Tall & Urban News

One Za’abeel, the iconic mixed-use development located at the heart of Dubai, achieved a new milestone with the completion of its full glass cladding work in Q3 2022. Final construction activity is now in progress in preparation for the project’s 2023 grand opening. The project is developed by Ithra Dubai, a leading real estate developer in Dubai and the real estate arm of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, and designed by Nikken Sekkei, a leading architectural firm globally.

Built over 530,000 square meters, One Za’abeel pushes the limit of design and represents a distinctive addition to Dubai’s skyline. Its two towers create a sense of duality intersected by a panoramic sky concourse called ‘The Link’, a structure of epic scale and design, aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cantilevered building in the world. An engineering marvel by itself, The Link will house several high-end attractions and a 360° observation deck, which provides panoramic views of the city.

Offering the ultimate in residential, business, retail, and hospitality, One Za’abeel features 94 One&Only Private homes and 264 residential apartments that were offered for sale in June 2022, 26,000 square meters of premium Grade A offices and 12,000 square meters of retail space, in addition to 229 Hotel rooms and suites by One&Only, and 132 Guest Rooms by SIRO. A new element was introduced to the residential offering in December 2022 with the addition of 9 exclusive One&Only Branded Shell & Core Penthouses that populate level 61 to 66, the top levels of One Za’abeel Tower. 

Commenting on the project, Dr. Fadi Jabri, CEO, Nikken Sekkei Dubai said “One Za’abeel reflects the spirit of Dubai; it’s bold yet welcoming, simple yet challenging, a graceful, one-of-a-kind place that looks to the future.”

Following the completion of the full cladding work of One Za’abeel’s two towers and The Link, work at the site is now focused on the interior fit-out, with facilities scheduled to be available to residents and visitors later in 2023, as per Ithra Dubai’s phased handover schedule. 

The lift of the Link to its final position 100 meters above ground level was one of the heaviest lifts in the region and was achieved through the concerted efforts of experts lead by ALEC Engineering, the project’s contracting firm. In its current position, The Link reinforces the structural stability of One Za’abeel’s twin towers: One Za’abeel The Residences and One Za’abeel Tower. The structure of the cantilevered building that protrudes from the tallest tower represents around 30% of its total length, reducing wind-induced movement. 

Commenting on the design, Koko Nakamura, Chief Architect at Nikken Sekkei explained “One Za’abeel’s asymmetrical design of its twin towers and its Link straddle a busy highway that runs from the airport to the city centre, creating a “gateway” and the first and last sight for visitors arriving to and departing from Dubai. One Za’beel’s distinctive and inventive design will be an exquisite addition to Dubai’s skyline and will be distinguished among Dubai’s landmarks, representing the simplified and subdued beauty ingrained in Japanese designs.”

This same philosophy has been applied to the design of the refined, fully glazed façade system of the two towers and The Link. Furthermore, the two-story podium, which steps down gently to a roundabout, has an exterior comprised of monotone vertical fins and metallic panels, combined with terrace balconies and bay windows that forms a canopy that reflects an urban oasis. The design of the project has effectively accounted for separate hotel, residential, office and commercial entrances.

In line with the U.A.E.’s 2050 net-zero target, One Za’abeel’s energy-efficient façade system employs the latest smart technologies for energy optimization, with every aspect designed with sustainability in mind. The current progress of work at the development complies with LEED Gold Certification requirements, in preparation for the phased handover and opening in 2023.

The efforts and work of concerted experts in design, engineering and contracting were indispensable for the successful design and implementation of a project at this scale. Nikken Sekkei, the lead design firm in charge of both architectural design and site supervision, is joined by the international consultants whose dedicated work ensures successful implementation and delivery.