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Creek Harbour, Dubai
Vision of Creek Harbour
Dubai, known for its ambitious architectural feats, is once again pushing the boundaries with the development of Dubai Creek Harbour. This $18 billion mega-project, a joint venture between Dubai Holding and Emaar Properties, is set to redefine the city's landscape and cement its status as a global hub. The expected completion of this mega project is within the next 10-15 years.
Spanning an expansive 6 square kilometers (64,580,000 square feet), Dubai Creek Harbour is poised to become one of the largest mixed-use developments in the emirate. The centerpiece of this ambitious project is the Dubai Creek Tower. The height of Dubai Creek Tower was initially kept under wraps which fueled speculation that it would climb significantly higher than the current record holder, the Burj Khalifa and even surpass the 1-km tall, still under construction, Jeddah Tower, in Saudi Arabia, as the tallest building in the world. Originally designed to have a spire that would be taller than the 828 metre Burj khalifa, the design has since been scaled down to a 500 metre tall tower which has been described by Mohamed Alabbar as the ‘female Burj Khalifa’.The tower is designed as a mixed use building and will feature multiple observation decks and sky gardens.
The cost of the Creek Tower was originally estimated at $1billion, however, the new estimation for the revised tower is yet to be released. While the tower's height has since been scaled down from its original plans, it remains an architectural marvel, featuring a distinctive spire-like silhouette, evoking the image of a graceful minaret. At its peak, the tower will house observation decks and sky gardens, offering unparalleled views of Dubai's skyline.
Beyond the iconic tower, Dubai Creek Harbour will encompass a diverse array of residential, commercial, and leisure offerings. The development will feature over 1,000 hotel rooms, 600 high-end retail outlets, and a vast array of cultural amenities. Sustainable features, such as district cooling, green mobility, and water optimization, have been integrated into the project's design, making it a model of eco-conscious urban planning. The project's strategic location, nestled along the historic Dubai Creek and adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, further enhances its appeal. Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the serene natural surroundings while still being within close proximity to the city's bustling commercial and entertainment hubs.
As construction progresses, Dubai Creek Harbour is poised to become a new epicenter of activity in the city. With its mix of cutting-edge architecture, world-class amenities, and sustainable design, the development is set to redefine Dubai's skyline.
Jeddah Economic City - formerly known as Kingdom City
Vision of Jeddah Economic City
Jeddah Economic City, previously called Kingdom City is an ambitious $20 billion real estate development. Covering an expansive 5.2 square kilometres (56,000,000 sq ft), the project is designed by the Kingdom Holding Company, owned by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal.
The centerpiece of the new city is the Jeddah Tower, formerly called the Kingdom Tower, which is planned to be the world's tallest building upon completion. Construction on the tower, the first phase of the project, began in 2013 and is expected to be completed around 2030.
Jeddah Tower is expected to cost approximately $1.2 billion to construct and will stand at a staggering 1km tall, making it 180 meters taller than the current world’s tallest building the Burj Khalifa and 500 metres taller than the revised height of Creek Tower. It will be a mixed use building, featuring a luxury Four Season’s hotel and world’s highest observation deck at around 652 metres above sea level.
In addition to the record-breaking Jeddah Tower, the City will feature a diverse mix of commercial and residential development. This includes homes, hotels, offices, shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. The project aims to reposition Jeddah as a modern Arabian metropolis on par with cities like Dubai, Cairo and Beirut, while still incorporating the city's historic heritage.
Key features planned for the City include district cooling, green mobility, water optimization, and world-class infrastructure and facilities. The development is designed to attract businesses and residents alike with its blend of luxury amenities and modern conveniences.
Despite facing some challenges, including construction delays, Kingdom City remains an ambitious project that aims to cement Jeddah's place as a global business and tourism destination. With its iconic architecture, mixed-use offerings, and commitment to sustainability, the $20 billion development is going to transform the city's skyline and economy in the coming years.
While Dubai’s Creek Harbour and Jeddah Economic City are both extremely ambitious, large-scale mixed-use developments, Dubai Creek Harbour seems to be more comprehensive and advanced in several key areas. Creek Harbour covers a slightly larger area of approximately 6 million square meters compared to Jeddah Economic City's planned 5.3 million square meters, allowing for more extensive planning. The master plan for Creek Harbour is also more detailed than that of Jeddah Economic City, with specific residential complexes, amenities, and infrastructure already planned and some completed, while the Economic City's plans appear more conceptual at this stage. Dubai Creek Harbour will offer over 20 distinct residential complexes catering to various budgets and preferences, including skyscrapers and villas, while Jeddah Economic City's specific residential offerings are less defined.
Dubai Creek Harbour is designed as a self-sufficient community with a wide range of amenities like supermarkets, gyms, yacht clubs, golf courses, parks, and beaches, whilst amenities are not described in as much detail for Jeddah Economic City. Dubai Creek Harbour incorporates sustainable features like solar power and water filtration systems, dedicating 10% of the area to green spaces, while Jeddah Economic City's sustainability plans are not as prominently featured. Although Dubai Creek Harbour has already completed several residential complexes, while Jeddah Tower, Jeddah Economic City's centerpiece, is still under construction with an undisclosed timeline, the Economic City's plans will become more defined as the project progresses and are sure to impress.