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A History of Dubai’s Architecture

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Modern architecture features a seamless blend of technology and design that sets the foundation for today’s towering skyscrapers, eco-friendly developments and contemporary townships. Dubai’s spectacular superstructures that shape the city’s prominent skyline are a prime example of modern architecture. It’s also a well-known fact that Dubai is home to the tallest building in the world – Burj Khalifa – a commendable feat that incorporates the latest technologies in architecture and modern design principles. But that is only the beginning of the incredible portfolio of engineering marvels in the city.

THE EVOLUTION OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE IN DUBAI

Dubai’s eclectic collection of skyscrapers began in 1979 with the construction of the Dubai World Trade Centre. The iconic structure defied the norms of traditional architecture and ventured into newer designs and building techniques that seamlessly combined functionality with pleasing aesthetics. 

Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Fort
Even with all the modernity that defines it, you can still see a glimpse of the past in Dubai

Before that, just like everywhere else in the world, architecture in Dubai was influenced by traditional building concepts that centred around the cultural identity of the city. Early architecture in the emirate was limited due to the availability of materials, building methods and design ideas.

From rudimentary dwellings of the Neolithic period to the construction of massive buildings with arches, domes, aqueducts and amphitheatres in the Antiquity period, architecture has greatly evolved and it still continues to do so. Even if you look at Islamic architecture over the years, mosques and tombs built during different eras vary greatly in style, but they still exude the signature elements of traditional architecture. 

Jumeirah Mosque courtyard
Keeping true to the Islamic architectural styles, the mosque designs in Dubai have evolved too

While buildings were once built completely for functionality with little thought given to aesthetics, present-day architecture is designed to make a statement – something that is evident from Dubai’s selection of edgy structures. Today’s modern architecture uses more advanced and high-tech design principles and materials such as exposed concrete, metal, and glass to create more than just a functional structure.

DUBAI’S ARCHITECTURE: TRADITIONAL DESIGN MERGES WITH CONTEMPORARY

Architectural styles in Dubai have changed significantly in recent years. While architecture was initially traditional, Dubai’s current modernist architecture features innovative exposed-glass walls, stepped ascending spirals and designs that offer subtle nods to traditional Arabic motifs. 

Building materials used for Dubai skyscrapers are simple, with most structures made of concrete and glass. Most of the taller buildings in Dubai are residential, with some buildings also designated for commercial purposes.

However, recently, constructions in Dubai have taken a turn towards sustainable developments. After the 2011 Green Building Regulations and Specifications issued by the Dubai Municipality, it became mandatory for builders to use non-toxic, emission-free materials sourced from renewable resources. 

villa in Al Barari
The homes in Al Barari are designed to maximise the use of renewable energy

This has led to the addition of several eco-friendly developments in Dubai’s already star-studded inventory of spectacular engineering marvels. Al Barari, for example, has villa structures designed to integrate solar panels and organic waste recycling into the architecture. Buildings in Dubai Silicon Oasis feature green roof-tops to make construction more environment friendly. 

Another more recent innovation to architecture in Dubai is the 3-printed construction of structures. Dubai is home to the world’s first-ever 3D-printed office and a 3D-printed two-storey building. It’s remarkable how far the architecture in Dubai has come and it looks like the city has plenty of exciting new additions coming soon!

BURJ KHALIFA – THE SYMBOL OF DUBAI

Burj Khalifa
Even after years of its construction, Bur Khalifa remains a one-of-a-kind architectural wonder

One of the most prominent displays of Dubai’s modern architecture is the Burj Khalifa. Since its completion in 2008, the Burj Khalifa remains the tallest building in the world with a total height of 2,722 ft.

The building was designed to be the symbol of Dubai – unique, progressive and touching new heights. Its design is inspired by Islamic architecture, rising up from a flat desert foundation in a spiral pattern. Each cross-section of the tower is aligned to minimize vibration from the wind. At the top of this grand structure is a 660-foot-high steel spire that houses communication equipment.

THE ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS OF DUBAI

Other than the spectacular Burj Khalifa, there are a number of other architectural wonders in Dubai that are testament to the emirate’s ever-evolving innovation in the field of development and construction. Here are a handful other examples of that.

  • The Burj Al Arab with its unique sail-shaped façade is a well-known Dubai skyscraper, near Jumeirah Beach.
  • Marina 101 is yet another mixed-use tower in Dubai Marina. This building is just over 1,400 ft high. 
  • Princess Tower, the residential skyscraper in Dubai Marina stands slightly taller at 1,358 ft and is known to be one of the world’s tallest residential buildings. 
  • Another exclusive, residential high-rise is the 23 Marina, which stands a little over 1,289 ft tall. This building is also located in the Dubai Marina district. 
Dusit Thani hotel with Burj Khalifa in background
The Dusit Thani, with its unique design, graces the already star-studded Downtown skyline
  • The Dusit Thani hotel sports amazing architecture that is designed to replicate praying hands. At 501 ft tall, this hotel was the first of its kind to receive the EarthCheck Gold Certification for sustainability. 
  • The Jumeirah Beach Hotel on the Dubai coastline may not be a mega high-rise, but it has a unique wave-shaped design that sets it apart from other architectural wonders in Dubai.

So, if you’re visiting Dubai to marvel at the architecture or develop your career as an architect, make sure you pick your accommodation with the best location! You’ll get a chance to see more of your points of interest within the time you’ll spend in Dubai, making the most of your visit. Or even squeeze some more time spent in Dubai out of your budget by choosing a cheap apartment to rent. You’re going to be out and about, engaging with the architecture during the day anyway. So a bed to sleep in may be all you’d need. You’ll certainly have plenty of history to cover leading up to the modern day marvels towering in Dubai.

However, for architects and students of architecture looking for longer term accommodations, buying an apartment or even a villa in Dubai might be preferable to renting.

In either case: Bayut helps find the best properties, as the go-to real estate portal in the UAE.

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