The natural wealth of the United Arab Emirates has helped create one of the most successful economies in the world, with skyscrapers in Dubai as its calling card. Since 1979, when the construction of the Dubai World Trade Center began, the construction of new high-rise buildings has been ongoing. According to the rating of Skyscraperpage, the metropolis is among the top 5 cities with the largest number of skyscrapers. There are so many high-rise buildings that their visit can become a full-fledged sightseeing tour. What are the tallest skyscrapers in Dubai, and which interesting facts are hidden under their spires – see all the details in our piece.
List of the tallest skyscrapers in Dubai
A modern skyscraper is not only a majestic height, but also a unique combination of art and engineering. Real estate in Dubai is designed taking into account the climatic conditions of the region and the level of infrastructure development in the area, so that each new building harmoniously complements the architectural appearance of the metropolis. And the design of the Kayan Tower, with which we will start the review, confirms this.
15th place – Cayan Tower
Cayan Tower is a residential skyscraper with a height of 307.3 meters in one of the most popular areas of the metropolis – Dubai Marina. At the time of construction, the project was called “Tower Infinity”. The design was done by the American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, which has the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Trump Tower in Chicago to its credit.
Each of the building’s 73 floors is rotated 1.2 degrees around a cylindrical elevator, making the skyscraper’s walls twist from foundation to roof by exactly 90°. In addition to the above-ground floors, where the residential properties are located, there are also 7 underground levels and a five-level parking garage for more than 600 cars.
By the way, even before the construction was completed in 2010, all the apartments in the Tower were sold. The project also took into account the peculiarities of the hot climate of the UAE: the rooms are additionally protected from direct sunlight by movable perforated screens. Residents can enjoy an extensive range of additional amenities including a temperature-controlled outdoor pool, children’s play area, state-of-the-art gym with the latest equipment, spa, and massage rooms.
Everything you need for recreation and entertainment is also within walking distance: Marina Beach, Marina Walk and The Walk JBR with numerous cafes and stores, as well as entertainment venues such as Skydive Dubai Club and Montgomerie Golf Course.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 307.3 m
- Number of floors: 73
- Location: Kayan Tower on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2010
- Architect: SOM
- Developer: Cayan Real Estate Investment & Development
- Owner: Cayan Real Estate Investment & Development
14th place – Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Jumeirah Emirates Towers is an impressive complex of two skyscrapers located in the Jumeirah neighborhood of Dubai. The height of each of the towers is more than 300 meters. The project was designed by the famous architectural bureau NORR Group Consultants International Ltd and completed in 2008.
These towers are a unique combination of modern design and functionality. Glass facades give the buildings an elegant look. The complex includes luxury apartments designed for living as well as office space, creating a comfortable place to live and work.
Among the features of Jumeirah Emirates Towers are high-tech security and access control systems, as well as spacious underground parking lots. here are several parks, stores, and restaurants near the complex.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 309 m
- Number of floors: 56
- Location: Location, see on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2008
- Architect: Hazel W.S. Wong NORR Group Consultants International
- Owner: Jumeirah
13th place – Ocean Heights
Ocean Heights is a luxury residential skyscraper in the Dubai Marina district, impressive with its modern architecture and superb ocean views. This tall skyscraper is one of the symbols of luxury and comfort in this cosmopolitan city.
With a height of 310 meters and 83 floors, Ocean Heights offers a variety of residences including high-end apartments and luxury penthouses. Ocean Heights residents have access to a rooftop pool with panoramic views, fitness center, spa and spacious common areas. Its prime location, being close to the beach and entertainment districts, has made this tower one of the coveted places to live in Dubai.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 310 m
- Number of floors: 83
- Location: Dubai Marina, on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2010
- Architect: Andrew Bromberg, Aedas
- Developer: DAMAC Properties
12th place – HHHR Tower
HHHR Tower (also known as Blue Tower) is a prominent architectural landmark rising in Dubai’s business district. Standing 317 meters tall, HHHR Tower is a fine example of modern style and engineering excellence.
The design was developed by the renowned architectural firm Archgroup Consultants, and it is characterized by its unusual shape, giving the impression of a rotating spiral. HHHR Tower offers office space, retail areas and luxury apartments. On the upper floors of the building there are restaurants with panoramic views of the city. Thoughtful design, modern security and comfort technologies have created ideal conditions for living and doing business.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 317 m
- Number of floors: 72
- Location: Business District, see on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2010
- Architect: Archgroup Consultants
11th place – Burj Al Arab
Dubai’s tall skyscrapers impress with their scale, but the creators of Burj Al Arab surprised with its location – the building is located on an artificial island in the sea at a distance of 280 meters from the land. The architectural firm Atkins Global designed this exceptional structure. ts shape resembles a sail, which adds elegance and uniqueness to the building. Burj Al Arab has become a symbol of luxury and luxurious lifestyle in Dubai.
At 321 meters tall, the skyscraper is one of the tallest hotels in the world. The hotel includes luxurious rooms and suites, world-class restaurants, and unique pools and beaches. Burj Al Arab is also famous for its exclusive helipad and underwater restaurant.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 321 m
- Number of floors: 60
- Location: Artificial island, see on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 1999
- Architect: Atkins Global
- Owner: Jumeirah
10th place – Index Tower
Index is a modern residential skyscraper in the heart of Dubai, featuring bold design and technology. Index was designed by the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners. Its facade is a combination of glass and aluminum, which creates a modern and stylish look. The unique shape of the building gives it an expressive character.
The upper floors accommodate public spaces including a fitness center and restaurants with panoramic views. Thanks to its central location, Index has become a popular place to live in the historic part of the city.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 328 m
- Number of floors: 80
- Location: Center, see on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2010
- Architect: Foster + Partners
- Developer: Union Properties
9th place – Al Yaqoub Tower
Al Yaqoub Tower is an outstanding architectural landmark located in the business center of Dubai. Al Yaqoub Tower was designed by the renowned architectural firm Tariq Qaddumi Architect. The architect was inspired by the design of Big Ben in London, but there is no clock on the Dubai skyscraper. Its facade is decorated with traditional Arabic elements, which gives the building a recognizable appearance.
The Tower has office spaces as well as commercial and retail areas. The upper floors feature restaurants and public plazas with stunning views of the city.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 330 m
- Number of floors: 69
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, see on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2007
- Architect: Tariq Qaddumi Architect
- Developer: Remamco Real Estate
8th place – Rose Tower
Rose Tower is an exquisite skyscraper located in the Dubai Marina district. The original design, which was created by architectural firm Khatib & Alami, was planned to be 380m high, but was reduced to 333 m in the process. Its design is characterized by elegance and sophistication, using modern building materials. The facade of the tower is a glass shell, which gives it a modern appearance.
The Tower has both luxury residential apartments and public areas including restaurants and terraces with scenic sea and city views.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 333 m
- Number of floors: 72
- Location: Dubai Marina, on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2007
- Architect: Khatib & Alami
- Developer: Abbco Group
- Owner: Rotana Hotels
7th place – The Marina Torch
The Marina Torch is an impressive skyscraper in the Dubai Marina district that stands out for its exquisite design and magnificent sea views. This tower has become one of the tallest residential buildings in the world: 79 floors, 336 meters high.
The Marina Torch was designed by Khatib & Alami. This high-tech skyscraper is one of the brightest representatives of modern architecture in Dubai. Its facade is made of glass and aluminum.
The tower offers a wide range of residential apartments with luxurious interiors and modern amenities. The upper floors feature public spaces including a fitness center, swimming pools and restaurants with panoramic sea and city views. The Marina Torch is also known for its innovative security systems and energy efficiency.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 336 m
- Number of floors: 79
- Location: Dubai Marina, on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2011
- Architect: Khatib & Alami
- Developer: Select Group
6th place – Emirates office tower
The Emirates office tower is a prominent structure in the business center of Dubai, representing a symbol of progress and entrepreneurship. With a height of 354 meters and 56 floors, it is one of the tallest office buildings in the region.
The Emirates Office Tower was designed by the architectural firm NORR Group Consultants International Ltd: its distinctive rounded shape sets it apart from the cityscape. Its facade is designed in a contemporary style using glass and aluminum.
The offices in the Emirates Office Tower provide a high standard of comfort and convenience. Its central location and magnificent views of the city have made it a popular location for business meetings in Dubai.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 354 m
- Number of floors: 56
- Location: Business Center, see on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2000
- Architect: NORR Group Consultants International Ltd
- Owner: Jumeirah
5th place – JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is a luxury skyscraper that is also a hotel located in the business center of Dubai. It has two towers, each more than 355 meters high with 77 floors.
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is one of the tallest hotels in the world. It was designed by the architectural bureau Archgroup Consultants. The facade of the building is made in a modern style using glass and metal.
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai offers luxurious rooms and suites with superior service. The hotel is also renowned for its high-end restaurants, spa center, meeting rooms and other facilities for work and leisure.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 355 m
- Number of floors: 77
- Location: Business Center, see on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2013
- Architect: Archgroup Consultants
- Owner: The Emirates Group
4th place – Almas Tower
The Almas Tower is an outstanding skyscraper that is rightly considered a symbol of luxury. Its exquisite interiors have allowed the skyscraper to become home to the Dubai Diamond Exchange.
The skyscraper is an impressive example of modern architecture: 363 meters in height, 68 above-ground and 5 underground floors. The project was designed by the Atkins architectural studio. Its design is favorably characterized by geometric shapes and the use of glass, which creates a sleek look.
Its prestigious location in Dubai Marina has made it not only a prominent symbol of the city, but also an important business center. Residents and visitors can enjoy luxury stores and restaurants without leaving the skyscraper.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 363 m
- Number of floors: 68
- Location: Dubai Marina, on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2009
- Architect: Atkins
- Developer: Taisei Corporation together with ACC (Arabian Construction Co.)
- Owner: Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
3rd place – Princess Tower
Princess Tower is the tallest residential tower in the world, rising majestically above the Dubai Marina district. The tower was designed by Ahmed Abdul Rashid Abdul Ghani Architecture Studio. The building has 763 apartments, providing its residents not only comfortable conditions, but also spectacular views of the Persian Gulf, and a circular panoramic view of Dubai from the 99th floor of the tower.
Located in one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, this tower has become an important element of the cityscape and a place of comfortable living. Princess Tower residents can enjoy luxury apartments as well as a wide range of community amenities including swimming pools, spas, fitness centers and cafes.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 414 m
- Number of floors: 101
- Location: Dubai Marina, on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2012
- Architect: Adnan Saffarini
- Developer: Tameer
2nd place – Marina 101
Marina 101 is a majestic skyscraper in the Dubai Marina neighborhood that is among the tallest buildings in the city. With a height of 425 meters and 101 floors, it is not only a symbol of modern architecture, but also an important element of the urban landscape. Marina 101 was designed by the National Engineering Bureau, an architectural firm.
Marina 101 provides luxury residential apartments with panoramic city and sea views. The building also accommodates public spaces including restaurants, spas and fitness facilities.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 425 m
- Number of floors: 101
- Location: Dubai Marina, on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2016
- Architect: National Engineering Bureau
- Developer: Sheffield Real Estate
1st place – Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the epitome of boldness and engineering genius, standing in the heart of the city of Dubai. With a height of 828 meters and 163 floors, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. The skyscraper can hold more than 35,000 people at a time.
Completed in 2010, Burj Khalifa was designed by internationally renowned architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. This building has become Dubai’s most recognizable skyscraper, attracting attention with its unique shape and magnificent appearance.
Burj Khalifa comprises office space, luxury apartments, as well as hotel rooms, restaurants and public spaces. The upper floors of the building offer spectacular views of the city and desert. This architectural marvel also serves as the centerpiece of the Downtown Dubai entertainment complex.
Skyscraper Characteristics:
- Height: 828 m (world record)
- Number of floors: 163
- Location: City Center, see on Google Maps
- Year of construction: 2010
- Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
- Developer: Emaar Properties
- Owner: Emaar Properties
Although today there is no equal to the skyscraper Burj Khalifa, in the near future the situation may change: in 2013, the authorities of Dubai announced plans to build the Dubai Creek Harbour Tower – a high-rise structure with a planned height of 928 meters. The design will reflect the unique features of Islamic architecture and culture. With such ideas and already implemented projects, the metropolis continues to delight with its architectural masterpieces and inspire to overcome new heights.