You could say that Dubai's leaders have their finger on the pulse of the city's architecture with this newly-unveiled skyscraper, which incorporates the fingerprint of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, into its base. This odd detail aside, the Burj Jumeira looks set to be an impressive addition to Dubai's skyline and will be one of the world's tallest buildings once complete.
Rising to a total height of 550 m (1,804 ft), the Burj Jumeira's unusual design is inspired by the desert's shifting sand dunes and oases. Its facade will feature integrated digital displays that can be used for celebrations and it will also boast multiple observation decks offering 360-degree panoramic views of Dubai.
Towards the top of the building will be a space called The Crown that hosts a sky lounge and restaurant, as well as immersive displays for functions.
In addition to incorporating Sheikh Mohammed's fingerprint, the base of the building will be home to water fountains, retail space, and a terraced amphitheater. It's also designed to host interactive lighting and fireworks displays.
Once it's finished, the Burj Jumeira will be one of the tallest buildings in Dubai and indeed the entire world, though it's still quite a way off that other Burj, the Burj Khalifa, which reaches 829.8 m (2,723 ft). As things stand, it'll sit at 6th place in the top 10 skyscraper rankings but this will likely change in the surprisingly fast-moving world of skyscraper construction.
Construction is set to begin immediately and the first phase of the project is due to be completed by 2023. It's being developed by Dubai Holding, which is also behind the Mall of the World and the Dubai Creek Tower, though we've no word on the architect who actually designed it.
Source: Dubai Holding
Like Las Vegas :o) While hot in the Summer, the climate in Dubai is wonderful between Octomer and April but, as a modern city, airconditioning is ubiquitous. While is surrounded by sand the city is well irrigated, so generally green, and very much a ses-side city.
It is an amazing place to visit - it is very safe (as long as you behave) and, while there's very little traditional culture, there is lots to see. Malls with ski slopes and an aquarium and another with a skating rink, seaside bars (for non-Moslems) and, of course, the astonishing, beautiful, Burj Khalifa (and I speak as a Brit more at home with cottages and old pubs).
The new Burj looks great and is certainly much more attractive than many of the existing towers that look as though the architect has themed the top dozen storeys to try and give them some identity.
I don't know how accurate the projections are, but they've been correct so far... use your own judgment.