not confirm the height of the tower but said it would be “a notch” taller than Burj Khalifa, which stands at more than 828 meters, reports stated. 

Accroding to Emaar Properties, the new tower is expected to be completed for the Dubai Expo trade fair in 2020.

Interestingly, it is the same year that the kilometre-high Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia is due to overtake the Burj Khalifa as the world's tallest building. Kingdom Tower is developed by Kingdom Holding, a firm controlled by billionare prince Al Waleed bin Talal.

The new tower, designed by Spanish-Swiss neo-futuristic architect Santiago Calatrava Valls, will be built in the heart of Dubai Creek Harbour.

It is is slated to have a rooftop courtyard, residential units and a link to a retail plaza, Emaar said in its media release.

The famous works of Calatrava include the World Trade Centre Transportation Hub in New York, Calgary Peace Bridge, the Olympic Sports Complex in Athens.

DESIGN

The tower at Dubai Creek Harbour draws design inspiration from the lily and evokes the image of a minaret.

The elongated oval-shaped bud and geometric texture set the template for the observation decks.

The slender stem serves as the analogy for the structure, which is engineered to its most efficient diameter.

It is linked to the ground with sturdy cables, in turn, inspired by the delicate ribbing of the lily leaves. The cable array gives the structure its strength, anchoring the 'bud' securely to the ground with technical precision using modern engineering materials.

The tower will offer 360 degree views of the city and beyond. The crowning glory of the tower will be The Pinnacle Room opening to grand views of the sky.

The VIP Observation Garden Decks recreate the splendour of the 'Hanging Gardens of Babylon. It will also have a world-class boutique hotel for visitors.