Dubai witnessed the sales launch at a high-profile ceremony last month of what is set to become the world’s second tallest tower upon completion in 2028.  The proposed 725-m, 131+-storey Burj Azizi, the flagship project of Azizi Developments on the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road, will feature a mix of luxury residences, a seven-star hotel, a vertical retail centre and entertainment spaces.  

The developer describes the project as a “historic milestone”, fulfilling a long-held vision of Founder and Chairman, Mirwais Azizi.

Burj Azizi is being developed at an overall investment of $1.5 billion, Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of the Azizi group of companies, tells Gulf Construction in an exclusive interview.

In August last year, Azizi Developments had signed up dsgn – a leading interior design consultancy firm – for the ambitious mixed-use tower project. This followed the appointment of International Foundation Group (IFG), a specialist in deep foundation and ground solutions, to provide piling, shoring, excavation, and dewatering works for the skyscraper and for the automated car-park.

The 725-m Burj Azizi will be the world’s second tallest tower upon completion in 2028.

Commenting on the status of work on site, Farhad says: “The piling for the automated car-park and shoring have been completed, and the first section of the car-park building has reached the first floor.  Backfilling of the tower is in progress, with piling scheduled to commence by the end of April once it is complete.”

Burj Azizi is a one-of-a-kind project that requires the diligence, hard work, and expertise of various stakeholders, he remarks.

Gardinia Contracting, a subsidiary of Azizi Developments, is one of many reputable contractors engaged on the project, he says.

“We have employed skyscraper experts such as the world-renowned Kang Sang, who has played a key role in the development of Conecxion, DB Dial, the Tanjiong Pagar mixed-use development, Y22, Seocho, Tower Palace 3, Mayfair Condo, Pebble Bay Condo, KLCC, and most notably, the Burj Khalifa, for which he served as its construction manager,” he adds.

A Persian-themed living room in the Burj Azizi hotel.

The project is positioned as the only freehold property on the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road location. It will boast several world-record-breaking features, including the highest hotel lobby (level 111), nightclub (level 126), hotel room (level 118), and observation deck (level 130).   

Burj Azizi will house an ultra-luxury mall featuring high-end fashion brands. The tower will offer a range of residential units, from one- to three-bedroom apartments to ultra-luxury penthouses. For every 20 floors of residences, a dedicated amenity floor is planned, consisting of swimming pools with sauna and steam room, a fully-fitted gym and yoga centre, a spa, a games room, a business centre, a kids’ play area, a cinema, a restaurant and coffee shop, and a supermarket.

Moving up, the luxury apartments will be topped by ultra-luxury penthouses, ranging from one to five-bedroom units and enjoying exclusive access to all amenities.  Separate lobbies will serve the residences and the penthouse units.

Burj Azizi will offer one- to three-bedroom apartments and penthouses.

Up even higher is an all-suite seven-star hotel that will take Dubai’s standards of luxury and opulence to new heights.  Inspired by seven cultural themes – Arabic, Chinese, Persian, Indian, Turkish, French and Russian – the hotel will offer a new standard in comfort and hospitality, offering themed restaurants and a luxury ballroom. An Emirati restaurant and beach club are also planned.  

The top of the tower will feature a museum showcasing the building’s evolution and the individuals involved in its developments, through multimedia exhibits including photo, video and graphics. 

To develop a project as unique and complex as Burj Azizi, innovation is key, Farhad points out.

The observation deck on level 130.

To bring the world’s second tallest tower from conceptualisation into reality a number of technologies will be employed.  These include:

• Thermal sensors, embedded in the concrete, to allow for real-time strength monitoring, enabling early formwork striking. This helps minimise the materials used and reduces energy consumption by shortening curing times;

•  GPS tracking for concrete trucks to optimise logistics and minimise delays;

•  Anti-collision systems in tower cranes to enhance safety and operational efficiency;

•  Hydraulic jump forms for core walls, expediting vertical construction;

•  Real-time monitoring systems on neighbouring plots to detect any structural movements at an early stage;

• Smart surveying systems to accurately track building shortening and movement with precision; and

• Live-updated Building Information Modelling (BIM), system for seamless design coordination and early clash detection.

“In terms of sustainability, we are - amongst many other proactive steps including implementing BIM, which are digital models for planning, construction documents and efficiency. Moreover, green and sustainable building materials, as well as energy-efficient systems such as smart lighting and HVAC, are being used to reduce Burj Azizi’s carbon footprint,” Farhad adds.

Commenting on the project, Mirwais says: “Projects like Burj Azizi happen only once in a generation.  Burj Azizi has been a dream of mine for many years … I am happy to announce that the dream is now on the path to realisation.”

“The importance of Burj Azizi is not just in that it has a record-setting height or its quality of design and construction, but also in the fact that it is being built in Dubai, a city that is today the leader in the world in engineering and architecture.  In this city of marvelous buildings, Burj Azizi will be a new milestone in innovation and workmanship.”

“Burj Azizi is not just a structure; it is a tribute to the emirate’s ever-growing prominence on the global stage. We are honoured to play a role in forming this city’s legacy, one that will prevail for all generations to come,” he concludes.