Emaar to build new landmark tower at Dubai Creek

Developer Emaar is building a new landmark tower in the Dubai Creek area hoped to emerge as an architectural wonder, it was revealed on Saturday.

The design for the un-named tower was approved by the United Arab Emirates Vice President and Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, official news agency WAM reported.

Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the designs proposed by six consultancy companies bidding for the tower contract.

He approved the design by Spanish-Swiss neo-futuristic architect Santiago Calatrava Valls, whose projects include the Chicago Spire Tower, Sharq Crossing in Doha, the Museum of Tomorrow in Brazil and the Peace Bridge in Canada, among others.

The design for the Dubai tower is inspired by Islamic architecture but also “meets requirements of modern times, as well as local environment and culture,” the WAM report said.

Built as an observation tower, the new project will be linked to the central island district of the upcoming Dubai Creek Harbour development with a 4.5 km boardwalk offering retail, dining, and leisure and entertainment options.

Sheikh Mohammed said the new tower would emerge as another landmark tourist attraction in the UAE.

He described it as an “architectural wonder that will be as great as Burj Khalifa and Eiffel Tower.”

Emaar chairman Mohamed Alabbar thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his confidence in the company’s projects.

He said the new tower would prove to be a cultural and tourist icon with its unique design and engineering.

Alabbar added that construction of the tower will begin in a few months’ time and that its height will only be disclosed once the tower is officially open.