Dubai continues to push the boundaries of architectural innovation with the Burj Azizi, a skyscraper that will stand as the world’s second-tallest building upon completion. While the project broke ground in January 2024, the exact height remained undisclosed until September 2024, when Azizi Developments announced that the tower would reach a staggering 725 meters (2,379 feet).
The developer had strategically planned for two possible designs—one at the initially approved height of 526 meters and another at the now-approved 725 meters. This forward-thinking approach allowed the team to keep options open during preparatory works while awaiting final approval from Dubai authorities, including the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), which oversees planning for supertall structures.
Located on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai’s World Trade Center district, the Burj Azizi will transform the city’s already impressive skyline. Though it will stand almost 340 feet shorter than the iconic Burj Khalifa (2,717 feet), which sits less than two miles away, the new tower will significantly surpass Malaysia’s Merdeka 118 (2,227 feet) to claim the global runner-up position.
This ambitious project represents more than just vertical ambition—it embodies Dubai’s ongoing commitment to architectural excellence and its position as a global destination for residents and visitors alike.
Burj Azizi Tower Specifications
Height and Structural Design
The 131-story Burj Azizi will tower at 725 meters (2,379 feet), making it substantially taller than the current second-place holder in Dubai, Marina 101, which stands at 1,394 feet. The building required extensive foundation work and piling to support its ambitious height, with additional structural modifications underway following the approval of the taller design.
Mirwais Azizi, founder and chairman of Azizi Developments, emphasized that the company maintained dual design preparations from the outset, allowing for rapid adaptation once final approval was secured. This strategic planning minimized delays and kept the project on track despite the uncertainty surrounding the final approved height.
Features and Amenities
The Burj Azizi will integrate multiple functions within its 131 floors:
- Residential apartments offering premium living spaces with panoramic city views
- All-suite «seven-star» luxury hotel providing ultra-luxury accommodations
- Seven-floor «vertical» shopping mall creating a unique retail experience
- World-class dining venues including Dubai’s highest restaurant on the 122nd floor
- Observation facilities and entertainment spaces at record-breaking heights
The mixed-use design ensures the building serves as both a residential landmark and a major tourist attraction, contributing to Dubai’s growing hospitality and retail sectors.
Records the Burj Azizi Will Break
The tower is positioned to set multiple world records upon completion:
- World’s highest hotel lobby (level 11)
- World’s highest nightclub (level 126)
- World’s highest observation deck (level 130)
- Dubai’s highest restaurant (level 122) – surpassing the Burj Khalifa’s At.mosphere restaurant
- Dubai’s highest hotel room (level 118)
These superlatives will position the Burj Azizi as a major draw for tourists seeking unique experiences and bragging rights from visiting record-breaking venues.
Comparison with Other Dubai Skyscrapers
Dubai currently boasts more towers exceeding 300 meters (984 feet) than any other city worldwide, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. The Burj Azizi adds to this impressive collection while creating clear separation from local competition:
- Burj Khalifa: 828 meters (2,716 feet) – remains the world’s tallest
- Burj Azizi: 725 meters (2,379 feet) – will be world’s second-tallest
- Marina 101: 1,394 feet – currently Dubai’s second-tallest
- Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences: Expected to reach 1,952 feet as the world’s tallest residential structure
The tower’s strategic location on Sheikh Zayed Road places it in the heart of Dubai’s World Trade Center district, ensuring high visibility and accessibility for residents, guests, and visitors.
Project Timeline and Investment
Investment in the Burj Azizi project has exceeded 6 billion dirham (approximately $1.6 billion), reflecting the scale and ambition of the development. The project follows this timeline:
- January 2024: Ground breaking ceremony
- September 2024: Final height approval and public announcement
- February 2025: Apartments scheduled to go on sale
- 2028: Anticipated completion date
The four-year construction timeline accounts for the complex engineering requirements of a supertall building, including advanced foundation work, structural systems, and the integration of multiple functions within a single tower.
Dubai’s Architectural Ambitions
The Burj Azizi represents Dubai’s continued investment in record-breaking architecture. The city has established itself as a global leader in superlative structures, including:
- The Burj Khalifa, which has held the title of world’s tallest building for over a decade
- The Ciel Tower in Dubai Marina, expected to become the world’s tallest hotel at 365 meters (1,197 feet)
- The Franck Muller Aeternitas Tower, set to become the world’s tallest residential clock tower when it opens in 2027
- One Za’abeel, which claimed the record for the world’s longest cantilever building in February 2024
Mirwais Azizi stated that his vision for the tower is «to create a lasting legacy, a tribute to Dubai as a destination of choice for both residents and visitors and a monumental achievement in engineering.»
FAQs
When will Burj Azizi be completed?
The Burj Azizi is slated for completion in 2028, with apartments expected to go on sale starting in February 2025.
How tall is the Burj Azizi?
The Burj Azizi will stand at 725 meters (2,379 feet) tall, making it the world’s second-tallest building and Dubai’s second-tallest structure after the Burj Khalifa.
What will be inside the Burj Azizi?
The 131-story tower will house residential apartments, an all-suite seven-star luxury hotel, a seven-floor vertical shopping mall, restaurants, a nightclub, and an observation deck.
How much is being invested in the Burj Azizi?
Investment in the project has surpassed 6 billion dirham, approximately $1.6 billion.
Will Burj Azizi break any world records?
Yes, the tower will set multiple records including the world’s highest hotel lobby, highest nightclub, and highest observation deck, as well as Dubai-specific records for highest restaurant and highest hotel room.
Need more specifics about Dubai’s architectural landscape or the technical details behind supertall building construction? The engineering and design innovations required for these record-breaking structures continue to evolve with each new project.
