Local developer Emaar Properties has approached consultancies for work on the Calatrava-designed high-rise tower that it plans to build at its Dubai Creek Harbour development.

The recently launched iconic tower is understood to be designed to have the world’s highest observation deck. Sources close to the scheme say the record-breaking observation deck will mean the height of the tower, which has not been disclosed, will be at least 634 metres – the height of the observation deck planned for the under-construction Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia.

The appointment of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava was approved on 6 February by Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.

In January, Emaar awarded the local Al-Basti & Muktha (ABM) a deal to build its Dubai Creek Residences at Dubai Creek Habour.

The project involves the construction of six residential towers, which will form part of The Island District.

UK-based Faithful+Gould is the programme manager for the Dubai Creek Harbour development.

The Dubai Creek Harbour at the Lagoons is Emaar’s largest scheme in the emirate. The developer says it is three times larger than its Downtown District, which is home to the world’s tallest building – the 828-metre-tall Burj Khalifa.