Dubai: By 2020, the world’s tallest tower would have taken shape in the form of “The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour.”
With ground already broken on the construction site earlier this week, the $1 billion (Dh3.67 billion) project is certainly going full-steam ahead.
But you don’t have to wait that long to find out what’s in store, as here are five facts about The Tower that will keep you in the loop.
1. Great location
The Tower is located within the Waterfront development, a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding, and is located just off Dubai Creek.
The Creek is known as the birthplace of Dubai’s history and culture, and as in close proximity to the Ras Al Khor National Wildlife Sanctuary, protected under the UNESCO Ramsar Convention, which is home to more than 67 different types of waterbirds.
2. Hanging Gardens of Babylon
According to property developer Emaar, the skyscraper’s upper observation decks represent the ancient Hanging Gardens — one of the seven wonders of the ancient world that was supposed to have been built around 600 BC.
The observation deck will offer 360-degree views of the city. Santiago Calatrava Valls, the architect behind the project, said that it will also feature spinning platforms that can take guests outside of the deck into the tower’s void to offer more impressive views.
3. Geometric accuracy
The Tower's design will include a 'sway', but the motion will be unnoticable to visitors, just like in the case of Burj Khalifa.
Emaar has commissioned specialists to carry out accurate tests for wind tunnels, in addition to all the mandatory tests required when building earthquake resistant towers. These kind of studies are important and play an essential role in determining the final design and height of the tower, which will be in accordance to the highest standard of safety.
4. The design
The Tower draws design inspiration from the lily and evokes the image of a minaret, which is a common feature of Islamic culture. 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.
5. 100m higher than Burj Khalifa
Although Emaar have not released any statement confirming the height of The Tower, there has been much talk about the skyscraper’s height.
Last June, Mohammad Al Abbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, told CNN that the megastructure will be 100m higher than the Burj Khalifa – which stands at 828 metres.
