Emirates Towers: The iconic construction that transformed Dubai's skyline

The creation of the Emirates Towers also contributed significantly to the economy

Last updated:
Devadasan K P, Chief Visual Editor
3 MIN READ
The construction of Emirates Towers marked a pivotal moment in Dubai's history, not just as a breakthrough in architectural achievement but as the beginning of a dynamic transformation in one of the world
The construction of Emirates Towers marked a pivotal moment in Dubai's history, not just as a breakthrough in architectural achievement but as the beginning of a dynamic transformation in one of the world
Gulf News archives

The Emirates Towers, located in the heart of Dubai's financial district, were officially completed in 2000, standing as one of the city's most iconic architectural landmarks. The project was part of a larger vision to establish Dubai as a global financial hub and a leader in cutting-edge architecture. Standing at 355 meters (1,167 feet), the Emirates Tower 1 was, at the time, one of the tallest buildings in the Middle East. Tower 2, slightly shorter at 305 meters (1,001 feet), houses a hotel, further solidifying the location's role.

Together, the towers were designed to represent the future of Dubai — sleek, modern, and ambitious. The construction of Emirates Towers was a signal that this part of Dubai was poised for massive development.  

The towers completion not only changed the skyline but also began the rapid urbanization of the surrounding area. 

After the towers were completed, the surrounding area experienced rapid growth. The construction of nearby buildings, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the Gate Building, and various high-rise office spaces, turned this part of the city into a key business and financial hub. 

The area became home to several international banks, law firms, and more. New luxury hotels, high-end residential apartments, and commercial developments began sprouting around Emirates Towers

The surrounding district, now known as the Dubai International Financial District (DIFD), is being further developed with innovative buildings, luxury hotels, and an increasing number of corporate headquarters. 

Emirates Towers are more than just a series of office spaces and hotels — they represented Dubai's growing ambition to compete globally. The design of the towers, with their clean lines and reflective glass surfaces, symbolized Dubai's leap in the 21st century. These skyscrapers, along with others like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai World Trade Centre, helped cement Dubai's status as a global city.

The creation of the Emirates Towers also contributed significantly to the economy. The area surrounding the towers has become a high-value commercial zone, attracting major international firms and enhancing the UAE's reputation in the global market. This economic growth has also led to the emergence of new industries, such as tech and innovation, as companies continue to flock to Dubai in search of opportunity and modern infrastructure.

Devadasan K P
Devadasan K PChief Visual Editor
Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 26 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct. Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action. Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya. His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011. He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.

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