The Dubai Creek Tower would be taller than the Burj Khalifa (Image: Emaar)
A new structure that would become the world’s tallest building is closer to becoming a reality in the latest major update. Currently, the tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which stands at an impressive 2,722 feet. It is a true marvel that people from across the globe flock to see. However, these architecture enthusiasts might soon have an even bigger marvel to gawk at in this futuristic Arab city, as a property developer is set to revive the project for the Dubai Creek Tower.
A tender for the project is set to be issued within three months, according to Emaar Properties founder, Mohamed Ali Alabbar. He recently spoke at the Dubai International Project Management Forum on Wednesday and explained how the project got a new design. The megaproject was first announced before the Covid pandemic, but was soon put on pause due to revisions. He did not disclose details about its construction, but teased what people could expect from this gigantic building.
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“We built the Burj Khalifa and continue to enhance it—most recently by upgrading its lighting,” he revealed. “As Dubai reaches extraordinary heights, words are not enough. We must build something truly special. The tender for the Creek Tower will be offered in three months. We have changed the design, even though the previous one had already been announced.”
He said that it would surpass the height of the Burj Khalifa to become the world’s tallest building. However, neighbouring Saudi Arabia is planning to build the Kingdom Tower, which would also surpass the height of the Burj Khalifa.
When the Dubai Creek Tower project was first announced, it was reported that it would cost around $1 billion (around £730 million). The ambitious tower was originally designed by the Spanish-Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava, known for the Allen Lambert Galleria in Toronto and the World Trade Centre Transportation Hub in New York.
The original design for the Dubai Creek Tower (Image: Getty)
Its unique design is inspired by the Islamic architectural tradition and references minarets, a type of tower usually built on or adjacent to mosques.
Additionally, Emaar launched the Dubai Square project at Dubai Creek Harbour in late 2025. It would see residential and retail offerings being built in the area. Dubai Square Mall will be at its centre and is currently under construction.
The Dubai Creek Tower would be slim in design. Renderings show it reaching far into the sky, with support cables sticking out in four directions. It will reportedly have around 20 floors at the summit, including a luxury hotel, ten observation decks, and a sky garden.
It was announced in 2024 that construction would resume, but the design had been changed. While the tower is yet to be constructed, some parts of the Dubai Creek area have already been completed with residential and commercial units.
The Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world (Image: Getty)
Dubai has grown rapidly in the last few decades. What started as a humble pearling and fishing settlement in the 119th century is now one of the most futuristic cities in the world.
It became a regional trade hub in the 20th century, and its expansion began in the 1960s, becoming more prosperous throughout the decades that followed, especially into the 21st century.
Its growth was mainly spurred on by an oil discovery off the coast of what is now a towering city. The Burj Khalifa, the city’s most notable landmark, began construction in 2004 and was completed and open by 2010, officially becoming the world’s tallest building.