Top Iconic Skyscrapers that Shape the UAE Skyline

1. Burj Khalifa – Dubai (Downtown Dubai)

• Height & Records: At 828 m (2,717 ft), the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world
• Design & Construction: Designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, built by Samsung C&T, BESIX, and Arabtec between 2004–2010
• Features: Offers observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors, plus “The Lounge” (152–154) and At.mosphere restaurant on the 122nd floor
• Engineering Highlight: Buttressed core with a Y-shaped plan, advanced wind resistance, thick foundation with deep piles

2. Burj Al Arab – Dubai (Jumeirah, on its own island)

• Luxury Elements: Entirely suite-based hotel, lavish interiors featuring gold leaf and Swarovski ceiling

3. One Za’abeel – Dubai (Za’abeel)

• Architecture: Twin towers connected by “The Link”—a horizontal structure 230 m long, 66 m cantilevered, 100 m above ground
• Recognition: Guinness World Record holder for the longest cantilevered building; award-winning design for Best Tall Building in MENA region
• Experiences: The Link houses high-end restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs (e.g. La Dame de Pic, Sagetsu), plus Tapasake with UAE’s longest suspended infinity pool

4. Emirates Office Tower – Dubai (Sheikh Zayed Road)

• Facts & Figures: Also known as Emirates Tower One, is 355 m tall with 54 floors; part of the twin Emirates Towers complex
• Design & Impact: Triangular form with reflective cladding and lush podium-level landscaping creates a striking business district icon

5. Al Yaqoub Tower – Dubai (Sheikh Zayed Road)

• Architecture: Completed in 2013, standing at 328 m with 69 floors; visually reminiscent of London’s Big Ben (sans clock)

6. Rolex Tower – Dubai (Sheikh Zayed Road)

• Design: Completed in 2010, the 235 m, 59-floor tower features a glass façade that transitions from opaque to translucent—evoking a lantern effect
• Function & Identity: Houses residential and commercial spaces; owned by Rolex’s authorized distributor in the UAE

7. D1 Tower – Dubai (Culture Village, Jaddaf Waterfront)

• Details: A residential skyscraper completed in 2015, 284 m tall with around 80 floors and over 500 apartments including penthouses
• Design Elements: Glass curtain walls with layered facades for environmental adaptation; timber canopy inspired by traditional dhow boats

8. skyscrapers. Marina 101 & Princess Tower – Dubai (Dubai Marina)

• Marina 101: Completed in 2017, reaching about 425 m (1,394 ft) and featuring one of the world’s highest pools on its 75th floor.
• Princess Tower: Completed in 2012, stands 413.4 m (1,356 ft); held the world’s tallest residential building title until 2015. Its dome and Arabic-inspired motifs give it elegant cultural character .