Unveiling the tallest buildings in Dubai
From the iconic Burj Khalifa – the world's tallest building – to the luxurious Marina 101 and the elegant Princess Tower, each skyscraper on this list embodies excellence in modern engineering and design innovation. These marvels are true testaments to Dubai's ambition and status as a global metropolis.
The buildings that have shaped Dubai's iconic skyline, so far
Burj Khalifa
Marina 101
Princess Tower
23 Marina
Elite Residence
The Address Boulevard
Almas Tower
Gevora Hotel
Il Primo Tower
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Tower 1 & 2
Emirates Tower One
Burj Khalifa | 828 metres (2,717 feet)
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No.1 on our list of the tallest buildings in Dubai, Burj Khalifa was completed in 2010.
Fun Fact: The Burj's construction required approximately 330,000 cubic meters of concrete and 39,000 tons of steel reinforcement.
Eclipsing all skyscrapers in existence globally, the Burj Khalifa was designed by architect Adrian Smith, who drew inspiration from the locally found desert flower, Spider Lily and Islamic architecture. The Burj Khalifa's sleek, tapering form ascends gracefully into the sky, resembling a needle piercing the clouds. Boasting the world's highest outdoor observation deck, the tower attracts millions of visitors annually looking to soak in unparalleled views of Dubai's skyline and beyond.
Marina 101 | 425 metres (1,394 feet)
Marina 101 was completed in the year 2017.
Fun Fact: Marina 101 features one of the world's highest swimming pools, located on the 75th floor, approximately 349.4 meters above ground level.
Marina 101's striking design combines a sleek, contemporary aesthetic with practical considerations for maximizing views and natural light. Its steel and glass facade creates a visually captivating pattern that changes with the angle of the sun. The building's unique floor plan, with its cantilevered sections and asymmetrical layout, adds a sense of dynamism to the skyline.
Princess Tower | 413 metres (1,356 feet)
Dubai's Princess Tower was completed in the year 2012.
Fun Fact: Princess Tower held the title of the world's tallest residential building up until 2015.
The Princess Tower's slender profile and elegant proportions (topped off with a dome-like crown, of course) make it a standout among Dubai's high-rises. Its facade is adorned with intricate details inspired by traditional Arabic motifs, including geometric patterns, that add a sense of cultural richness to the contemporary skyline.
23 Marina | 392 metres (1,287 feet)
23 Marina was completed in the year 2012.
Fun Fact: 23 Marina features a sky lounge on the 89th floor, providing residents with breathtaking vistas of the city.
23 Marina is instantly recognisable, thanks to a bold geometric design. Its faceted facade catches and reflects the sunlight, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. The tower's unique shape not only adds visual interest to the Dubai skyline but also enhances its structural stability, with each facet serving as a buttress against strong winds.
Elite Residence | 380 metres (1,248 feet)
Elite Residence was completed in the year 2012.
Fun Fact: Elite Residence features breathtaking views overlooking Palm Jumeirah.
Elite Residence's retro-inspired facade stands out amidst Dubai's contemporary skyline, with its bold use of curves and angles reminiscent of mid-century architectural styles. The building's exterior features contrasting materials and colours, creating a striking visual contrast against the surrounding skyscrapers.
Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai | 370 metres (1,214 feet)
Known today as Kempinski The Boulevard in Dubai was completed in the year 2017.
Fun Fact: This building was known as the Address Boulevard Dubai up until December 2023.
Kempinski The Boulevard's sleek, minimalist design exudes understated elegance and sophistication. The building's shiny, mirror-like exterior reflects neighbouring landmarks such as The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, integrating the tower within Dubai's dazzling Downtown district.
Almas Tower | 360 metres (1,181 feet)
Almas Tower was completed in the year 2008.
Fun Fact: Almas Tower's distinctive flower-like base is made up of diamond-shaped petals.
The Arabic word almas means a diamond, and as the home of the city's most prestigious precious commodity traders, the Almas Tower doesn't disappoint. Its base – featuring diamond-shaped petals – is just one of the many unique architectural features that make it a visual landmark in Dubai's Jumeirah Lakes Towers district. Inside, it was designed to offer column-free office spaces and efficient floor layouts, while its unusually curved facade means that from a distance, the tower appears as a gleaming jewel amidst the surrounding high-rises.
Gevora Hotel | 356 metres (1,169 feet)
Gevora Hotel was completed in the year 2017.
Fun Fact: Gevora Hotel holds the Guinness World Record for being the world's tallest hotel.
The building is adorned with a lattice-like crown: a mix of contemporary geometric patterns and art-deco inspiration. This latticework not only serves as a decorative element but also provides structural support. In the day, Gevora Hotel's golden glass facade dazzles under the Dubai sun and at night, it is the shiniest thing on Sheikh Zayed Road, thanks to an over the top exterior lighting design.
Il Primo Tower | Height: 356 metres (1,168 feet)
Il Primo Tower was completed in the year 2023.
Fun Fact: Il Primo's soft curves were inspired by the shell-like profile of the Dubai Opera building.
Il Primo Tower's fluid architectural design draws inspiration from the surrounding urban context, with its soft lines and organic aesthetic reflecting the dynamic energy of the Opera District. Its prime location within the district (the Dubai Opera is just steps away) offers residents unparalleled access to world-class entertainment and cultural experiences.
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Tower 1 & 2 | 355 metres (1,166 feet)
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Towers 1 & 2 were completed in the years 2012 & 2013 respectively.
Fun Fact: JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Tower 1 features over 1,600 guest rooms, making it one of the largest hotels in the world by room count.
Inspired by the trunk of a date palm, the buildings take on a distinctive shape that echoes the natural growth patterns found on the bark of the tree. Extruding balconies add depth and texture to the facade while offering guests private outdoor spaces with sweeping views of the city.
Emirates Tower One | 355 metres (1,163 feet)
Emirates Towers were completed in the year 2000.
Fun Fact: The taller of the two buildings accommodates the private office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai.
A pair of equilateral triangles – inspired by traditional Islamic geometry – make up the angular silhouette of the Emirates Towers, a familiar sight on Dubai's skyline. The 355-metres tall office tower and its counterpart, the slightly shorter 305-metre hotel tower, are seamlessly connected by The Boulevard, a vibrant hub of luxury retail, dining, and entertainment.
This list is based on information provided by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), a leading authority on tall buildings and urban design.
