UAE’S TOWERING SUCCESS
dubai — Known for its skyscrapers and great architecture, Dubai continues to add on its long list of skyscrapers with three out of five tallest buildings completed in 2017 were in Dubai, says the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) report.
Overall, UAE saw completion of four skyscrapers with 200-metre plus height in 2017. The UAE is now ranked 4th globally in terms of skyscrapers with 95 towers reaching 200 metres or greater in height by the 2017-end.
The mixed-used 101-storey hotel and residential development — Marina 101 — was the tallest completed skyscraper in Dubai last year — scaling 425 metres. Developed by Emaar Properties, it is now second tallest building in Dubai and UAE after
Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower. In the Middle East, Marina 101 is the third tallest and 18th globally.
“With architectural elements reminiscent of art-deco design, Marina 101 stands out in a city full of supertall structures… The tower will accommodate serviced apartments and Middle East’s first Hard Rock Hotel. Flared projections acting as light dishes break the vertical monotony of the supertall tower as it rises, culminating in a 45-metre crown that caps the building and sets it apart in the surrounding skyline,” says CTBUH.
Within the tower, the vertical transportation system consists of a total of 28 elevators.
The 73-storey Address Boulevard — which scales 370 metres in height — is the second tallest completed building of 2017 in Dubai.
Developed by Emaar Properties, the tower houses residential, hotel and retail units. It is the 6th tallest building in Dubai, 7th in the UAE, 9th in the Middle East and 33rd in the world.
Located next to Burj Khalifa, the tower is situated with convenient access to Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, and near The Opera District. Crowned by two matching spires, the tower has a 196-room hotel operated by The Address Hotels + Resorts, and 530 serviced apartments.
The structure sits on a multilevel podium, with the upper level providing separate lobbies for the hotel and serviced apartments. In an elliptical shape, the tower’s gentle curves ensure that all apartments and guestrooms have unobstructed views of Downtown Dubai and beyond. An enclosed moving walkway joins the tower to the Dubai Metro, The Dubai Mall, and other key developments.
Boost tourism, real estate
Imrann Nawab, director of sales, Gulf Sotheby’s International Realty, is of the view that skyscrapers play a critical part in Dubai making a mark in the global map.
“With the help of these tall beautiful structures, Dubai creates new records and these in turn give Dubai global recognition... These tall structures help boost the real estate and tourism economy too, the two factors that majorly drive and effect the country’s GDP. For example, regarding the building of the tallest skyscraper next coming in Dubai, famous architect Michael Calatrava believes new Tower is a critical “beacon” helping the city state reinforce its unique role in the world,” says Nawab.
“In short, skyscrapers give a perceived image of luxury to Dubai. Due to their record breaking developments and tall structures many foreigners automatically believe Dubai is the land of rich. These tall structures also drive great attention of investors and residents not only for the skyscrapers but also towers/buildings around these. These help increase sales transactions an also make it a major landmark or hub that many people relate to,” concludes Nawab.
The pencil-shaped Ahmed Abdul Rahim Al Attar Tower, located on the region’s most prestigious and expensive area of Sheikh Zayed Road, was the third tower with over 200-metre height completed last year. Also named 101 Sheikh Zayed Road, the 76-storey tower is 342 metres tall and houses residential apartments. Developed by Al Attar Properties, it is the 12th tallest tower in Dubai, 13th in the UAE, 15th in the Middle East and 48th worldwide.
Horizon Tower A in Abu Dhabi was the last year’s fourth tallest completed building in the UAE, featuring 63 storeys and 205 metres high. It is 22nd tallest tower in Abu Dhabi, 90th in the UAE and 127th in the Middle East.
The residential tower is located at Reem Island and is developed by Tamouh National Trading & Contracting; TSL Properties.
“Skyscraping homes have always held an allure; a house with a view, a life in the sky,” said Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman Danube Group.
With so many different nationalities in UAE and people with different salary brackets, Sajan said it’s difficult to compare how skyscrapers sell better than the other towers as the target investors for both the categories will not be the same.
— waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com