Source: 7days.ae www.calatrava.com
Dubai already has the tallest tower on the planet, now the emirate has its sights on a new tourist landmark that it claims will be the envy of the world.
The new skyscraper, which is yet to be named, will be as “equally great” as the Burj Khalifa and “as popular” as the Eiffel Tower as plans were unveiled yesterday.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, said the structure will be a “unique masterpiece” by Emaar, according to a tweet from the Dubai Media Office.
The media office added: “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has visited a new exhibition in Burj Khalifa dedicated to showcase designs for a new tower by Emaar in Dubai Creek area.
“Emaar’s Tower incarnates the greatness of the Islamic architecture with new technology.
“Sheikh Mohammed has described the new tower as a unique masterpiece that will be equally great and glorious as Burj Khalifa, and as popular as the French Eiffel Tower.”
Mohamed Al Abbar, chairman of developer Emaar, said that construction of the “cultural and touristic icon” would begin in a few months.
Al Abbar said: “The masterpiece tower will be a cultural and touristic icon. Construction will start in few months and its height will only be announced once the tower is officially open.”
The tower, to be built in Dubai Creek Harbour, has been designed by Santiago Calatrava Valls, a Spanish-Swiss architect, structural engineer, sculptor and painter, who has experience in working with projects including the World Trade Centre Transportation Hub in New York, Chicago Spire Tower, Calgary Peace Bridge and the Olympic Sports Complex in Athens, among others.
The design was short-listed from a competitive international design pitch.
The tower will be directly linked to the central island district of Dubai Creek Harbour with a 4.5 km creek boardwalk offering a wide range of retail, dining, and leisure and entertainment choices.
Emaar said the name and the height will only be announced when it is officially opened.
No completion date or cost was revealed. The tower is the latest major announcement in the plans to develop the Deira area. More info
