5 Dubai skyscrapers that are architectural marvels

Downtown Dubai | Photo courtesy of Dubai Tourism

No city boasts as many sky scraping, gravity defying structures as Dubai. This fast-growing Middle Eastern powerhouse hosts so many record-breaking buildings that its skyline resembles a futuristic scene straight out of a sci fi movie. Here are a five Dubai skyscrapers that are architectural marvels:

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The Burj Khalifah, courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

1. Burj Khalifah: The world’s tallest building

Looming over Dubai at 2,716.5 feet, the Burj Khalifah represents an amazing feat of vision and construction. The buildings 160 floors don’t just supply stunning views, but also the world’s highest restaurant (At.mosphere), the world’s highest outdoor observation deck and the elevator with the longest travel distance on earth.

Photo courtesy of Marriott

2. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai: The world’s tallest hotel

With two towers inspired by the shape of native date palm trees, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is not your typical hotel. The five-star property soars 1164.7 feet above the city and serves up underwater speakers for the pool and 15 different spots for food and beverage.

Princess Tower | Photo courtesy of Princess Towers Dubai

3. Princess Tower: The world’s highest residential building

The 101 floors of Princess Towers give new meaning to the concept of living high in the sky. The building’s 700 luxury apartments enjoy vistas of the Dubai Marina and an adjacent tram connects residents to the rest of the sprawling city.

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Almas Towers, courtesy of Dubai Tourism

4. Almas Tower: The world’s tallest office building

Working 1,181 feet in the air at Almas Tower would certaining qualify as moving up in the world. The multi-tower complex  has 68 stories, 35 high-speed elevators and was inspired by the shape of diamonds. Almas means diamonds in Arabic and the tower is the fifth tallest in Dubai.

The Burj Al Arab | Photo courtesy of Dubai Tourism

5. Burj Al Arab: The third tallest building in the world

After its completion a few years ago, the Burj Al Arab used to be the tallest hotel in the world but now the seven-star, all suite property settles for being the most luxurious. The distinctive, sail shaped structure sits on a private island where it soars 1049.87 feet over the Arabian Gulf. The walls are covered in gold leaf, butlers are stationed on every floor and the world’s biggest fleet of  white Rolls Royces greet every customer.

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Tagged: Destinations, Middle East