NIKKEN SEKKEI Unveils One Za’abeel: A Distinctive Marvel Gracing Dubai’s Skyline

Japanese design powerhouse NIKKEN SEKKEI has successfully completed the groundbreaking One Za’abeel mixed-use complex, introducing the world’s lengthiest cantilever at an impressive 66 meters above the vibrant city of Dubai. This architectural masterpiece, comprising two sophisticated skyscrapers, namely The Tower and The Residences, is ingeniously linked by The Link—a horizontal bridge that not only connects the structures but also elevates Dubai’s urban aesthetics.

Strategically positioned at the entrance of Dubai’s central financial district, One Za’abeel stands as a symbolic landmark, welcoming travelers from Dubai International Airport and embodying the city’s spirit of ambition, innovation, and connectivity. This prime location not only underscores Dubai’s continuous progress but also facilitates seamless access to the downtown area, solidifying One Za’abeel as a pivotal player in the city’s evolving landscape.

More than a physical structure, One Za’abeel aspires to cultivate a vibrant community, catering to both residents and global visitors. The complex offers a diverse array of dining options, retail outlets, cutting-edge office spaces, and distinctive urban hotel experiences. The Link, suspended 100 meters above ground, adds a breathtaking touch to the experience with a 230-meter viewing platform, providing panoramic vistas that span the city’s east-to-west axis.

Architect Kokona Nakamura, Chief Architect of Nikken Sekkei Ltd., articulates the vision behind One Za’abeel, stating, “We aimed to create an elegant building that not only represents the spirit of Dubai but also serves as a formidable gateway for the city—welcoming and bidding adieu to visitors on their journey from the airport to the city center.”

The engineering marvel of The Link, constructed with a robust tubular steel member system arranged in a diamond grid pattern, ensures structural stability and a spacious, column-free interior. The construction process, marked by lifting an 8,500-tonne section of The Link over 12 days, stands as one of the region’s heaviest recorded lifts. The remaining 900-tonne cantilever tip was lifted and attached over a four-day period. This meticulous process not only contributes to the stability of the structure but also mitigates wind-induced swaying, addressing a common concern with tall buildings.

Covering an expansive 530,000 square meters of mixed-use space, One Za’abeel includes 12,000 square meters of retail, 26,000 square meters of offices, and luxurious residential spaces. The Al Mustaqbal Bridge connects the towers, streamlining commuting directly into the downtown area. The One Za’abeel Tower reaches an impressive height of 305 meters, while the second tower, One Za’abeel The Residences, stands tall at 235 meters.

NIKKEN SEKKEI’s design showcases exteriors adorned with Low-E glass boasting high transparency and exceptional solar shielding performance. Visual interest is added with glass fins, creating a stunning façade. The Podium, surrounded by green spaces and walkways, offers retail and dining options, enriching the entrance experience with urban parks, a playground, and a garden pool.

In essence, One Za’abeel emerges as a distinctive marvel, not just shaping Dubai’s skyline but also setting new standards in architectural innovation and community integration.