DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Azizi Developments has announced plans to construct what will become the second-tallest skyscraper in Dubai, standing at an imposing 725 meters (2,379 feet). The new tower, named Burj Azizi, will be second only to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, which soars to 828 meters (2,717 feet).
According to a report by CNN, construction on Burj Azizi began in January, but the final height of the building had not been disclosed at the time. The developer awaited approval from Dubai authorities, including the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), which oversees planning for supertall buildings.
“From the outset, we had plans for two designs — one for the initially approved height of 526 meters, and the other for the taller, now-approved 725 meters,” said Mirwais Azizi, founder and chairman of Azizi Developments. With official approval secured, construction on the building’s foundations and piling is already well underway, he added.
The 131-story skyscraper will feature a mix of luxury residential apartments, an all-suite “seven-star” hotel, and a seven-floor vertical shopping mall. Situated on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai’s World Trade Center district, Burj Azizi will be a striking addition to the city’s skyline, though it will still fall nearly 340 feet short of the Burj Khalifa, located less than two miles away.
Burj Azizi will also surpass Marina 101, Dubai’s current second-tallest building, which stands at 425 meters (1,394 feet). On the global stage, the new tower will exceed the height of Malaysia’s Merdeka 118, which rises to 679 meters (2,227 feet), currently the world’s second-tallest building.