A luxury new skyscraper that is expected to be the second-tallest building in the world will launch the longest elevator ever, and it’ll be powered by AI.
The Burj Azizi tower is currently under construction in Dubai and when complete will stand at 2,379ft high, coming in just behind its neighbour the Burj Khalifa, which is 2,723ft tall.
The £1.2billion tower (Around AED 6billion), located on Sheikh Zayed Road between Downtown Dubai and the Dubai World Trade Centre, will feature over 130 floors and function as a mixed-use development with a seven-star hotel, apartment flats, penthouses, and a vertical retail centre.
On top of that, plans for the tower also include an observation deck, an adrenaline zone, a beach club, a luxury ballroom, and the highest hotel lobby in the world, as well as the highest restaurant in Dubai.
If that isn’t enough, the Burj Azizi tower is expected to be home to the longest elevator in the world, according to manufacturing partner KONE Corporation.
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Ordinary lifts would struggle to climb a tower of Burj Azizi’s height due to the weight of traveling cables, but new technology allows the firm to use lightweight cables – known as UltraRope – to enable longer travel with less energy and material.
It will also be AI-enabled to ensure shorter waiting times in peak traffic, and will have 24/7 connectivity for constant monitoring so potential issues can be identified before they cause disruption.
When will the skyscraper open?
Construction on the Burj Azizi tower began in 2024, and it is expected to be completed by 2028.
Mirwais Azizi, Founder & Chairman of Azizi Developments, said of the tower: ‘Our investment in Burj Azizi, surpassing AED 6 billion, represents more than just the creation of an iconic structure it is a commitment to transforming Sheikh Zayed Road and elevating Dubai’s skyline to new, unparalleled heights.
‘Burj Azizi is not merely about its towering stature or prime location and with its innovative design and cutting-edge technology, this tower will offer ultra-luxury residences, a unique vertical shopping mall, the world’s highest observation deck, and a wealth of amenities and dining experiences, all set at extraordinary elevations.
‘The seven-star hotel, crowned by the world’s highest lobby, will embody Dubai’s spirit, celebrating the world’s seven major cultures through its intricate interior design.’
Skyscrapers around London
It’s not just Dubai that is transforming its skyline with the launch of new skyscrapers, as London is, too.
A new £1,000,000,000 skyscraper named One London is currently under construction and is expected to be the tallest building in the City of London, complete with a panoramic viewing gallery, public gardens, and a bar.
Similarly, three new skyscrapers are being built on disused land near Vauxhall Station, functioning as flats, office space, and a hotel.
Back in central London, the capital’s famous BT Tower is being revamped into a ‘post hotel’, and in Canary Wharf, the iconic HSBC Tower is transforming into the ‘Swiss Cheese’ building with a hotel, restaurants, office space, and more.
Philippe Delorme, KONE’s President and CEO, said: ‘As space becomes scarcer and more valuable in cities around the world, there’s no alternative to growing upwards, making advanced vertical mobility more essential than ever.
‘With our high-rise expertise and future-proofed solutions, we create smooth, reliable journeys in landmark buildings like Burj Azizi.’
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