Dubai's Newest Skyscraper to be Used for Skydiving

DUBAI Holding, an investment company owned by the Dubai Government that specialises in financial services and real estate development, has unveiled plans for a new urban quarter to be constructed near the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel.

At its centre, the new development will feature a two-pronged, 550-metre tall skyscraper called Burj Jumeira, designed by American architecture practice SOM.

Its facade will feature an interactive lighting installation, that can be used during celebrations and fireworks displays.

Above: Burj Jumeira rises out of a reflecting pool and fountain featuring the fingerprint of the Sheikh of Dubai (image courtesy of Dubai Holding).

Rising from a large reflective pool that features a pattern inspired by the fingerprint of Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the tower will also include a number of viewing platforms that span the two halves of the bifurcated structure.

Above: The 550-metre skyscraper will be the centre point of a new area called "Downtown Jumeira" (image courtesy of Dubai Holding).

Burj Jumeira's summit, called "The Crown" will feature a flexible space containing a lounge and a restaurant, and is designed to host large scale events.

Other observation decks throughout the tower will offer 360-degree views of the city and serve as skydiving platforms.

Above: The tower's facade will feature a lighting installation that can be used during fireworks and other events (image courtesy of Dubai Holding).

The new tower will form the heart of a new, mixed-use neighbourhood called Jumeira Downtown, which is to contain offices, retail and hospitality spaces, as well as residential towers.

The neighbourhood is to feature a network of shaded pedestrian streets and will be connected - via a covered walkway - to Dubai Metro.