One Za abeel, Dubai. UAE

But this new development stands for more than just impressive design. It reflects Dubai’s goal of becoming one of the world’s most sustainable cities, proving that it’s possible to create inspiring buildings while prioritizing sustainability. Ithra Dubai has made sustainability a core part of One Za’abeel’s design, focusing on efficient use of natural resources through energy and water efficiency, as well as promoting health, wellbeing, and excellent amenities and transportation. According to Raad Jarrah, Chief Development Officer of Ithra Dubai: “One Za’abeel shows you can embrace complexity and still achieve high sustainability standards in tall buildings, ICD made One Za’abeel its headquarters, because what better way to demonstrate our vision to the world than by being part of it.”

The development is nestled among key landmarks like Za’abeel Park, the Dubai World Trade Centre, the busy Sheikh Zayed Road, and Al Mustaqbal Street, which features a four-lane elevated highway running between the two towers. One of the biggest challenges was constructing the project without disrupting the flow of people or traffic around the area. Both towers feature seven basement levels, offering parking, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and essential support services, all located 42 meters below ground and linked by two underground tunnels. To protect the surrounding roads during construction, the engineering teams used specialized techniques. They built a 2-meter-thick diaphragm wall with waler beams around the perimeter of the site to keep everything stable while the foundations for the basement and ground levels were being laid.

Building a bridge in the sky is no small feat—it takes careful planning, precision engineering, and innovative construction techniques. In this case, once the basement, ground floor, and podium levels of the towers were completed, work began on The Link, a massive steel skybridge spanning 230 meters and weighing over 9,400 tonnes. To safely connect the two towers, engineers used a specialized sliding system to extend The Link into place. Then, in a carefully coordinated two-step process, it was hoisted 100 meters above the ground using a powerful strand jacking system. Since the immense weight of the structure could have affected the alignment of the towers, they were intentionally built with a slight outward tilt—about 1.5 to 2 millimeters per level—up to the 42nd floor. This small but crucial adjustment allowed the towers to gradually return to their correct, upright position once The Link was secured in place. With the skybridge successfully installed, the final levels of the towers were then completed.

In conclusion, One Za’abeel is more than just an architectural marvel—it’s a testament to Dubai’s ambition, innovation, and commitment to sustainability. From its striking design and groundbreaking construction techniques to its emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, the development sets a new standard for modern urban engineering. By seamlessly integrating advanced technology, sustainability, and functionality, One Za’abeel not only enhances Dubai’s skyline but also reinforces the city’s reputation as a global leader in cutting-edge infrastructure. As a symbol of what’s possible when visionary design meets forward-thinking sustainability, it stands as an inspiration for future developments around the world.

References:

1. https://www.wsp.com/en-us/projects/one-zaabeel#:~:text=One Za'abeel is a,w orld's longest occupied cantilevered building.