HH Sheikh Mohammed breaks ground on future icon ‘The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour,’

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today marked the groundbreaking of The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, the brand-new icon that will be the world’s tallest tower when completed in 2020. 

The groundbreaking was held in the presence of His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Chairman of Dubai Holding, Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, and other dignitaries. Providing stunning 360 degree views of the city and beyond, the Tower strengthens the UAE’s reputation for innovation and excellence in architecture, engineering and construction and will eclipse even Burj Khalifa as the tallest building in the world. 

Re-defining the nation’s already spectacular skyline and setting a new global referral point, The Tower anchors the 6 sq km Dubai Creek Harbour mega-development, located just 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport, and will serve as a magnet for tourists and visitors from around the world. 

One of the world’s largest master-planned developments, Dubai Creek Harbour integrates the latest design, engineering and sustainability features. A next-generation smart hub, it will also incorporate an advanced digital lifestyle defined by the latest developments in artificial intelligence. 

The waterfront development, a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding, is located just off the Dubai Creek, the birthplace of Dubai’s history and culture, and in close proximity to the Ras Al Khor National Wildlife Sanctuary, protected under the UNESCO Ramsar Convention. The Tower is designed by Spanish/Swiss architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava Valls. 

HE Mohammad Al Gergawi said: “The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, which will be the tallest in the world, represents a new phase in the development vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed whereby His Highness will present to the world a new icon and to humanity a higher point in its development, adding to our national pride in our path-breaking achievements. 

“The Tower is one of the outcomes of the strategic partnership between Dubai Holding and Emaar Properties which is closely followed by HH Sheikh Mohammed. It reflects the vision of His Highness to further strengthen the tourism sector, diversify our economy and reinforce the sound economic stature of the UAE globally.  The Tower is part of a smart city development, providing a new and distinguished lifestyle, and will be completed by 2020 along with a number of strategic and pioneering projects that are being undertaken here, setting global benchmarks.”

HE Al Gergawi added: “The groundbreaking of The Tower is another historic moment for the UAE, as we mark the construction of another icon that will add to the UAE’s civic pride. At the heart of Dubai Creek Harbour, the super-tall structure will create lasting value and serve as one of the must-visit tourist destinations in the city. 

“It celebrates the long-term vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underlined by the recently announced ‘UAE Strategy for the Future’ to drive the transformational growth of the nation. Our focus is on identifying the needs of the future, and implement sustainable plans that are impactful and make a difference. Dubai Creek Harbour is our investment in our future, and as a centrepoint of this mega-development, The Tower will enhance the reputation of our city and help boost the growth of the economy.”

Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “We are thankful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his generous guidance and support in developing another global icon for Dubai. The Tower is inspired by his vision and his firm belief that in the race for excellence there is no finish-line. From Burj Al Arab, Emirates Towers, Burj Khalifa and now The Tower, Dubai has been the centre of innovation for supertall structures and breakthrough developments in design, architecture and engineering. We are pushing our boundaries in every aspect of this new master-planned development, one of the largest in the world, which underlines the spirit of positivity and hope that our nation celebrates. It will be a sterling addition to the smart city that HH Sheikh Mohammed envisages, with futuristic digital features that meet the aspirations of the next generation. We will continue to push the frontiers of engineering and construction to complete the project in time for Expo 2020 Dubai.”

The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour supports the goals of Dubai Plan 2021 to establish the city as a global business and leisure hub, and will add real economic value by driving the growth of the core sectors of tourism, hospitality, aviation and retail among others. 

Mr Santiago Calatrava Valls said: “The design and architectural features of The Tower demand unique engineering approaches that are currently being implemented on site. Extensive studies were undertaken in preparation for the ground-breaking, and the learning that we have gained from the experience will add to the knowledge base of mankind.” 

With no similar super-tall structures in the world, Emaar has undertaken a completely new approach to wind-engineering and seismic tests, which have already been completed. Every aspect of The Tower is designed to the highest international standards of safety – from the choice of materials to the technology being deployed in its construction. 

The crowning glory of The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour will be The Pinnacle Room, opening to spectacular views of the city, as well as several VIP Observation Garden Decks. The Tower will have dynamic illumination and movement lighting, which will make it a stunning visual landmark during the day and night. In addition, several ‘green corridors’ will offer pedestrian access and effortless connectivity with Dubai Creek Harbour.

Emaar has unveiled high-end residences in Dubai Creek Harbour, including Dubai Creek Residences, Creekside 18, Harbour Views and Creek Horizon in The Island District. With uninterrupted views of The Tower, the homes open to premium vistas of the Dubai Creek, a stylish marina with a yacht club, the adjacent Ras Al Khor bird sanctuary and the skyline of Downtown Dubai. The 4.5km-long Creek Boardwalk envelopes the Island District, assuring residents high-end retail and leisure choices. Among the nearby amenities are event spaces, galleries, parks, fascinating water features and a trendy Vida hotel that will all add up to an unsurpassed quality of life.