Dubai is a step ahead in terms of architectural innovation, and its skyline is the only proof we need. With limited land available for development, Dubai opted to grow vertically, resulting in its numerous skyscrapers. Dubai is home to over 250 skyscrapers, ranking among the world’s leading cities with the highest number of skyscrapers. Moreover, each of these buildings is an icon in its own right, celebrated for its unique and innovative design. These buildings house hotels, residential buildings, corporate offices, and fine dining restaurants. And what’s more? Several of the skyscrapers here are world-record holders as well. Here you will learn about the tallest buildings in Dubai and what makes them iconic.
1. Burj Khalifa
Height: 828 meters
Floors: 163
Year: 2010
No list of the tallest buildings in Dubai can be complete without mentioning Burj Khalifa. Towering over all the other skyscrapers in the city, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building not just in Dubai or the UAE but in the entire world. Located in Downtown Dubai, adjacent to the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa features luxury hotels, classy residential apartments, stylish corporate houses, and popular fine dining restaurants. The most visited here are the observation decks, one located on the 124th and 125th floors and the other on the 148th floor. You need to get Burj Khalifa tickets to get entry into the observation decks.
2. Marina 101
Image Credit : alshirawiinteriors.com
Height: 425 meters
Floors: 101
Year: 2017
Located in Dubai Marina, Marina 101 is the second-tallest building in the city. Apart from its height, what adds to its beauty is the unique glass-covered crown that makes it stand out among all the other skyscrapers. The Hard Rock Hotel occupies the lower part of the building, while one- and two-bedroom apartments occupy the middle part of Marina 101. The upper floors include three-bedroom apartments and penthouses. The specialty of this building is that it is home to the highest swimming pool in the world, perched at a height of 349.4 meters (75th floor). Every apartment in Marina 101 gives you uninterrupted views of Dubai Marina.
3. Princess Tower
Height: 414 meters
Floors: 101 (and 6 basements)
Year: 2012
The third-tallest building in Dubai is also another member of Dubai Marina. The Princess Tower is a residential building and one of the tallest residential buildings in the world. The dome-shaped crown and other Arabic motifs are how you can identify this massive building among the other skyscrapers in Dubai Marina. The first six levels of the building are dedicated to parking, while the rest are residential apartments. Princess Tower has 763 apartment units, including penthouses, duplexes, and one- and three- bedroom apartments. Apart from this, it features all the modern amenities like swimming pools, gymnasium, a kids’ play area, etc. There is also an observation deck on the 97th floor of the building, which is one of the top observation decks in Dubai after the ones in Burj Khalifa.
4. 23 Marina
Height: 393 meters
Floors: 88
Year: 2012
Fourth on this list and also the fourth tallest building in Dubai is 23 Marina. Another building in Dubai Marina, 23 Marina, is an octagon-shaped residential building. It is home to two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as four-bedroom duplex apartments that come with private elevators. The building features four basement levels with a capacity to accommodate more than 550 vehicles. The podium level offers numerous amenities for the residents, including spas, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, a jogging track, and more. One of the most unique features of 23 Marina is that it boasts 57 swimming pools. You will also find a sky lounge on its 89th floor.
5. Elite Residence
Height: 381 meters
Floors: 87 (4 additional floors for basement)
Year: 2012
Another residential building in Dubai Marina that joins this list is Elite Residence. The mid-century architectural style of the building, especially its distinctive crown, makes it stand out. A luxury residential building, Elite Residence features four basement-level parking spaces, while the others accommodate 695 residential units, including single- and double-bedroom apartments as well as duplexes and penthouses. Some of the floors are dedicated to numerous amenities, including swimming pools, fitness centers, play areas, landscape podiums, Jacuzzis, and sauna and steam rooms. Elite Residence is quite close to Barsati Beach and gives you an incredible view of Palm Jumeirah, the palm-shaped island.
6. Kempinski The Boulevard
Image Credit: ik.imgkit.net
Height: 370 meters
Floors: 73
Year: 2017
Previously called The Address Boulevard Hotel, this is one of the tallest hotel buildings in Dubai. Located in Downtown Dubai, Kempinski The Boulevard is a stylish, five-star hotel offering direct views of the Burj Khalifa. Whether it’s the mirror-like exterior and one-of-a-kind design or the classy and sophisticated interiors, Kempinski The Boulevard is one of the most sought-after hotels in Dubai. This hotel has 198 opulent rooms and suites. It also boasts numerous fine dining restaurants, chic bars, and other amenities like three swimming pools, a health club, a game room, and more.
7. Almas Tower
Image Credit: dubaimls.ae
Height: 360 meters
Floors: 68
Year of Completion: 2009
Located in Dubai’s Jumeirah Lake Towers, Almas Tower is the tallest commercial or office building in Dubai. Apart from being super tall, what makes it stand out is its structure and architecture. The base of the building is shaped like a diamond, earning it the moniker “The Diamond Tower.” The building stands up like a spire and has a glass facade. The offices here are spacious and column-free. Almas Tower is home to some of the most important organizations in the city, including the Dubai Pearl Exchange, Dubai Multi Commodities Center, and the Dubai Diamond Exchange.
Conclusion
The buildings mentioned here are among the most famous buildings in Dubai, some of which play a major role in the city’s popularity. Hence, be sure to check them out when you are in Dubai for your holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions






