Travel: Towering above the rest in Dubai

Nov 25 2009 By Edward Stephens

THE eyes of the world will once again focus on Dubai on January 4 next year, as the United Arab Emirate state unveils its latest landmark and high-profile addition to its iconic skyline – Burj Dubai.

Standing at more than 818 metres tall, the whopping tower is to become the world’s tallest building.

It stands almost 200 metres ahead of its nearest completed competitor – and will prove to become yet another symbol of Dubai’s architectural pre-eminence.

With more than 160 storeys, Burj Dubai has the most floors in any building anywhere in the world.

At the heart of the Burj Dubai tower will be the world’s first Armani hotel, scheduled to open in early 2010.

Standing at over 40,000 square metres, this flagship project will include a fleet of hotel rooms and 144 luxury residences.

All exquisitely furnished with pieces from the Armani Casa range.

Near by, The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest indoor retail space with top boutiques alongside the biggest names in fashion. Ian Scott, director UK and Ireland for the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), said: “The completion of Burj Dubai represents a new era in architectural design excellence in Dubai.

“As the world’s tallest structure, it will attract tremendous attention from every corner of the globe.

“It will be the perfect platform to promote the Middle East. And also for Dubai to showcase its diversity and assert its position as one of the world’s most important tourism destinations.”