The Highest Skyscrapers in Dubai

In Dubai, nothing is made to be ordinary. In fact, the city is known for record-breakering feats, particularly with its buildings.

There’s no shortage of skyscrapers in the city! From the tallest building in the world to some of the top skyscrapers in Dubai Marina, you can find all things great in Dubai.

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best buildings the city – and the world – has ever seen:

Burj Khalifa

Website: https://www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/ 
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 88 888888
Operating hours:

• 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Sunday to Thursday)
• 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Friday to Saturday)

Price:

• AED 224 (At the Top Adult)
• AED 132 (At the Top Child/4-12 years old)
• AED 459 (At the Top SKY Adult and Child)

Burj Khalifa really needs no introduction because its height and might would speak for itself.

Soaring high above the clouds at 2,722 feet, the massive skyscraper was completed in 2009 and was officially declared by Guinness World Records as the tallest building in the world.

It also holds other records like:

• Tallest freestanding structure in the world
• The highest occupied floor and the most number of levels in a building
• The highest elevator installation and the longest travel distance for an elevator
• The highest outdoor observation deck in At the Top SKY
• The highest restaurant in the world at At.Mosphere
• The highest nightclub in the world at The Lounge

The  Dubai government commissioned Emaar Properties to build the Burj Khalifa as part of an effort to steer the city’s economy towards tourism and away from being dependent on oil.

It was the highlight of the massive Downtown Dubai mega project that would put Dubai on the global map when it comes to tourism and real estate.

The Structural Design of Burj Khalifa

Because of its height, a lot of thought and planning was put on how the Burj Khalifa would be built. It also needs to withstand the harsh desert weather and possible earthquakes.

The building’s structural design includes:

• A 3.7-meter thick reinforced concrete mat is used for the foundation along with 12,500 cubic meters of concrete
• A podium anchors the building to the ground while also providing different access points around the building: the Armani Hotel at Level 1, the Burj Khalifa Residences at Ground Level and the Corporate Suites at  the B1 and Concourse Levels.
• A “Y” shaped structure is followed by the building to help it withstand the strong wind forces in the area and make the structure more stable. 
• The spire of the building is made from more than 4,000 tons of structural steel. 
• The building has 57 elevators and 8 escalators with a fireman’s or service elevator carrying up to 5,500 kilograms.

What’s in Burj Khalifa?

Burj Khalifa is a multi-use complex that contain both residential and commercial spaces:

• Armani Hotel Dubai

Armani Hotel Dubai is the first in the world to be designed by famed fashion designer Giorgio Armani and it occupies the first eight levels of the building.

It also has suites on Levels 38 and 39 offering the best panoramic views of the city.

• Armani Residences

Armani Residences is a much-coveted address in Dubai occupying Levels 9 to 16 of the Burj Khalifa. 

Living here means getting to enjoy residences that were personally designed by Armani featuring customized pieces.

• The Residences

Occupying Levels 19 to 108 of the building, The Residences is home to the most elite of Dubai. 

It has 900 residences composed of studios, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites, and a range of amenities exclusive for residents.

• At.Mosphere

Located at Level 122, At.Mosphere is the world’s highest restaurant at over 442 meters above the ground.

This chic restaurant offers the best views of Dubai and serves an international menu curated by Executive Chef Jerome Lagarde.

• At the Top

This observation deck in the world lets you experience the height of Burj Khalifa 124 floors up. 

• Corporate Suites

Levels 112 to 154 of the building are occupied by different local and international companies.

• At theTop Burj Khalifa SKY

The highest outdoor observation deck in the world soars high at Level 148.

• The Lounge 

At 585 meters above the ground, The Lounge is the highest of its kind in the world. Here, you can enjoy some tea or drinks while admiring the views.

Marina 101

Address: Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Located on the prestigious Dubai Marina, Marina 101 is set to be the second tallest building in Dubai and the highest residential structure upon completion. 

With a 45-meter crown on top, the building is designed to tower over all the skyscrapers in the Dubai Marina skyline.

It was originally developed by Sheffield Holdings Limited to have 101 floors and stand at 427 meters high. 

Marina 101 was designed by the National Engineering Bureau and constructed by TAV Construction.

It was set to be completed in 2014. However, Sheffield backed out of the project saying that it ran out of capital 

Despite the Dubai Land Department’s efforts in continuing the project, it encountered several delays over the years. 

In 2021, the first 33 floors of the building, which was originally planned to be the Hard Rock Hotel, was put on auction for AED 271 million. 

As of March 2022, the price is at AED 129 million. Today, Marina 101 is said to be at 97% completion with a tentative opening date.

The Structural Design of Marina 101

Marina 101 was originally proposed to be a multi-level complex. Its first 30 floors were supposed to be the Hard Rock Hotel Dubai Marina, although the project was already canceled. 

The rest of the building was supposed to be allocated for 480 one- and two-bedroom apartments, 60 three-bedroom apartments and 6 penthouses. 

There was also a proposed restaurant and club lounge on the 101st floor. 

Pro tip:

While the Marina 101 is still being completed, you can explore other attractions in Dubai Marina.

Princess Tower

Website: https://propsearch.ae/dubai/princess-tower 
Address: Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 243 7388

Aptly named Princess Tower, this residential building on Dubai Marina is known for its crown-shaped dome top.

Princess Tower used to be the tallest residential building in the world at 101 floors until 2015 when 432 Park Avenue in New York took the record.

In 2014, Russian stunt climber Alexander Remnev climbed the top of the Princess Tower’s spire to take a selfie. 

At 414 meters high, the building is as tall as New York’s Empire State Building and it’s composed of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses.

The Structural Design of Princess Tower

Princess Tower was designed by Engineer Adnan Saffarini and developed by Tameer Holding Investment.

The building’s original design only included 90 levels. But the developers later realized that if they increased its height to a further 11 floors, it could break the world record at the time.

Princess Tower is also built closer to the sea than the other skyscrapers on the “Tallest Block in the World” to give residents the best sea views.

The residential complex is also fully fitted with its indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna and gym, sports and electronic games halls and its own children’s nursery.

On the 97th floor, residents also have access to a private lounge where they can enjoy the most scenic views of the city.

Pro tip:

If you want to experience what it’s like to live in Princess Tower on your vacation, you can book one of the apartments for rent in the building.

23 Marina

Website: https://www.dubaimarinaresidence.com/dubai-marina-residence-project/Dubai-Marina/23-Marina-105.html 
Address: Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 52 633 2525

Most of the highest skyscrapers in Dubai are located in Dubai Marina. At 90 storeys high, 23 Marina is another massive building in the city.

The residential complex was completed in 2012 and it stands 393 meters high with a mix of two- and three- bedroom apartments and duplex units.

The building was named after its plot number in Dubai Marina “23D”  and it’s design is inspired by modern European architecture with dominant palettes of beige, browns and whites.

23 Marina was a highly anticipated residential project, which is why 79% of its units were completely sold out even before the building was completed.

The Structural Design of 23 Marina

23 Marina was developed by Hircon International with KEO International Consultants as its architectural firm.

The building is designed in the shape of an octagon for extra stability and it’s also equipped with a Tuned Mass Damper at the top to help control vibration and wind sway.

23 Marina offers full amenities to residents including:

• 50 plunge pools, large pools and an indoor and outdoor pool at the podium level that’s separated by a glass wall.
• Three levels of fitness centers and spas exclusive for residents
• Each duplex apartment is fitted with its own heated Jacuzzi-style plunge pool on the balcony.
• The building’s elevator system was carefully planned to keep anyone from waiting for more than 45 seconds. Duplex apartments are also serviced by special elevators that can travel at 8 meters per second.
• The building’s parking area can accommodate up to 574 vehicles at a time.

Pro tip:

23 Marina is exclusive only for its residents, although some homeowners put their units for rent to travelers. You can also explore attractions nearby like the Marina Walk, The Walk JBR and JLT Park.

Elite Residence

Website: https://propsearch.ae/dubai/elite-residence 
Address: Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 457 8742

Capping off this list is another member of the “Tallest Block in the World” in the prestigious Dubai Marina.

Elite Residences stands at 380.5 meters tall and has 91 levels with units offering the best views of Palm Jumeirah and the Gulf.

The building has a distinct post-modern design and has 695 residential units with some of the most panoramic views in the city.

The Structural Design of Elite Residences

Elite Residences was designed by Engineer Adnan Saffarini and developed by Tameer Holdings.

The residential building has 91 floors with 76 levels allocated for 695 apartments and 15 levels for amenities.

Here, residents can enjoy exclusive access to a business center, fitness gym, health club, swimming pools and spas. 

12 elevators also serve the building for the convenience of all its residents. Elite Residences also offers easy access to some of the top attractions in Dubai Marina and Jumeirah.

Upon its completion in 2012, the building became the third tallest residential building in the world and the fourth tallest skyscraper in Dubai.

Pro tip:

A lot of units in Elite Residences are available for rent to holidaymakers in Dubai. Since it’s centrally located in Dubai Marina, renting a unit in the building during your trip will give you access to the city’s top attraction plus the best views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf.