World's tallest skyscraper that was set to dwarf Burj Khalifa before being left as an abandoned hole to FINALLY be built
TOWER OF POWER World's tallest skyscraper that was set to dwarf Burj Khalifa before being left as an abandoned hole to FINALLY be built
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A VAST tower in Dubai that was once planned to be the world's new tallest building could soon finally be built.
The Dubai Creek Tower was once envisaged as a colossus that would even dwarf that city's famous Burj Khalifa.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
6
A rendering of The Tower at Dubai Creek
Credit: Emaar Properties
6
The tower would have dwarfed the Burj Khalifa
Credit: Emaar Properties
6
Its original design would have seen it stand at a staggering 4,300ft tall - far higher than the Burj Khalifa (2,722ft).
Announced in 2016 along with an eyewatering $1 billion investment, the massive observation tower was designed to echo the look of Islamic minarets.
It was planned to be completed by 2020 - knocking the Burj Khalifa off its top spot as world's tallest structure.
But the already delayed project ground to a halt during the COVID pandemic, leaving its future uncertain.
The construction site has sat abandoned for some time now, leaving a simple foundation pit where the world's new tallest tower was meant to stand.
But after years of waiting, developer Emaar Properties is now set to breathe new life into the project.
The company is shelling out $3.81 billion to develop the Dubai Creek Tower and its neighbouring mall, Zawya has reported.
If completed as originally planned, the observation tower would boast a sky garden and 20 occupied floors with lavish hotels and restaurants.
However, there's a chance it might not challenge the Burj Khalifa's long-held title after all.
The Dubai Creek Tower has undergone redesigns while work was on halt, according to the Economic Times.
Dubai hotel with world's largest waterpark
While no official blueprints have been made public yet, it is believed the redesign will see the tower's proposed height substantially reduced.
Despite the promise of new life for the project, it is still unclear exactly when the Dubai Creek Tower will be completed.
Dubai is nevertheless home to many of the world's tallest buildings.
The Burj Khalifa was completed in 2009, beating Taiwan's Taipei 101 to the title of world's tallest building.
It is now one of the most recognisable buildings in the world as Dubai's profile as a futuristic megacity continues to grow.
Dubai's megaprojects
Dubai has grown rapidly from humble roots into a vast futuristic city boasting some of the world's tallest buildings
Here are some of the most ambitious projects the city has seen:
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is now one of the world's most famous buildings, having been the planet's tallest structure since the late 2000s.
More than 15 years later, it still holds that title.
Standing at more than half a mile tall, it has more than 150 floors.
Dubai Reefs
Not content to only take the title of world's tallest building, Dubai also plans to host the world's largest artificial reef.
The planned project would cover 200 square kilometres and feature more than 1 billion corals.
It is intended to be both a major marine research hub and an ecotourism attraction.
Ciel Dubai Marina
Dubai also plans to have the world's tallest stand-alone hotel.
This massive tower would feature a more than 1,000 rooms spread across 82 floors.
Dubai Creek Tower
Even successfully completing the world's tallest building wasn't enough to stop Dubai trying to break its own records.
The Dubai Creek Tower would have been the world's tallest structure if completed as planned, dwarfing the Burj Khalifa.
While it's unclear if it will still take the new record, it's another example of the scale of ambition shown by the city.
The Dubai Creek Tower is not the only challenger to the Burj Khalifa to have hit setbacks in development.
Saudi Arabia hopes to build the first kilometre high skyscraper with the long-delayed Jeddah Tower.
Construction on this gargantuan structure ground to a halt after key figures connected to it were arrested in 2017 - with COVID only pushing it back further.
It is now planned to be completed by the end of the decade.
But Saudi Arabia is in a race to complete the first kilometre-high tower.
Egypt is currently building a new capital city outside of Cairo, with a tower of the same size planned as its centrepiece.
The staggeringly tall Oblisco Capitale is planned to sit right in the middle of the new city's central business district.
6
The Dubai Creek Tower has undergone redesigns while work was on halt
Credit: Emaar Properties
6
Panoramic view of the Dubai skyline with Burj Khalifa
Credit: Getty
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
43 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Primark to launch UK app as it rolls out much-awaited features – but there's a catch
We reveal what else has been happening at Primark APPY DAYS Primark to launch UK app as it rolls out much-awaited features – but there's a catch Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PRIMARK is set to launch an app in the UK for the first time - but there's a catch. The fashion retailer is rolling out a new bespoke app across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - within 18 months. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Primark is launching a new app in the UK within months Credit: Primark 3 Shoppers downloading the app in Italy and Ireland will get notifications when new products are added to stores Credit: Primark 3 The app also comes with a store locator feature flagging shoppers' nearest branch Credit: Primark Primark is yet to reveal any other details about the mystery tech update that has already launched in Italy and Ireland today. In those two countries, the app lets shoppers browse products, check in-store stock availability and save items so they can go back and buy them later on. Customers can also use a store locator tool to find their nearest branch and change their settings to receive notifications when new collections and items come in. Customers can download the app for free onto their smartphone via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching for "Primark" or "Penneys". Primark said the launch of the app in Italy and Ireland will let it "test and learn how customers" interact with it. This will "inform further development ahead of future launches", including the UK. Matt Houston, chief customer and digital officer, said: "We know our customers increasingly start their shopping journey online, whether that's checking what's new or planning a visit, and the app gives them the tools to do that in a more intuitive, personalised way." The launch of the app comes after Primark rolled out new websites in 17 countries over the last three years including one in the UK in 2022. Meanwhile, in May, the retailer confirmed it had finished the roll out of click and collect at 187 stores. Primark first launched a trial of the service across 25 stores in the north of England and Wales in November 2022, extending this to 57 in April 2023. Major Primark shake-up as Scots store among first to launch In its most recently published results at Companies House, the retailer said its revamped digital platforms were resulting in higher store sales and footfall. The chain also toasted positive results in the 52 weeks ending September 14, 2024. Turnover for the business was £3,906.7million, up from £3,851million in the 52 weeks to September 2023. Meanwhile, pre-tax profits also jumped up, from £141.2million to £149.5million. Group sales for the business also grew 6% year-on-year. What else is happening at Primark? The retailer opened its first ever standalone Primark Home store in Belfast on March 6. When the new store launched, a spokesperson said: "Keeping up with the latest homeware trends and must-have interiors, Primark Home combines style, comfort and value to help shoppers make a house a home. "From high-quality essentials like cotton bedding and towels to on-trend soft furnishings, decorative pieces, small furniture and unique, quirky kitchen ceramics that will elevate any space." Meanwhile, Primark sparked shopper fury among some customers in May by introducing a charge for its paper bags. Since May 12, shoppers now have to pay 15p for paper bags, regardless of size - small, medium, or large. Explaining the decision, the retailer said: 'We've introduced a small fee for single-use paper bags. "Have a reusable bag? Bring it with you next time you shop! "Why the change? Research shows that charging for bags reduces the number of new bags customers use. "It's a simple step that encourages all of us to think twice about our use." A short history of Primark Primark first opened in 1969 as Penneys in Dublin hoping to provide affordable fashion in Ireland. A Primark store officially opened as Primark in 1974 in Derby. It currently operates over 190 stores in the UK and operates out of 17 markets, including Hungary, Italy and France. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Scottish Sun
43 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Pay rise for millions as new minimum wage increase proposed – are you eligible?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of workers could see their pay increase from next year as the Government has set out proposals on the new living wage. The Government has pledged to provide a 'genuine' living wage for workers and says it wants to factor the cost of living crisis into decision-making on wages for the country's lowest-paid workers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Hospitality is one of the industries that could be most affected by a wage increase A new update from the Low Pay Commission, which advises the Government on changes to the national minimum wage and national living wage each year, suggests next year could be another inflation-busting wage rise. It's estimated the national living wage - which is the minimum most adults can be paid - could increase to £12.71 next year. However it said predicting the exact figure was difficult so the range could be from £12.55 to £12.86. The figure currently sits at £12.21 per hour for most adults. So a rise to £12.71 would equate to a 4% increase - beating the current inflation rate of 3.6%. If the minimum wage rises again, it will come into force in April 2026. The national minimum wage is the minimum amount of pay per hour that workers are entitled to. You are eligible to receive the pay rate if you work full-time or part-time. Meanwhile, the national living wage is the minimum wage for those over 21 and is slightly higher. The national living wage is set annually and typically rises each spring to keep pace with inflation and the cost of living. Huge British institution slashes 550 jobs in bid to save cash after Rachel Reeves' brutal tax hikes The annual adjustment is made to help keep wages in line with inflation and the cost of living. The national living wage rose in April this year in a move that was welcomed by lower paid workers. For most people it was a 6.7% increase - or a boost of £1,400 a year. The Government has said three million workers benefited from the increase. Scrapping 'discriminatory' age bands People aged 18 to 20 have a national minimum wage of £10 per hour, while 16 to 17-year-olds can be paid £7.55. Millions of 18 to 20-year-olds saw a record 16.3% rise in the national minimum wage this year. This is because the Government is aiming to make things fairer for younger workers by bringing their pay closer to the national minimum wage for older adults. It says it wants to eventually create a single wage rate for adults and completely scrap 'discriminatory' age bands. The Low Pay Commission has said it will consult with employers, trade unionrs and workers on closing the pay gap between 18 to 20-year-olds and the national living wage. It's not clear yet what a single adult rate could look like. The commission will make its annual recommendations to the Government in October so it's likely we will get more details then. An increase to the minimum wage will be a huge boost for lower paid workers - but it could hit businesses hard. Industries such as hospitality and retail, which employ lower paid workers, say they've already seen their costs rise dramatically. Staff costs in particular have risen because of the minimum wage increase this year and also a rise in the amount of National Insurance contributions employers have to pay. As a result, some businesses say they've had to stop hiring staff or even let workers go. What if your employer doesn't pay you the right amount? If you qualify for national minimum wage or national living wage but your payslip doesn't reflect this, you should challenge it with your employer. If this is ineffective, the next step is to file a complaint on the government's website. You can do this by visiting the Government website. Employers who do not pay the minimum wage can be publicly "named and shamed". Those who blatantly fail to comply are also at risk of facing criminal prosecution.
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
First four car models that will qualify for £1,500 discount revealed – and they're all from same maker
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE first four car models set to quality for a handy £1,500 discount have been revealed. The electric cars have been approved for the discount after a government scheme to cut the price of EV's was greenlit. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Citroen E-C3 is one of four vehicles approved for a £1,500 discount Credit: Citroen 4 The new Citroen E-C4 will also be slashed Credit: Citoen The taxpayer-funded drive will mean the motors, all from French carmaker Citroën, will be sold with the grant from this week. The models – the e-C3, e–C4, e-C5 Aircross and the e-Berlingo can be picked up by petrolheads without the need to fill out pesky paperwork. The £650million Electric Car Grant (ECG) was passed in an attempt to slash emissions and boost electric vehicle sales in the UK. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "With the first four models approved today and more to come over the next few weeks, this summer we're making owning an electric car cheaper, easier and a reality for thousands more people across the UK. "Once again we're delivering our Plan for Change by standing firmly on the side of motorists and manufacturers, driving down costs for consumers, supporting jobs and putting money back in people's pockets." Citroën UK managing director Greg Taylor welcomed the move, saying: "We are delighted to be the first to have our electric range... approved and eligible. "At Citroën we want everyone to have the opportunity to make the switch to an electric car and this support will help make our cars more accessible for our customers." The RAC also backed the policy, saying it would ease the cost barrier for drivers looking to go electric. Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said: "It's great to see the first qualifying models announced for the government's new Electric Car Grant. "Not only does this mean more drivers will benefit from the lower cost of running an electric vehicle, but it's hopefully the sign of more to come from other manufacturers in the weeks ahead." Stellantis Comeback: Jeep Cherokee & Gas-Powered Dodge Charger Returning in 2025 However, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood has warned that vehicles made in China may not be eligible. Speaking on the BBC's Today programme, she said factories powered by coal are unlikely to meet the Government's strict criteria. She added that only brands reaching minimum environmental standards will be approved for taxpayer support. This has sparked tension with the Chinese government. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London said the UK must follow World Trade Organisation rules and avoid discriminatory policies. They warned they are monitoring the situation closely and would defend the rights of Chinese companies. Even BYD — China's biggest EV manufacturer — has confirmed it is applying for the grant but, like Leapmotor, has yet to hear back. There's also doubt over the Dacia Spring's eligibility. Although Dacia is a Renault-owned brand, the Spring is built in Wuhan, China, at a joint venture facility shared with Dongfeng Motor Group. Seven low-cost electric cars expected to benefit from the grant — including the Dacia Spring, MG4, Peugeot e-208, Fiat 500e and Volkswagen ID.3 — though most will only get the lower £1,500 discount unless they can prove greener production credentials. But with the Government now focusing on sustainability standards, many of those could also miss out on the full grant unless their makers can prove they meet the green benchmarks. Tax payers are, however, footing the bill for the £650million subsidy scheme, including for EVs leased through Motability, prompting criticism from some quarters. 4 The Citroen C5 Aircross is also included in the shortlist Credit: Citroen
