New tower unveiled for Dubai Creek

The winning design, which provides a modern twist on Islamic architecture, was described by the Dubai Ruler as an “architectural wonder that will be as great as Burj Khalifa and the Eiffel Tower”.

Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reviewed the designs proposed by international consultancy houses for a new tower to be built by Emaar in the Dubai Creek area. Wam
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Emaar Properties has unveiled designs for a new observation tower to be built in the Dubai Creek area of the city.

The tower’s design was approved by Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed reviewed proposals by six consultancy companies, before approving the selection of a design by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

The winning design, which provides a modern twist on Islamic architecture, was described by Sheikh Mohammed as an “architectural wonder that will be as great as Burj Khalifa and the Eiffel Tower”, according to the state news agency Wam.

The height of the tower has not been specified but in drawings provided by Emaar it looms high over neighbouring towers.

Emaar said a name for the tower has not yet been chosen.

The Emaar Properties chairman Mohamed Al Abbar thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his continued support and confidence in Emaar’s projects.

He said the new tower would prove to be a cultural and tourist icon, adding that construction would begin within the next few months.

In early trading on Sunday, Emaar shares were up 2.2 per cent.

The tower is to be linked to a central island district within the Dubai Creek Harbour district, which is being jointly developed by Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding. It is to have a number of residential and commercial buildings set around a 4.5km creek boardwalk offering retail, dining and entertainment units.

Mr Calatrava has designed projects including the World Trade Centre Transportation Hub in New York, the Chicago Spire Tower, and the Olympic Sports Complex in Athens.

mfahy@thenational.ae