Dubai, an emirate in the United Arab Emirates, has transformed itself from a fishing town into a modern metropolis with opulent mansions, sprawling shopping centres, and glittering skyscrapers.
The architectural achievements of the emirate are now universally recognised as nothing short of miraculous. Our list of the top 10 landmarks in Dubai includes the tallest skyscraper, the world’s only 7-star hotel, and a magnificent hotel inspired by a lost paradise
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Top famous buildings of Dubai
For many years, Dubai’s skyline was dominated by low-rise structures. However, that all changed with the discovery of oil in the 1960s, and the country quickly capitalised on its newfound riches by branding itself as a premier destination for affluent vacationers.
Many of the world’s tallest hotels, the largest shopping mall, and the world-famous Palm Jumeirah are now located in this city. If you’re planning a trip to the emirate, make sure you put seeing those landmarks in Dubai at the top of your agenda.
BURJ AL ARAB
With its unusual sail design, the 321-meter tall Burj Al Arab rapidly became one of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers after it had been built. In 1994, construction finally got underway. The hotel’s island was constructed over the course of two years, while the building itself took a further three. To complete the project, it is believed that approximately 2,000 people were employed at any one moment. More than 250 designers from Dubai, the United States, and the United Kingdom contributed to the effort. The Burj Al Arab opened as the world’s third-largest hotel. It’s already 14 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Visitors and locals may cross a winding bridge from the mainland to reach the island community, which is located 280 metres offshore.
Aside from the fun stuff, it’s like a dream to be here. Amazing views of the Arabian Gulf may be seen from its duplex apartments. The Royal Suite is one option; it comes equipped with a private theatre, two master bedrooms, a library, and a spa-style bathtub. Even though it calls itself a “7-star hotel,” it’s really one of the simplest tourist destinations in Dubai. The Burj Al Arab itself has a plethora of attractions to keep guests occupied.
Cayan Tower
You wouldn’t be the only one to give Cayan Tower a second glance. The tower’s twisted appearance is sure to inspire some serious photo taking. The building’s 307-meter height and distinctive helical design make it stand out on the city’s prestigious seafront. All 73 of its stories adhered to the same blueprint. However, 1.2 degrees of clockwise rotation is applied between each floor. Because of this, the structure twists by 90 degrees throughout its whole length. The unusual helix form of Cayan Tower is not only a visual marvel, but also serves a functional purpose by protecting the inside from the sun and minimising the effects of high winds.
Cayan Tower, near Dubai Marina, is among the city’s highest residential structures. Cayan Tower offers both fully furnished and unfurnished apartments, both of which include amenities such as a swimming pool and a 24-hour concierge.
Dubai World Trade Center
The Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), also known as the Sheik Rashid Tower, was first established in 1979 and has since played a pivotal role in the development of Dubai’s commercial, touristic, and monetary sectors. DWTC is a purpose-built skyscraper in the heart of the emirate’s financial district, right next to Sheik Zayed Road. From 1979 to 1999, the 38-story construction was also the highest building in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Although it no longer maintains this distinction, the complex is nonetheless recognised as an important historical site in the evolution of international trade in the Middle East. Considering that it is also featured on the UAE’s 100 AED banknote, its relevance to the country’s canon of experiences is quite evident.
Over 1.3 million square feet of event and show space can be found in the DWTC building, which is a mixed-use development. Private residences, such as updated condominiums and duplexes, are also available. At the World Trade Center, you may rent one of a handful available lofts. In addition, there are facilities such as a pool, jacuzzis, and accessible offices for guests with special needs.
JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS
You may now realise that symmetry isn’t often in engineers’ minds when they create some of Dubai’s most recognisable buildings. One of them is the Jumeirah Emirates Towers. The layout centres on two peaks, the greater of which is noticeably higher. The pinnacles feature an identifiable symmetrical triangle and tower each. On top of that, they are encased in copper and silver clever glass, and covered with silver aluminium boards.
The Jumeirah Emirates Towers are conveniently located on Sheik Zayed Road, right in the middle of the city’s bustling commercial district, between the DIFC Dubai and the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center. Construction on the peaks began in 1996, and the lodge opened to the public in 2000.
The design, inspired by traditional Islamic motifs, has a 309-meter hotel tower and a 355-meter business tower. The Boulevard is the connecting hub between the two.
JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS
Another well-known building in Dubai is the JW Marriott Marquis, which looks exactly like the Burj Khalifa. The hotels are situated on a seven-story platform and have 804 guest rooms. In addition to its many other amenities, including a business centre, rooftop bar, boutiques, health spa, gym, swimming bath, conference rooms, and a large function hall, the hotel also has roughly 14 different dining options. According to Archgroup Consultants, who worked on the project, the building is meant to evoke a Phoenix dactylifera.
The completion of the twin-tower building in 2012 meant that it remained the world’s highest hotel until 2018. The structure, which is 72 stories tall, looks out over Burj Khalifa and the enduring Business Bay. Not only is the hotel enormous, but it also has a world-class spa with a swimming pool and beautifully manicured grounds.
JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of the most recognisable architectural styles in all of Dubai. The building’s defining feature is its distinctive appearance. When it debuted in 1997, the building, which depicts a wave at its peak, caused quite a stir. It has a tremendous 341-foot height despite its graceful curves.
The 275-meter long, 26-story building is 104-meters tall. Moreover, the use of aluminium and blue-plated glass in its structure lends the project an eerie fluidity, somewhat unlike the crashing wave that served as inspiration for the design.
The Atkins company, which also created the Dubai Opera, was responsible for the design of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, one of many Jumeirah hotels in the city. Over 33,800 square feet of beachfront are available to guests of this property.
PRINCESS TOWER
Another past highest skyscraper in Dubai is that the Princess Tower. Developed by Tameer Holding Investment, the 414-metre residential skyscraper climbs a stunning 101 storeys and also features six basement levels. The iconic skyscraper in Dubai was accredited by the Guinness Globe Records and therefore the Council on Tall Buildings and concrete Habitats (CTBUH) since the highest structure within the world after it had been finished in 2012. While the edifice doesn’t keep the prestige, it nonetheless produces an aura of wonder.
The Princess Tower includes 763 residential units comprising duplexes, penthouses, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom flats. A check at flats in Princess Tower will provide you a considerably better understanding of attainable homes locally.
Burj Khalifa
Regarding well-known landmarks in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is unrivalled. The iconic pinnacle rises to an incredible height of 2716.5 feet, making it the highest building on Earth. Emaar Properties developed it, and it was originally called Burj Dubai. The project’s demolition work began in 2004, and the summit was opened to the public in 2010.
The ambition of His Highness Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was realised with the construction of this breathtaking skyscraper. Its location in Downtown Dubai, the city’s busiest tourist hub, further increases its value.
The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest freestanding structure, is a fantastic addition to the Emirati landscape and tourism business. Not only is it an iconic landmark, but it also serves as a personal home. Condominium residents at the Burj Khalifa have access to luxuries such a swimming pool, fitness centre, business centre, sauna, and steam rooms. At addition, tourists may do in the Burj Khalifa what they should.
THE DUBAI MALL
It would be a shame to miss The Dubai Mall on a vacation to Dubai. At 5.9 million square feet it’s one of the most essential malls within the planet. That’s big enough to fit fifty full-sized football fields! The Dubai Mall, a mega-project by Emaar Properties, was completed in 2008 and is located in Downtown Dubai next to the Burj Khalifa. Since its opening, it has become one of the city’s most popular tourist spots, drawing in an estimated 80 million people per year.
In addition to its enormous size and more than 1,300 stores, the mall is also home to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, one of the largest and most prestigious in the world. It also boasts a 250-room luxury hotel, an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink with a capaciousness of 350, two anchor department stores and over 200 F&B establishments. Additionally, there’s also a Reel Cinemas multiplex situated at the second floor – boasting 26 screens.
Our tour of Dubai’s most basic landmarks comes to a close here. If you desire to measure the high life, consider the simplest structures to rent flats in Dubai. Check out some of the extraordinary homes in Dubai for a more memorable vacation. Researching Dubai’s architectural past might provide light on the creation of the city’s iconic skyline.