Dubai has officially confirmed the $1bn tower it plans to build at the Dubai Creek Harbour development will be the world’s tallest tower when it is completed in 2020.

The final height has not been disclosed. To become the world’s tallest tower it will have to be more than 1,008 metres in height. The world’s tallest building at present is Burj Khalifa, which is 828 metres tall. It is due to be surpassed by 2020 by the 1,008-metre-tall Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia.

UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum unveiled the project name, The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, at a groundbreaking ceremony on 10 October.

With the groundbreaking ceremony complete, work on the substructure is due to start, with France’s Soletanche Bachy as the contractor.

Once work on the substructure is complete, progress can be made on the superstructure, which comprises three key elements. They are: a concrete core, a steel frame structure on top of the concrete core, and cables descending down from near the top of the tower to the ground.

Contractors are preparing to submit bids in late October for the deal to build the susperstructure. Firms invited to submit bids include:

• Arabian Construction Company (ACC; Lebanon)
• Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC; Lebanon)
• Dutco Balfour Beatty (local/UK)
• Six Construct (local)
• Tishman (US)

The tender process is being fast-tracked and an award is scheduled to be made in December.

The tower is designed by Spanish/Swiss architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava Valls. Calatrava is working with the local office of Aurecon as the consultant, supported by the UK’s RMJM. The project manager for the tower is US-based Parsons.

Emaar says that with no similar super-tall structures in the world, it has undertaken a completely new approach to wind engineering and seismic tests, which have already been completed. The firm adds that every aspect of the tower, from the choice of materials to the technology being deployed in its construction, is designed to the highest international standards of safety.

At the top of the tower will be The Pinnacle Room, opening to views of the city, as well as several VIP observation garden decks. The tower will also have dynamic illumination and movement lighting to enhance its status as a visual landmark during the day and night.

The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour is the centerpiece of the 6-square-kilometre Dubai Creek Harbour development in the Ras al-Khor area on the bank of Dubai Creek. The scheme is being developed by a joint venture of Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding. The UK’s Faithful+Gould is the programme manager for the development.