Is Dubai's Burj Khalifa about to lose its crown? Abandoned skyscraper's comeback could reshape the skyline
Dubai, a city where the skyline never sleeps and architectural ambition knows no bounds, might soon witness a monumental reshuffle in its race to the heavens. For years, the towering Burj Khalifa—standing at a dizzying 830 metres—has reigned supreme as the tallest structure on Earth, symbolizing Dubai's glittering promise of wealth, imagination, and engineering marvel. But lurking in the shadows is a long-forgotten, billion-dollar contender that once aimed to shatter every record.
— XTravelMyWay (@XTravelMyWay)
The Rise, Fall, and Possible Rise Again of Dubai Creek Tower
First unveiled in 2016 with grandiose ambition and a jaw-dropping $1 billion investment, the
Dubai Creek Tower
was not just another high-rise. Designed by famed Spanish-Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava, the structure was envisioned as a 1,300-metre-high masterpiece inspired by Islamic minarets. It was to be the crown jewel of Dubai Creek Harbour—a new-age marvel with sky gardens, 10 observation decks, and a luxury hotel perched among the clouds.
It promised an experience higher, grander, and more futuristic than anything the
Burj Khalifa
offered. With its striking silhouette and poetic architectural intent, it was heralded as the future of Dubai's vertical dream.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Canada is looking for skilled immigrants - New job opportunities are waiting for you!
Canada Immigration Express
Apply Now
But by 2018, the dream began to crumble. Progress halted. The pandemic only deepened the silence around the project. By early 2019, even the construction staging areas lay abandoned—just a massive foundation pit in the desert where greatness once aimed to grow.
New Hope in a Changed Vision
Fast forward to 2024, and Emaar Properties—the developers behind the tower and the Burj Khalifa—have announced plans to revisit the dormant giant. This time, however, there's a twist. The redesign reportedly scales down the height, meaning the revised tower may no longer aim to surpass the Burj Khalifa. Official blueprints have not been made public yet, and while there's talk of renewed ambition, physical construction remains absent. In essence, the tower is alive on paper—but still asleep in reality.
You Might Also Like:
Trump Organization plans skyscraper development in Ho Chi Minh City as Eric Trump visits Vietnam
The question now gripping architecture buffs and Dubai-watchers alike: will it ever rise to challenge its older sibling, or will it remain a mirage in the city's ambitious skyline?
While the Dubai Creek Tower remains in limbo, the wider
Dubai Creek Harbour
project has quietly made progress. Residential blocks now line the banks of the historic 14-kilometre waterway, and public infrastructure has begun transforming the area into a modern urban oasis. But without its signature skyscraper, the heart of the development still beats with a question mark.
A Battle of Icons or a Legacy Left Behind?
Dubai has always sold dreams in steel and glass, and its skyline is a testament to that. Whether or not Dubai Creek Tower rises from the ashes of abandonment, its story speaks volumes about the city's relentless pursuit of architectural immortality—and the high stakes that come with it.
For now, the Burj Khalifa remains unchallenged. But in a city where anything is possible, even a sleeping titan may awaken.
You Might Also Like:
Digital detox tourism trend: Why travelers are now paying to have their phones taken away?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Did you know: THIS Bollywood star purchased Vijay Mallya's Goa pad; paid Rs 73 crore for the luxury mansion
Vijay Mallya was back in the news this past week after his team RCB picked up the IPL trophy this season. The big win coupled with nostalgia swirling, attention once again turned to the high-profile assets he once owned, particularly the villa where Goa's most opulent parties unfolded. Among the many reports that resurfaced on the internet was the sale of his sprawling mansion, the iconic Kingfisher Villa in Goa. After the businessman landed into trouble, his plush pad found a new owner in Bollywood actor and entrepreneur Sachiin Joshi . Renamed King's Mansion, the 12,350 sq. ft. sea-facing estate in Candolim was sold in 2017 for Rs 73.01 crore. Interestingly, this paycheque was significantly lower than its original reserve price of over Rs 90 crore. The off-market sale was reportedly finalised through a private treaty, sources confirmed to PTI. This was reportedly acquired after multiple failed auction attempts by banks trying to recover dues from the businessman. 'Secured creditors have the right to go for a private treaty if the auction route fails,' a person familiar with the matter told PTI. Sprawled across a lush three-acre plot, the estate includes landscaped gardens, open-air dance floors, artificial ponds, and private swimming pools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Windows Users Don't Forget To Do This Before Sunday Read More Undo 'Today is the day I open the gates to the world,' Joshi said in a statement, officially unveiling the property under its new name - King's Mansion. 'The brand connection from King's Beer and the inherent grandeur of the property made the choice clear.' Joshi, who rose to prominence through films like Azaan and Jackpot, is also a businessman with interests in alcohol, hospitality, wellness, and entertainment. His business ventures include King's Beer, a local favourite in Goa—creating a fitting brand extension in the rechristened mansion. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Panchayat officials must improve efficiency: ZP CEO
Mandya: Taluk panchayat executive officers and panchayat development officers (PDOs) must perform their duties with efficiency, discipline, and integrity—earning recognition while avoiding public complaints, said zilla panchayat chief executive officer KR Nandini. Addressing a grievance redressal meeting for PDOs at Ambedkar Bhavan, Nandini emphasised the importance of self-satisfaction in public service and noted that several PDOs in the district were recognised for their exemplary work. To further encourage performance, she announced that PDOs' health will be assessed every six months, and those demonstrating exceptional work will receive awards in the presence of their families. 17,500 register for summer camp Citing the successful registration of 17,500 children for summer camps organised across all gram panchayats in the district, Nandini attributed the achievement to effective coordination between taluk panchayat executive officers and PDOs. She underscored the need for continued teamwork to serve the public efficiently. PDOs and panchayat staff were encouraged to openly share administrative concerns. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Nandini directed that taluk panchayat executive officers should conduct monthly two-to-three-hour meetings with PDOs to listen to and resolve issues. She clarified the grievance escalation protocol: unresolved complaints at the taluk level should be forwarded to the district authorities. Additionally, PDO association office bearers have been tasked with organising regular meetings at both taluk and district levels. Nodal officers assigned to each taluk will be available every Monday and Thursday from 3 to 4pm at the district headquarters to hear public grievances. The IAS officer raised serious concerns over violations of Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) rules in gram panchayats. She instructed PDOs to strictly follow the 60:40 ratio policy in planning and ensure that financial transactions during general meetings adhere to the financial code and KTPP norms. Prashanth Babu, president of Mandya district unit of the Karnataka State Panchayat Development Officers' Welfare Association (R), Bengaluru, commended the district CEO for initiating a platform to address PDOs' challenges. He mentioned delayed salary payments across taluks.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Masula beach festival concludes on grand note in Andhra Pradesh
Vijayawada: A sea of people gathered at Manginapudi beach to spend some time there and experience various adventure water sports, on the last day of the four-day Masula beach festival. It was organised by the tourism and sports authority of AP, along with Krishna district administration. The crowd turnout was relatively high as Sunday was a holiday, and tens of thousands of people arrived to attend the beach festival and took a dip in the sea. The festival, organised after a hiatus of nearly six years, exceeded expectations, with around 12 lakh people expected to visit the beach festival over the last four days. They immersed themselves in beach volleyball, beach kabaddi, heli rides, para gliding, sea kayaking, and other water sports competitions. Aiming to develop Manginapudi Beach into a world-class beach, attract international tourists, and promote tourism, state govt organised the four-day beach festival in the coastal town of Machilipatnam from June 5 to June 8. A host of celebrities from the Telugu fraternity attended the beach festival. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo There were singers, musicians, and dancers who performed at the music concerts and dance performances organised as part of the beach festival. Additionally, the local residents recognised the huge tourism potential at Manginapudi beach, and requested govt to make the beach festival a regular affair. They urged excise minister and Machilipatnam legislator Kollu Ravindra to conduct the beach festival every year henceforth.
