'A signal to the world': New details emerge about Calatrava's US$1bn Dubai tower
Santiago Calatrava’s futuristic tower design for Dubai will ‘be a notch taller’ than the Burj Khalifa, according to its developer Emaar Properties.
The real estate giant hosted an event in the city on Sunday (10 April) to officially unveil the project, now named as ‘The Tower’, two months after Calatrava was named as the winner of an international design project for the commission.
According to reports in Dubai, the structure will be built at a cost of US$1bn (€878.7m, £705.8m), exceed 828m (2,700ft) in height and form a spire supported by an intricate network of cables.
The Tower will serve as an observation deck with rotating balconies and elevated landscaping inspired by the mythical hanging gardens of Babylon. According to Calatrava, the design is inspired by Islamic architecture fused with modern, sustainable design.
It will be located in Emaar’s Dubai Creek Harbour development, a planned 6sq km mini-metropolis with 22 hotels, a retail precinct, a yacht club, cultural amenities, educational facilities, thousands of new homes and “the tallest twin towers in the world.” Calatrava’s building is visualised as the Creek’s centrepiece, and is scheduled to open by the time Dubai hosts the World Expo in 2020.
Emaar chair Mohamed Alabbar said: “The Tower in Dubai Creek Harbour is our tribute to the positivity, energy and optimism that Dubai and the UAE celebrate, led by a leadership committed to all-around progress,” adding in a promotional video that the project is “a tower and a monument that adds value to the world with absolute elegance, technology, engineering beauty day and night.”
Calatrava said: “The project is inspired by the idea of welcoming people and sending a signal to the whole world. It is our ambition to create infrastructures that facilitate the everyday life of the people, who will use The Tower as the centre of a new city.
“It will be a combination of geometry, mathematics and a deep sense of understanding of architecture in a most classical way. It will use the most advanced technologies, using technology as a vehicle to beauty and art.”
The Tower is the latest high-profile, big budget project won by Calatrava, whose World Trade Center Transportation Hub in New York and Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro have both recently opened.
Santiago Calatrava Dubai The Tower Emaar Properties Burj Khalifa architecture design![The Tower will be 'a notch' taller than the world's highest building, the Burj Khalifa / AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili The Tower will be 'a notch' taller than the world's highest building, the Burj Khalifa / AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/HIGH9645_925416.jpg)
![The Tower is the latest high-profile, big budget project to be designed by Calatrava / AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili The Tower is the latest high-profile, big budget project to be designed by Calatrava / AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/HIGH9644_922114.jpg)
![The project has been described as a monument for Dubai and 'a signal to the world' / Emaar Properties The project has been described as a monument for Dubai and 'a signal to the world' / Emaar Properties](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/HIGH9647_157848.jpg)
![Advanced technology will be used to realise the structure, which is supported by a network of cables / Emaar Properties Advanced technology will be used to realise the structure, which is supported by a network of cables / Emaar Properties](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/HIGH9651_139381.jpg)
![According to Calatrava, The Tower is inspired by Islamic architecture fused with modern, sustainable design
/ Emaar Properties According to Calatrava, The Tower is inspired by Islamic architecture fused with modern, sustainable design
/ Emaar Properties](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/HIGH9652_303795.jpg)
![The Tower will be the crentrepiece of Emaar’s Dubai Creek Harbour development, a planned 6sq km mini-metropolis / Emaar Properties The Tower will be the crentrepiece of Emaar’s Dubai Creek Harbour development, a planned 6sq km mini-metropolis / Emaar Properties](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/HIGH9648_518042.jpg)
![An elevated garden will evoke the Hanging Gardens of babylon / Emaar Properties An elevated garden will evoke the Hanging Gardens of babylon / Emaar Properties](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/HIGH9650_168535.jpg)
![The building is expected to open in 2020 to coincide with Dubai's hosting of the World Expo / Emaar Properties The building is expected to open in 2020 to coincide with Dubai's hosting of the World Expo / Emaar Properties](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/HIGH9649_317518.jpg)
![Emaar, who previously built the Burj Khalifa, are determined to put Dubai on the map for its ambitious projects / Emaar Properties Emaar, who previously built the Burj Khalifa, are determined to put Dubai on the map for its ambitious projects / Emaar Properties](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/9646_20552.jpg)
Santiago Calatrava's World Trade Center Hub opens in New York
'As great as the Burj Khalifa': Santiago Calatrava wins contract for futuristic Dubai tower
Santiago Calatrava's Museum of Tomorrow opens in Rio
'True artist' Calatrava awarded European Prize for Architecture in New York
Dubai Opera cultural hub by Atkins seeks to rival Sydney Opera House
Emaar unveils wellness retreat The Burj Club in Downtown Dubai
Plans for record breaking Twin Towers revealed in Dubai
Emaar to open luxury hotel in Dubai
Arts and opera district planned for Dubai
At.mosphere restaurant opens at Burj Khalifa
Armani hotel and spa opens in Dubai
Global rollout for Emaar’s new brand
![Santiago Calatrava has said The Tower will be 'a combination of geometry, mathematics and a deep sense of understanding of architecture in a most classical way' / AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili Santiago Calatrava has said The Tower will be 'a combination of geometry, mathematics and a deep sense of understanding of architecture in a most classical way' / AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB9643_570043.jpg)
![The new resort will be constructed in Magna, one of the five regions within the Neom giga-project / Equinox Hotels The new resort will be constructed in Magna, one of the five regions within the Neom giga-project / Equinox Hotels](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353630_62059_888960.jpg)
Equinox Hotels to launch futuristic wellbeing resort in Neom's luxury coastal region
![La Maviglia is owned by Ultimate Collection, a Swiss-based development company / La Maviglia La Maviglia is owned by Ultimate Collection, a Swiss-based development company / La Maviglia](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353614_883337_602129.jpg)
La Maviglia resort and medi-spa launching in Puglia in 2027, designed by Oppenheim Architecture
![<i>Vogue</i> will be updating the Global Spa Guide on an annual basis / Mark Anthony Fox <i>Vogue</i> will be updating the Global Spa Guide on an annual basis / Mark Anthony Fox](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353474_302327_308310.jpg)
Vogue launches first Global Spa Guide – picks 100 of the world’s best spas
![Okinawa has some of the highest life expectancy rates in the world / Halekulani Okinawa Okinawa has some of the highest life expectancy rates in the world / Halekulani Okinawa](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353441_374127_63861.jpg)
Japan's first Blue Zones longevity retreat to launch at Halekulani Okinawa
![Staff at Women's Gym have been trained in female health / Total Fitness Staff at Women's Gym have been trained in female health / Total Fitness](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353401_651305_938584.jpg)
Total Fitness to launch purpose-built Women’s Gym
![Ameyalli is set to become a Ameyalli is set to become a](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353383_853999_207904.jpg)
Deepak Chopra-backed wellness resort Ameyalli to open among historic Utah hot springs
![Life Time Group Holdings develops residences as well as country clubs / Life Time Group Holdings Life Time Group Holdings develops residences as well as country clubs / Life Time Group Holdings](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353320_853183_276818.jpg)
Life Time Group Holdings does US$40 million sale and leaseback deal to fund growth
![The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Maraey will feature 58 villas, designed to offer privacy and impressive vistas of the ocean and surrounding Atlantic Forest ecosystem / Marriott The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Maraey will feature 58 villas, designed to offer privacy and impressive vistas of the ocean and surrounding Atlantic Forest ecosystem / Marriott](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353273_404980_331768.jpg)
Ritz-Carlton Reserve to land in South America with tropical retreat in Rio de Janeiro
![The new Banyan Tree destination will open on a 750-acre property on Rockwell Island which is located 48 nautical miles east of Miami / Recent Spaces The new Banyan Tree destination will open on a 750-acre property on Rockwell Island which is located 48 nautical miles east of Miami / Recent Spaces](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353319_508894_607269.jpg)
Banyan Tree to debut in Caribbean with Oppenheim-designed island retreat
![The new hotel will mark Mandarin Oriental’s second site in London, with a third property due to open in 2028 / Mandarin Oriental The new hotel will mark Mandarin Oriental’s second site in London, with a third property due to open in 2028 / Mandarin Oriental](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353312_250269_555179.jpg)
Mandarin Oriental’s new London hotel and urban spa retreat opening 3 June
![Focused on thermal experiences and wet areas, the publication was sponsored by Accor and Hilton / Shutterstock/PH888 Focused on thermal experiences and wet areas, the publication was sponsored by Accor and Hilton / Shutterstock/PH888](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353303_579850_639654.jpg)
GWI unveils latest edition of Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards to elevate industry practices
![With Hyperia, Merlin Entertainments has invested in the tallest, fastest coaster in the UK / Merlin Entertainments With Hyperia, Merlin Entertainments has invested in the tallest, fastest coaster in the UK / Merlin Entertainments](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353291_520886_805831.jpg)
Merlin unveils record-breaking Hyperia coaster at Thorpe Park
![Inspired by the Sonoran Desert, the project is a public-private partnership between Pima County and the Erman brothers’ hospitality development company, Infinite Concepts / Shutterstock/Brent Coulter Inspired by the Sonoran Desert, the project is a public-private partnership between Pima County and the Erman brothers’ hospitality development company, Infinite Concepts / Shutterstock/Brent Coulter](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353272_852222_343038.jpg)
Connection, creativity and nature inspire Arizona’s upcoming desert wellness sanctuary Align
![Established operators like SHA Wellness are making substantial investments in wellness real estate – the group’s upcoming Emirates outpost will feature a large real estate component with 150 residences and 120 suites / SHA Wellness Established operators like SHA Wellness are making substantial investments in wellness real estate – the group’s upcoming Emirates outpost will feature a large real estate component with 150 residences and 120 suites / SHA Wellness](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353237_656636_774240.jpg)
Wellness real estate market booming – forecast to reach $913bn by 2028, reports GWI
![The new facility represents Dior's fifth global spa and joins its portfolio of branded wellness destinations in France and Morocco / Dorchester Collection The new facility represents Dior's fifth global spa and joins its portfolio of branded wellness destinations in France and Morocco / Dorchester Collection](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353087_217202_51713.jpg)
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
![Europe's first Evian Spa has opened at The Hôtel Royal, a five-star hotel located at the Evian Resort on the shores of Lake Geneva / Grégoire Gardette Europe's first Evian Spa has opened at The Hôtel Royal, a five-star hotel located at the Evian Resort on the shores of Lake Geneva / Grégoire Gardette](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353000_63020_184996.jpg)
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
![The Health Resort is situated around 180km from Shanghai West in a secluded nature haven with views of mountain ranges, lakes and lush hillside tea farms / Clinique La Prairie The Health Resort is situated around 180km from Shanghai West in a secluded nature haven with views of mountain ranges, lakes and lush hillside tea farms / Clinique La Prairie](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352978_189491_463426.jpg)
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
![GoCo Health Innovation City is already on-site / Copyright: Semrén + Månsson GoCo Health Innovation City is already on-site / Copyright: Semrén + Månsson](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352968_235299_235120.jpg)
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
![Four Seasons has promised wellness will be a central pillar at the upcoming resort / Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Four Seasons has promised wellness will be a central pillar at the upcoming resort / Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352928_173701_285534.jpg)
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
![Janu Tokyo is home to 4,000sq m of spa and wellness facilities designed to foster connection among guests / Aman Group Janu Tokyo is home to 4,000sq m of spa and wellness facilities designed to foster connection among guests / Aman Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352879_963687_24541.jpg)
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
![Terme Bjelovar will feature a combination of wellness and leisure facilities / Terme Bjelovar Terme Bjelovar will feature a combination of wellness and leisure facilities / Terme Bjelovar](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352828_439021_221899.jpg)
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
![A rendering of Santani, Jabal Shams / Santani Wellness Resorts/Omra Group A rendering of Santani, Jabal Shams / Santani Wellness Resorts/Omra Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352818_952381_796315.jpg)
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
![The sky high infinity pool / Kerzner International The sky high infinity pool / Kerzner International](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352790_952033_494258.jpg)
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
![Ritz-Carlton, Portland has been realised inside a 460ft crystalline tower created by GBD Architects / Ritz Carlton Hotels Ritz-Carlton, Portland has been realised inside a 460ft crystalline tower created by GBD Architects / Ritz Carlton Hotels](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352675_858615_747220.jpg)
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
![The Emory Hotel will feature a private members club called Surrenne / Maybourne/RSHP/Google The Emory Hotel will feature a private members club called Surrenne / Maybourne/RSHP/Google](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352640_564217_450366.png)
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
![Cunnamulla Hot Springs' programming is anchored by self-guided wellness experiences / Peninsula Hot Springs Cunnamulla Hot Springs' programming is anchored by self-guided wellness experiences / Peninsula Hot Springs](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352645_476299_726112.jpg)
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
![The programme has launched with 25 global pilot participants, with projects in 10 countries / Shutterstock/LightField Studios The programme has launched with 25 global pilot participants, with projects in 10 countries / Shutterstock/LightField Studios](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352639_655076_803947.jpg)
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
![The spa is complete with a 12,000sq ft Water Garden surrounded by lush tropical flora and fauna / Conrad Orlando The spa is complete with a 12,000sq ft Water Garden surrounded by lush tropical flora and fauna / Conrad Orlando](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352633_265705_625231.jpg)
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
![Studio A+ designed the hotel with a Zen-inspired orange glass pavilion suspended over water / Archi-translator Studio A+ designed the hotel with a Zen-inspired orange glass pavilion suspended over water / Archi-translator](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352629_690884_979904.jpg)
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
![The e-sports arena will have haptic seats and immersive screens / Populous The e-sports arena will have haptic seats and immersive screens / Populous](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352623_421727_382626.jpg)
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
How Portugal’s biggest brewer enlisted the help of one of the country’s best known architects to turn two historic nature parks into thermal spa and nature destinations