Pioneering designs in the heart of Za’abeel

One Za’abeel is a flagship, mixed-used development by Ithra Dubai. A symbol of ambition, innovation and the pioneering spirit of Dubai, it stands proudly in the Za’abeel district at the heart of the city, strategically positioned between the old and new business districts.

The scale of the development is enormous and complex. With two towers standing at 304m and 241m, the 530,000m² development came with the added complication of straddling a live four lane carriageway. It was exactly the sort of challenge Mace relishes.

The development boasts seven basements 28m below ground level. From using 3D plexis modelling for excavating under the live highway, to coordinating load cell monitoring and bridge jacking, to negotiating with local authorities for approvals and road closures, the project team made use of local knowledge, innovative solutions and meticulous planning to safely deliver the excavation.

Above ground the two towers are linked 100m in the air by the ‘Link’ – a 230m long structure of steel and glass with the world’s longest cantilever. The team pushed engineering limits by building the structure on a temporary site-based platform in seven sections that were welded together before being secured to the towers. Sustainability in design and delivery was paramount to our teams, which resulted in the project receiving a LEED Gold certification.

Our team aimed to push boundaries with this project. Upon its completion, One Za’abeel was awarded with a Guiness World Record for the longest cantilever building in the world. The project received a further three World Records related to having the largest projector show at its grand opening.