Dubai is a veritable kingdom of skyscrapers with state-of-the-art structures. In the largest city of the United Arab Emirates, there are currently almost 60 structures with a structural height of more than 250 m, and more are under construction. However, the one whose construction was officially inaugurated a few days ago will be unique. Its planned height of almost 500 m will make it the tallest residential building in the world, but that is not all. The architect’s unusual idea will make it look like a real star palace.

Visualisations of the Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences show a building that is, to the eye, completely unrealistic. The finial is to be finished with spires, decorated with illuminated glass elements in the shape of diamonds. The luminous tower, almost 500 metres high, is to be the world’s tallest residential skyscraper, surpassing Central Park Tower, a 470-metre-high apartment building in New York’s Manhattan.

An apartment building like a piece of luxury jewellery
Where did such an idea come from? The unusual project is the result of a collaboration between a Dubai-based developer and a Swiss watch and jewellery manufacturer. It is therefore intended to be a combination of functional architecture with a kind of ‘homage’ to the aesthetics of luxury gadgets. The crystal ‘crown’ at the top of the building is meant to symbolise the intricate jewellery and watchmaking preciosities created by Jacob&Co.

The most luxurious flats in the newly designed skyscraper will be penthouses, each to be named after the manufacturer’s flagship watches. There will be 104 floors in the building. In addition to the flats, there will be amenities for residents, such as an infinity pool, spa and gym. A concierge team will offer services such as security, chauffeur assistance and catering.

The apartment building will stand in Business Bay, a new district of office buildings, hotels and flat blocks. The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, measuring approximately 828 metres, is not far from the site. The first shovel on the construction site of the ‘diamond’ skyscraper was driven in on 15 November 2022.