Work advances in Dubai Creek Tower, world’s tallest building

With a new mega tall project, Dubai intends to defeat its own title of being the home of the world’s tallest building.

After the completion of the 828m high Burj Khalifa in 2010, Saudi Arabia started the construction of the Jeddah Tower, which –once completed- will be 1007m high.

Dubai’s answer is the Creek Tower. The 75m deep barrettes for its foundation are already inserted and the tower’s completion is expected in 2021. The tower under construction has a preliminary cost $1 billion. The tower is being developed by EMAAR Properties.

The design comes from the Spanish-Swiss architect and engineer, Santiago Calatrava and will be the centrepiece of the Dubai Creek Habour development, a new downtown district with a mega-mall.

Its skyline is located at the other side of the Dubai Creek. Beside several observation decks, restaurants and a boutique hotel, there is talk about the world’s highest mosque. This would allow one to arrive a little late for evening prayers due to the sun setting a few minutes later at 1000m altitude.

Aurecon, the engineering firm working on the project stated that Dubai’s new tallest tower will emit a ‘beacon of light’ from its peak at night. At the top will be an oval-shaped bud, housing ten observation decks, including The Pinnacle Room, which will offer 360-degree views of the city, according to a statement from engineering firm Aurecon, which is working with Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava on the project.

The design includes a distinctive net of steel cable stays that attach to a central reinforced concrete core that will reach into the skies.

Emaar Properties chairman Mohamed Alabbar described the new project as an “elegant monument” which is going to add value to property being developed by the company along the city’s creek. “The tower will be slender, evoking the image of a minaret, and will be anchored to the ground with sturdy cables.