His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has marked the groundbreaking of The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, the brand-new icon that will be the worlds tallest tower when completed in 2020.
Providing 360 degree views of the city and beyond, the Tower will eclipse even Burj Khalifa as the tallest building in the world.
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, 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.
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.
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.
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. We will continue to push the frontiers of engineering and construction to complete the project in time for Expo 2020 Dubai.
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.
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.