by Ashas Bukhari
Who Is Behind Dubai’s Iconic Landmarks? Meet the Real Estate Developers. Part 1
24 Apr 2024
Burj Khalifa – Built By Emaar
Unless you have been living inside a sandworm, you have probably heard of the Burj Khalifa. And if you have not, well then, we hope you like the taste of spice melange.
Named in honour of the leader of the neighbouring state of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed Al Nahyan, Burj Khalifa, or Khalifa Tower pays homage to the former president of the UAE like no other monument. Built by real estate developer Emaar, when this behemoth of a tower strutted onto Dubai’s skyline on January 4, 2010, it was not quite ready to show off every nook and cranny inside. Designed to be a melting pot for all things commercial, residential, and hospitality, this towering marvel — whose actual height was a closely guarded secret until the grand reveal — finally stood tall at 163 floors, reaching a staggering height of 2,717 feet (828 meters). The brainchild of the Chicago-based architectural wizards at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, with Adrian Smith leading the charge as the architect and William F. Baker as the structural engineer.
Photo: Nick Fewings
Now, let us talk shape! Picture a massive flower with three petals — that is the inspiration for this tower's layout, mirroring the local Hymenocallis flower in a quirky, abstract way. The tower's clever Y-shaped design is not just for show; it is a secret weapon against those pesky wind forces. A hexagonal core provides the backbone, while a series of wings spread out, each with its own concrete core and columns. As the tower climbs higher, the wings do a graceful spiral dance, shifting the building's shape with each twist to tame the wind's fury.
At the tippy-top, a spire steals the spotlight, standing tall at over seven hundred feet (two hundred meters). And guess what? It was not airlifted in — it was actually built inside the tower and hoisted up with a hydraulic pump. Now, let us talk foundation: a beefy reinforced concrete mat, nearly 13 feet (4 meters) thick, plays superhero, supported by hefty concrete piles 5 feet (1.5 meters) in diameter. And let us not forget the ground-level grandeur — a three-story podium and a two-story basement, a whopping two million square feet (186,000 square meters) of pure architectural prowess.
Photo: Macky Mendenilla
But wait, there is more! The tower's skin is a sleek combo of aluminium, stainless steel, and over 28,000 hand-cut glass panels, giving it that unmistakable shine. And for the cherry on top, there is a public observation deck called "At the Top" on the 124th floor — because what is a skyscraper without a bird's-eye view?
Who is Emaar?
Emaar stands out as the preeminent real estate developer in Dubai, a name synonymous with innovation and excellence in the industry. Their portfolio includes iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, defining the skyline of Downtown Dubai and setting the bar high for other real estate developers in Dubai. With an unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Emaar has earned its place as a trailblazer among real estate developers in Dubai.
As the mastermind behind some of the city's most sought-after neighbourhoods, Emaar has woven its magic into the fabric of Dubai's urban tapestry. Other real estate projects by Emaar include:
— Arabian Ranches
— Dubai Marina
— The Springs
— Dubai Hills Estate
— The Greens
— The Meadows
— The Lakes
— Creek Harbour
Each community bears Emaar's signature touch, characterized by a seamless fusion of modernity and traditional Arabic design elements. Their dedication to crafting cohesive architectural themes ensures that every project is a masterpiece in its own right.
In 2023, Emaar continues to shape the city's future with the announcement and development of exciting new communities like The Valley, Emaar Beachfront, and Emaar South, promising even more innovation and luxury for residents and investors alike. When it comes to real estate development in Dubai, Emaar is the name that sets the standard.
Palm Jumeirah – Built By Nakheel
Welcome to Palm Jumeirah, the ultimate blend of luxury and innovation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates — a mesmerizing oasis nestled amidst the glistening waters. Picture this: from high above, it is like spotting a palm tree in the midst of a vast circle — an architectural wonder crafted by human hands in the early 21st century, fuelled by Dubai's thriving petroleum revenue.
Now, let us dive into the heart of Palm Jumeirah. Imagine it as a living organism, with its trunk, spine, fronds, and crescent all playing a vital role. The trunk, your gateway to paradise, connects you to the mainland via a charming bridge. Another bridge leads you to the spine, a slender central axis from which seventeen fronds extend, each one a sanctuary of its own. And then there is the crescent, a protective embrace encircling this paradise, its three sections ensuring the gentle flow of seawater.
Photo: Thomas Haas
But here is the fun part: getting around! Hop on the monorail, a futuristic ride spanning about three miles (4.8 km) from mainland to crescent, zooming through spine and trunk. The crescent, a staggering 650 feet (two hundred meters) wide and stretching over 10.5 miles (17 km) in total length, offers a slice of heaven on earth, with at least 1,380 acres (560 hectares) of new land created for your pleasure.
Now, who is the mastermind behind this architectural marvel? None other than Nakheel, a real estate company now owned by Dubai's government, with the strategy crafted by the ingenious minds at Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock, an American architectural firm. They moulded islets from sand dredged from the Persian Gulf, while the crescent's seaward side got a sturdy shield of stones and boulders from the mainland.
Fast forward to 2007, and voila! The first residents moved in, ready to call this paradise home. Apartments, retail hubs, and a sprinkling of hotels grace the trunk, while villas line the fronds, beckoning you to a life of elegance and comfort. As for the crescent? It is where dreams come true, hosting most of the luxurious hotels and resorts.
Photo: Christoph Schulz
But wait, there is more! Palm Jumeirah was just the beginning of Dubai's grand vision. Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira were set to follow in its footsteps, but economic uncertainties put those dreams on hold. And then there is the World — an ambitious project of artificial islands resembling a map of the world, still waiting for its grand unveiling.
So, whether you are craving a slice of paradise or simply seeking adventure, Palm Jumeirah invites you to experience a world where luxury knows no bounds and dreams take flight on the shimmering waters of Dubai.
Who is Nakheel?
Nakheel, one of the leading real estate developers in Dubai, has carved a niche for itself with its trailblazing projects across the UAE. Among its stellar creations, Palm Jumeirah stands out as a global icon — a breathtaking man-made island community adorned with pristine beaches, opulent apartments, and luxurious villas, all anchored by the Nakheel Mall.
But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Nakheel's prowess extends beyond Palm Jumeirah to encompass a spectrum of remarkable residential communities. Their other real estate projects include:
— Jumeirah Islands
— Jumeirah Park
— Jumeirah Village Triangle
— Jumeirah Village Circle
Now, brace yourself for the next chapter in luxury living — Palm Jebel Ali's grand re-launch. As Nakheel's flagship project, it promises to set a new global standard for waterfront living, boasting verdant green spaces, state-of-the-art smart city technologies, and a plethora of upscale lifestyle amenities.
With a diverse portfolio spanning residential, retail, and leisure developments, Nakheel continues to lead the charge in creating distinctive and sustainable communities. Their vision transcends mere construction; they are architects of cities where every citizen, resident, and visitor can thrive.
And the excitement does not end there. Nakheel's latest launches, including Greenwood, Como Residences, Palm Beach Towers & Rixos Hotels & Residences, and Dubai Islands, are poised to redefine luxury living in Dubai, offering unparalleled experiences for those seeking the epitome of sophistication and comfort. When it comes to real estate development in Dubai, Nakheel is the name you can trust for innovation, excellence, and unparalleled luxury.
Dubai Frame – Built By Dubai!
Ever wondered what sparked the idea for the Dubai Frame? It was inspired by the concept of bridging the past, present, and future into one magnificent structure! The mastermind behind it all, Fernando Donis, envisioned a symbol that captures Dubai's remarkable journey from a humble fishing village to the bustling metropolis it is today. So, when you gaze upon the Dubai Frame, you are not just looking at steel and glass; you are witnessing the evolution of a city, woven into every gleaming beam and intricate detail.
Now, let us talk about the showstopper of the Dubai Frame — the jaw-dropping glass walkway soaring high at 150 meters on the Sky Deck. Beyond its impressive engineering feat with super-reinforced glass panels, this walkway introduces a groundbreaking innovation — pressure-sensitive liquid crystal technology. With each step, the glass beneath transitions seamlessly from opaque to transparent, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.
Photo: Chris Yang
But let us delve into the logistics. Did you know that the Sky Deck was not built in situ? Instead, it was assembled on the ground before being lifted as one unit to the top of the two side towers. This meticulous process, executed by four powerful hydraulic lifts, took several days to complete, ensuring the structure's stability and safety.
In addition to its engineering marvels, the Dubai Frame boasts some impressive statistics. The Sky Deck's glass floor spans 116 square meters, comprising advanced glass panels, while a staggering 2,000 tonnes of steel were utilized in its construction — underscoring the solidity and reliability of this architectural wonder.
Photo: Reinhart Julian
Now, let us talk views. Whether you are admiring the Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Road's skyline to the south or taking in the sights of Dubai Creek and Deira to the north, the vistas from the Dubai Frame are truly unparalleled. And if you time your visit just right, you might catch a breathtaking firework display from one of the city's prime viewing spots.
But do not rush to the top just yet. Take some time to explore the surrounding area, set within the expansive Zabeel Park. From snapping that iconic selfie to strolling through the lush greenery and sampling delectable treats from nearby food trucks, there is plenty to discover both above and below at the Dubai Frame.
The Dubai Municipality – You Know Who They Are!
Dubai Municipality serves as the backbone of Dubai's urban life, taking care of city services and maintaining facilities across the Emirate. Directly under the Dubai Executive Council's wing, this dynamic agency is led by Director-General Eng. Dawood Abdul Rahman Al Hajiri since 2018.
Back in 1954, Dubai's visionary Crown Prince, Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, laid the groundwork for this essential organization. Fast forward to the digital age, and Dubai Municipality launched an e-government project in 2001, making forty city services conveniently available online.
The Dubai Municipality operates through two primary sectors — the Corporate Support Service Sector and the Planning and Governance Sector — each overseen by Chief Executive Officers who answer to the Director-General. Additionally, it boasts four separate agencies, each under the guidance of directors, managing their own departments and responsibilities.
While the Dubai Municipality plays a crucial role in urban development, it collaborates closely with real estate developers in Dubai to ensure sustainable growth and efficient city services for residents and visitors alike.
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