At a confirmed architectural height of 725 meters, Burj Azizi is officially set to become the second-tallest building in the world upon its completion in 2029. Standing as a monumental achievement on Sheikh Zayed Road, this 133-story megatall skyscraper will surpass the current second-place holder, Malaysia’s Merdeka 118, by nearly 46 meters. The project offers a unique mixed-use ecosystem that includes a seven-star hotel, ultra-luxury freehold residences, and a vertical retail mall, providing an unparalleled lifestyle destination just two kilometers away from the world’s tallest structure, the Burj Khalifa.

Burj Azizi: Redefining the Global Skyline Through Vertical Innovation

The announcement of the final height for this project has sent ripples through the global real estate and architectural communities. For years, the title of the world's second-tallest building has shifted between international hubs, but with this new development, Dubai firmly reclaims its position as the undisputed capital of supertall engineering.

Designed by the award-winning firm AE7, the tower is not merely a feat of height but a masterpiece of functional design. The structure utilizes a tapered, staggered glass facade that serves a dual purpose: it creates a striking visual identity and provides essential aerodynamic stability. By breaking up wind vortices at extreme altitudes, the design ensures that residents on the 130th floor experience the same level of comfort and stillness as those on the ground level.

A Comparative Look at the World's Tallest Buildings

To truly appreciate the scale of this undertaking, it is helpful to see how it measures up against the current giants of the architectural world.

This comparison highlights a fascinating trend in urban development: the "megatall" category (buildings over 600 meters) is incredibly exclusive. Once finished, this project will join a select group of only four completed structures in human history to cross the 700-meter threshold.

Record-Breaking Features and World-First Amenities

What distinguishes this project from other skyscrapers is its commitment to pushing the boundaries of hospitality and leisure. The developer has integrated several "world's highest" features that are designed to engage visitors and provide residents with a sense of exclusivity that is simply unavailable elsewhere.

• The World's Highest Hotel Lobby: Located on Level 111 (498 meters), offering a check-in experience that feels like floating above the clouds.

• The World's Highest Nightclub: Situated on Level 126 (567 meters), redefining nightlife with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.

• Dubai's Highest Restaurant: Located on Level 122 (544 meters), this venue will offer a dining experience that sits higher than the famous At.mosphere in the Burj Khalifa.

• The World's Highest Hotel Room: Occupying space on Level 118 (512 meters), providing guests with an overnight stay at an altitude never before possible in a hotel.

• The Highest Observation Deck: On Level 130 (649 meters), this deck will provide 360-degree views of the entire UAE coastline and the city's expanding desert horizon.

The Vertical Mall: A Seven-Floor Retail Universe

Traditional shopping malls in Dubai are sprawling horizontal landscapes. However, this tower introduces the concept of a "Vertical Mall." Spread across seven floors at the base and mid-section of the tower, this retail destination focuses on ultra-luxury, invite-only brands and bespoke boutiques.

The design of the mall incorporates tranquil water features, indoor gardens, and soaring atriums that use natural light to create a refreshing atmosphere. It is designed to be a self-contained ecosystem where residents can shop, dine, and socialize without ever leaving the building.

Residential Luxury: Life in the Sky

For many, the primary draw of this project is the opportunity to own a piece of the world's second-tallest building. As the only freehold property directly on the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road strip, it represents a rare asset for international investors.

Property Configurations and Interiors

The residential units are meticulously crafted to cater to a global elite. The inventory includes:

1. Luxury Suites: Ideal for frequent travelers and business professionals.

2. Apartments: Ranging from one to three bedrooms with open-plan layouts.

3. Sky Penthouses: Spanning the highest residential levels, these units feature double-height ceilings and private outdoor terraces.

The interior design follows a philosophy of "understated opulence." Using noble materials like Estremoz marble, carved wood, and high-performance glass, the living spaces are both warm and modern. Smart home systems are integrated throughout, allowing residents to automate climate, lighting, and security with a single touch.

Hospitality with a Cultural Heart: The Seven-Star Hotel

The hospitality component of the tower is managed by a new luxury brand under the umbrella of Burj Azizi Properties. Rather than a standard luxury hotel, this venue is inspired by seven distinct cultural themes:

• Arabic & Persian: Honoring the local heritage and craftsmanship.

• Chinese & Indian: Bringing the vibrant colors and textures of the East.

• French & Russian: Showcasing classic European elegance and grandeur.

• Turkish: Highlighting the intricate patterns and hospitality traditions of the Mediterranean.

Each themed suite and floor will offer a different sensory experience, from the scent of the lobby to the specific culinary offerings in the dedicated restaurants.

Engineering Excellence and Sustainability

Building to a height of 725 meters requires more than just high-quality concrete. The construction process, which is currently in its piling and shoring phase as of late 2025, utilizes cutting-edge technology to ensure the tower’s longevity and environmental responsibility.

Advanced Structural Monitoring

During the massive concrete pours for the foundation, thermal sensors were embedded to monitor the curing process in real-time. This ensures structural integrity by preventing internal heat-related cracks that can occur in large-scale pours.

Smart Vertical Transportation

With 133 levels, elevator efficiency is critical. The building uses high-speed, smart-dispatch lifts that minimize travel time. These systems are also energy-efficient, capturing energy during descent to help power other parts of the building.

Environmental Integration

The tower features high-performance glazing that reflects a significant portion of solar radiation, keeping the interiors cool and reducing the load on the HVAC systems. Furthermore, greywater recycling systems are used to irrigate the vertical sky gardens, which are situated every 20 floors to provide residents with fresh air and green space at high altitudes.

Strategic Location: The Heart of the World Trade Centre District

The location of the tower is as impressive as its height. Situated directly on Sheikh Zayed Road, it sits opposite the World Trade Centre, placing it at the crossroads of old and new Dubai.

• Accessibility: Residents have direct access to the Dubai Metro, making it easy to reach DIFC or the Museum of the Future in minutes.

• Proximity: The tower is just a 10-minute drive from Downtown Dubai and 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport.

• Prestige: Being on the main arterial road of the city ensures that the building remains a visible landmark for millions of commuters and tourists daily.

Investment Potential and Market Outlook

The Dubai real estate market has shown incredible resilience and growth throughout 2024 and 2025. Projects of this scale typically offer a "scarcity premium." Because there are so few buildings of this height in the world, the demand for units remains high even during market fluctuations.

Investors are particularly interested in the seven-star hotel's impact on rental yields. Landmark buildings with world-record features often see significantly higher occupancy rates and premium pricing for short-term rentals. With the sales launch having occurred in early 2025, early adopters are already seeing the benefits of the project's global visibility.

Why Burj Azizi is the Future of Dubai

This project is more than just a competition for height; it is a symbol of Dubai’s continued ambition. It represents a shift toward "vertical communities"—all-in-one structures where you can live, work, play, and shop.

The inclusion of an "Adrenaline Zone," a world-class spa, and a museum dedicated to the tower's own history ensures that it will be a destination for decades. As the cranes continue to lift the steel and glass toward the 725-meter mark, the world watches the rise of a new legend.

This tower is a testament to what can be achieved when visionary leadership meets engineering mastery. It is a legacy project for Burj Azizi Properties and a new jewel in the crown of a city that never stops reaching for the sky.