The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for many things, especially for its towering structures and breath-taking skyline. Most of the country’s iconic skyscrapers are found in Dubai. The city is considered the tallest city in the UAE and the Middle East in terms of the number of completed buildings at least 150 meters. It’s also the fourth tallest city globally, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). In this article, we rank 10 of the UAE’s tallest buildings.
Burj Khalifa
- Dubai
- Around 828 meters
Stretching into the skies above Dubai, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. It stands more than twice the height of the Empire State Building and nearly three times the size of the Eiffel Tower. Encompassing 163 floors, the structure is multi-purpose – it has offices, residential units, dining and recreational facilities, observation decks and a hotel.
The building is named after the second president of the United Arab Emirates Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It was first built in January 2004 and was completed in January 2010. Its exterior has 26,000 hand-cut glass panels, and over 12,000 people worked on the construction.
Marina 101
- Dubai
- Around 425 meters
Dubai Marina is a bustling district in Dubai. Among the many skyscrapers there, Marina 101 is a beautiful architectural standout. The number in its name refers to the number of floors it has. The tower’s 101 floors are a blend of hotel and residential spaces. An observation lobby and a restaurant occupy the topmost floor.
Apart from its height, Marina 101 is distinct for its art-deco-inspired architecture, featuring two-tone aluminum cladding and double-glazed windows. The building’s crown is a striking assembly of sky-blue, angular aluminum panels that meet at a four-point pinnacle.
Princess Tower
- Dubai
- Around 413 meters
Another 101-story building located in Dubai Marina, Princess Tower was once the tallest residential tower in the world (the current title holder is Central Park Tower in Midtown Manhattan, New York City).
Princess Tower features over 700 residential units, ranging from 1- to 3-bedroom apartments to luxurious 3- to 5-bedroom penthouses. It boasts a broad array of amenities. These include a gym, pool, spa, sauna, steam room, play and games rooms and event space, along with essential services like a supermarket, salon and restaurants. Its 97th-floor observation deck provides stunning views of the Dubai skyline, the marina, and the Arabian Gulf.
23 Marina
- Dubai
- Around 393 meters
Also located in the Dubai Marina district, 23 Marina has about 90 floors. The residential building got its name from its plot number, 23D. It houses nearly 300 residential units — including 48 duplexes with private elevators and balconies featuring heated Jacuzzi-style plunge pools.
Amenities in 23 Marina include three levels of spas and fitness centers, as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The property sits next to a metro station and the Emirates Golf Club. It also offers its residents unparalleled views of the marina, the Dubai International Marine Club, Sheik Zayed Road, Dubai Media City and the iconic Dubai skyline.
Burj Mohammed bin Rashid
- Abu Dhabi
- Around 381 meters
Burj Mohammed bin Rashid, a residential structure named after the UAE’s prime minister, is one of the UAE’s tallest buildings. Located in the famous corniche area, it’s the tallest in the capital city of Abu Dhabi.
Soaring 92 stories, it is a central feature of the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi complex, distinguishing itself as the taller of two towers within this large mixed-use, center-city development. This iconic tower offers 474 luxury residential units ranging from 1- to 4-bedroom apartments to 4-bed penthouses. Residents here also enjoy premium amenities, including a gym and an indoor garden on the 90th floor.
Read: Upcoming infrastructure projects transforming the UAE in 2024
Elite Residence
- Dubai
- Around 381 meters
Further cementing Dubai Marina’s reputation as a premier neighborhood is Elite Residence. The tower stands at nearly 381 meters and has over 90 stories. It has 695 luxurious apartments with views of Palm Jumeirah and Barasti Beach.
This purely residential skyscraper dedicates 76 floors to living spaces and the rest to amenities, including pools, a business center, restaurants and supermarkets. Situated next to Princess Towers, this superstructure — attracting the elites of Dubai — was completed in 2012.
Address Boulevard
- Dubai
- Around 370 meters
Towering around 370 meters, Address Boulevard is an architectural gem in Downtown Dubai. It has over 73 floors combining luxury and convenience, courtesy of nearly 200 five-star hotel rooms and over 520 serviced residences.
One of its best advantages is its location, as it’s near Burj Khalifa and other key attractions. These include the Dubai Mall and The Opera District. It also offers stunning views of Dubai’s iconic skyline, including The Dubai Fountain. Operated by The Address Hotels + Resorts, the tower features two spires and provides direct access to the Dubai Metro through an enclosed walkway, making it even more appealing to residents and guests.
Almas Tower
- Dubai
- Around 360 meters
Before Burj Khalifa’s completion, Almas Tower was Dubai’s tallest building. Situated in the Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) free zone, it offers office spaces and is still one of the most distinct among the UAE’s tallest buildings. It’s home to notable gem-related businesses. These include the Dubai Diamond Exchange and Dubai Pearl Exchange. Almas Tower’s design, both its interior and exterior, is inspired by the precious commodities it houses.
The building also features the Almas Conference Center, which can accommodate 500 delegates. Almas Tower boasts high occupancy rates, making it ideal for business investors.
Gevora Hotel
- Dubai
- Around 356 meters
At 356 meters, the Gevora Hotel is the world’s tallest hotel. It sits along the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai’s financial district. The hotel features nearly 530 rooms alongside restaurants, a café and a pool lounge. It also offers direct metro access for easy travel throughout Dubai.
Originally intended to include residential spaces, it now exclusively serves as a hotel. It’s noted for its simple, classic design, which features sunlight-enhancing windows and distinctive gold-colored facade elements culminating in a pyramidal crown.
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Towers 1 and 2
- Dubai
- Around 355 meters
The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Towers 1 and 2 are the twin towers that comprise the second tallest hotel in the world.
Perched above Dubai’s business district on Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel is a distinguished 5-star luxury destination in the Business Bay area. Apart from well-appointed rooms, it features a wide array of facilities, including top-tier event and business amenities, various bars and restaurants, and a luxurious spa and health club. The podium level houses public spaces, dining options, a banquet hall and support areas.
Final thoughts
With more structures underway, the list of the UAE’s tallest buildings is poised to change. For example, the Il Primo, a luxury skyscraper near Dubai Opera, is under construction. Meanwhile, Ciel Tower in Dubai Marina will be the world’s tallest hotel at 365 meters. Additionally, Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences, which is planned to soar around 595 meters, is on its way to becoming the tallest residential building globally.
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