The Torch to light up Dubai skyline as world's tallest residential tower

The Torch in Dubai Marina is the world's tallest residential tower - at least for now - with video.

The Torch at Dubai Marina. Handout photo (no credit)
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The Torch in Dubai Marina will stake its claim as the world's tallest residential building when it begins handing over apartments this month.

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The 343-metre Dh665 million (US$182 million) tower will surpass the Q1 tower on the Gold Coast of Australia, the record holder for the last six years, which measures 323 metres.

Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building at 828 metres, includes apartments but it is not considered a residential tower. To be included on the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat residential list, a tower must be at least 90 per cent residential

The 86-storey Torch, developed by the Select Group, is 100 per cent residential, with 676 apartments.

But it's claim to the tallest residential tower designation may be short lived. The Princess Tower, also in Dubai Marina, has already topped out at 414 metres and it is expected to open sometime this year.

Another Dubai Marina tower under construction, the Pentominium, is planned to reach 516 metres, passing both the Torch and the Princess Tower. But the Pentominium is at least a year away from completion.

Rahail Aslam, chief executive officer of the Select Group, said the building was never planned as the "world's tallest." But he is happy to accept the designation.

"It's something to be proud of," Mr Aslam said. "How often do you build a more than 1000-foot tower? Probably once in a lifetime."