Dubai-based Emaar Properties has broken ground on its $1-billion development – ‘The Tower in Dubai Creek Harbour’ – which, on completion, will become the world’s tallest tower, overtaking the iconic Burj Khalifa.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, joined the ground-breaking ceremony along with Mohammad Al Gergawi, the chairman of Dubai Holding, Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, and other dignitaries.

The tower, which is set for completion in 2020, in time for the World Expo in Dubai, will be ‘a notch higher’ than the 828-m-high Burj Khalifa, currently the world’s tallest tower.

Supported by a matrix of cables, the skyscraper will anchor the redevelopment of the Dubai Creek.