From massive shopping centers to stunning skyscrapers, the emirate of Dubai has come a long way since its humble starting as a trade hub. Architectural wonders in the city are considered nothing short of a marvel worldwide. If you want to take a look at the emirate’s growth in the construction or real estate sector, here is a list of the most famous buildings in Dubai.
Top 5 famous buildings in Dubai
For decades, most of Dubai’s buildings were low and mid-rise structures. But that changed with the discovery of oil in the 1960s. The UAE used its newfound wealth to put itself on the map as a luxury tourist destination. Now, the city is home to magnificent feats of architecture such as the first 7-star hotel – Burj Al Arab and the world’s tallest building – Burj Khalifa.
BURJ KHALIFA
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| Burj Khalifa |
Emaar’s Burj Khalifa takes the top spot for famous places in Dubai for a good reason. Rising 2,716.5 ft. above ground level, the 160-storey iconic tower is the tallest building in the world. Excavation for the project began in 2004 and the building officially opened to the public in 2010.
The skyscraper is an accurate representation of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to improve Dubai’s status as a globally acclaimed tourist destination. The fact that it’s located in Downtown Dubai, the city’s hottest tourist hub, only adds to its value.
As the tallest free-standing structure in the world, Burj Khalifa is a valuable addition to the emirate’s real estate and tourism landscape. Apart from its status as a popular landmark, it serves as a mixed-use building. Those living in Burj Khalifa’s luxury apartments have access to amenities like a swimming pool, gym facilities, sauna and steam rooms.
BURJ AL ARAB
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| Burj Al Arab |
With its unique shape, the 321-metre tall Burj Al Arab quickly became one of the city’s most recognisable buildings upon completion. Its construction officially began in 1994. It took two years to create the island that the hotel sits on and three years to build the structure itself. It is estimated that the project engaged more than 2,000 workers at most times. In addition, over 250 designers from Dubai, the US and UK were part of the master plan.
Burj Al Arab is 14 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and is almost 280 metres offshore. Guests can access it via a curving bridge that connects the standalone island to the mainland.
Its duplex suites offer astounding views of the Arabian Gulf. One of the units, the Royal Suite, features a full-sized jacuzzi, cinema room, master bathrooms and even a library. As a self-styled 7-star hotel, it certainly lives up to its name as one of the most luxurious hotels in Dubai. There are loads of things to do in the Burj Al Arab to keep guests entertained.
DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE
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| Dubai World Trade Centre |
Historically known as the Sheikh Rashid Tower, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has played a vital role in the growth of the city’s business tourism and trade since its inauguration in 1979. Located adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road in the heart of the emirate’s financial district, DWTC is a purpose-built tower meant for exhibitions and conventions.
This was also the tallest building in the UAE from 1979 to 1999. While it no longer retains this title, the complex is still seen as a monument to the expansion of international trade in the Middle East. The World Trade Centre’s importance to the country’s history is apparent considering it is also featured on the AED 100 currency note in the UAE.
The DWTC building is a mixed-use development that covers over 1.3 million sq.ft. of event and exhibition space. Additionally, it has residential properties, including serviced apartments and duplexes. There are several apartments for rent in the World Trade Centre that come with benefits like a swimming pool, jacuzzis and facilities for differently-abled guests.
ATLANTIS THE PALM
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| Atlantis The Palm |
Atlantis, The Palm is the crown jewel of Palm Jumeirah. It secured Dubai’s position as a leading resort destination when it opened back in 2008 as the first luxury hotel on the man-made archipelago. The resort’s look is based on the mythical Atlantis with a few Arabic elements visible in the architecture. Renting in Atlantis The Palm might be a bit pricy, but well worth the expense.
The famous building in Dubai features around 1,500 rooms in two accommodation wings — including the West and East Tower that are connected via the Royal Bridge Suite. Apart from lavish accommodations, the place is home to the Aquaventure Waterpark and the popular Lost Chambers Aquarium that features more than 65,000 marine species, including stingrays and sharks.
THE DUBAI MALL
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| The Dubai Mall |
Spread across 5.9 million sq.ft. – the size of more than 50 football fields, The Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world. A flagship mega-project by Emaar Properties, The Dubai Mall opened in 2008 in Downtown Dubai and is located adjacent to Burj Khalifa. It fast became the city’s most visited entertainment destinations and has an annual turnover of 80 million visitors.
Apart from its size and 1,300+ retail outlets, the mall is home to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. It also features a 250-room luxury hotel, an Olympic-sized ice rink, two anchor department stores and over 200 F&B outlets. You will also find a Reel Cinemas multiplex at the second level – featuring 26 screens.
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