ADh4 billion ($1.09 billion) tower – tipped to be among the tallest commercial skycrapers in the world – is expected to start its ascent by the end of this year at Business Bay in Dubai.

The venture named Burj Al Alam (The World Tower) – which promises to create an architectural marvel and redefine Dubai’s stunning skyline – was officially launched by the Dubai-based Fortune Group last month as a freehold commercial offering for investors from across the globe.
“Upon completion, Burj Al Alam will definitely be the tallest commercial project in the Arabian Gulf and among the highest in the world. Besides its formidable height, the project’s design is also poised to be the most striking in the aesthetic sense,” says Ahmed Khoory, chairman of Fortune Group.
The 108-storey project, which will soar to a height of more than 480 m, is being designed by Ove Arup and Partners of the UK, Nihon Sekkei (experts in earthquake engineering) of Japan and Tak of  Malaysia, to resemble a crystal flower. Targeted for completing by 2009, the tower will house the world’s highest hotel with a lobby floor starting from the 76th floor. Of its total 108 storeys, 74 floors will be dedicated to offices, 27 storeys will be taken up by hotels and service apartments and the balance will be covered by retail spaces.
Each office floor plate is divided into six ‘petals’, allowing flexibility for a mixed tenancy planning. An extensive podium design with elegantly laid out retail spaces featuring luxury designer brands will serve as the first point of approach for pedestrian traffic.
Accentuating the views of Business Bay creek in the south and the Burj Dubai super high-rise in the north, the building also features a six-storey ‘crown’ that consists of a sky garden, Turkish bath, club facilities and a helipad.
“Burj Al Alam will illustrate the architectural ingenuity and economic initiatives of the emirate by creating the most futuristic infrastructure for businesses to operate and grow, offering local and international investors to enhance returns, besides also maximising value for end-users, secondary investors and shareholders,” he adds.
Burj Al Alam is the flagship project for the Fortune Group, which is also undertaking projects in Dubailand, Sharjah and international markets. “The group has so far conceptualised and developed real estate projects valued at Dh2.3 billion across the emirate. Being a major player in the real estate development with a number of significant ongoing and proposed projects to its credit, the group has significantly contributed to pace up the development in the country,” he stresses.
The group currently has a total project area of 4 million sq ft under deelopment. Fortune Tower, off Sheikh Zayed Road, was one of Dubai’s first freehold commercial property, featuring a unique revolving restaurant. Also within its fold is Casa Marbella, on The Palm, Jebel Ali, which will introduce Dubai to Mediterranean living and the concept of designer spaces.
Other projects by the Fortune Group include Fortune Executive Tower offering the first freehold duplex office spaces at the Jumeirah Lake Towers area, Fortune Serene set in the International Media Production Zone, and Fortune Araames offering commercial space in Jumeirah Lake Towers. Upcoming projects include Fortune Bay – a commercial tower at Business Bay and Fortune Pavilion another commercial project at Dubai Sports City.