Spearheaded by Dubai-based Emaar Properties PJSC, the new project will commence at the end of June and should be completed by the World Expo of 2020, which will be hosted in the glistening Middle Eastern city. “We wanted to build a new landmark for Dubai,” said Chairman Mohamed Alabbar at a press conference on Sunday. “When we look at Downtown and the Burj Khalifa, the area is almost full to the rim.”
Described as a “gift to the city,” the building’s design was masterminded by Spanish-Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava Valls, and should serve as an “elegant monument.” According to developers, the tower will resemble a minaret, with sturdy cables anchoring the structure to the ground.
Of course, Dubai already has some competition when it comes to building the world’s tallest building. The Burj Khalifa aside, Saudi Arabia is also planning a building in Jeddah that promises to be taller than 828 meters as well — in fact, this skyscraper is said to extend more than 1 kilometer into the atmosphere.
Either way, the skylines of the Middle East are about to change, and we’re looking forward to seeing how they turn out.
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