15 Famous Buildings in Dubai

When it comes to designing eye-catching architecture, a Dubai famous buildings often sets the global benchmark. No city does it quite like Dubai.

Whether it’s high-end hotels with balcony views of the Arabian Gulf, future-focused museums leading the way in terms of innovation, or entertainment venues which are the envy of the world, the city is packed full of wonderful and, perhaps more importantly, Instagram-friendly buildings showcasing outstanding architectural development.

Below is our guide to some of Dubai’s iconic buildings that everybody needs to visit.

• Burj Khalifa
• Burj Al Arab
• Museum of The Future
• Dubai World Trade Centre
• Dubai Mall
• Atlantis, The Palm
• Emirates Museum
• Cayan Tower
• Princess Tower
• Emirates Towers
• Dubai Frame
• Jumeirah Beach Hotel
• Dubai Opera
• Gevora Hotel
• JW Marriott Marquis
• FAQs

Top 15 Buildings in Dubai

From Burj Khalifa to Dubai Mall, Dubai boasts architectural marvels. Let’s take a closer look at each:

1. Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is not only the tallest building in the city, but also in the world. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai stands at 828 metres high.

• The Burj Khalifa attracts roughly 17 million visitors each year
• Design work on the building was carried out by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, who are also responsible for iconic landmarks, including New York’s One World Trade Centre and Shanghai’s Jin Mao Tower
• Completed in 2010, following six years of construction work, 10,000 fireworks were used in an incredible display to celebrate its opening
• The building boasts 900 luxury homes, which include the lavish Armani Residences, with amenities such as pools, a fitness centre, and concierge services

Standout statistic: 

Atmosphere, the world’s highest restaurant, is located on the 122^nd floor

2. Burj Al Arab

• Arguably Dubai’s most recognisable building due to its sail-like design, the five-star deluxe Burj Al Arab opened in 1999
• Created by 3000 contractors and designers, the Burj Al Arab is built on an artificial island in the sea, which is connected to land by a bridge
• The hotel features interiors adorned in 24-carat gold and showcases a 21,000-crystal Swarovski chandelier. 
• Featuring a helipad, underwater restaurant and a suite-only (no standard rooms) policy, the Burj Al Arab is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world

Standout statistic:

Over the years, the building’s helipad has been used for multiple stunts, including an exhibition match between tennis legends Roger Federer and Andre Agassi in 2005

3. Museum of The Future

• A celebration of Dubai’s commitment to innovation, the Museum of the Future opened on February 22, 2022
• Its stainless-steel façade features 1,024 plates of Arabic calligraphy
• Since opening, the Museum of the Future has already welcomed over 1 million visitors
• National Geographic described the venue as one of the world’s most beautiful museums and a must-visit attraction.

Standout statistic:

This is one of the world’s most beautiful museums, according to National Geographic. A perfect blend of art, technology, and tradition, it is a must-visit attraction.

4. Dubai World Trade Centre

• Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) opened in 1979 and quickly became a key venue for global events and trade fairs. It is located on Sheikh Zayed Road.
• Dubai World Trade Centre was the first skyscraper built in the city
• Comprised of 38 floors, Dubai World Trade Centre stands at 184 metres
• The building was initially known as ‘Sheikh Rashid Tower’
• Dubai World Trade Centre, which has played a prominent role in shaping the city’s economy, offers luxurious residences with premium amenities.

Standout statistic:

Dubai World Trade Centre is depicted on the UAE’s 100-dirham banknote.

5. Dubai Mall

• Located in Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Mall opened its doors on November 4, 2008
• The Dubai Mall covers an area of 1.124 million square meters, which is equivalent to 50 full-size football pitches
• Dubai Mall includes over 1200 stores along with entertainment attractions such as Dubai Aquarium, an Olympic-sized ice-rink, KidZania and one of the biggest cinema complexes in the world
• The venue attracts over 100 million visitors each year

Standout statistic:

Just outside the venue, guests can enjoy the Dubai Fountains, a spectacular show combining water, light and music

6. Atlantis, The Palm

• Opened in 2008, Atlantis, The Palm is one of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks due to its distinctive design features.
• The venue, which fuses entertainment and luxury, has established itself as one of Dubai’s most iconic locations.
• Atlantis, The Palm includes 1500 rooms and entertainment features such as Aquaventure Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium
• It is also home to several high-end dining establishments, including Hakkasan, Nobu and FZN by Björn Frantzén.

Standout statistic

Atlantis, The Palm was the first resort to open its doors on Palm Jumeirah

7. Etihad Museum

• Located in the heart of Dubai, Etihad Museum celebrates the proud history of the UAE.
• Exhibits delve into Emirati heritage, while interactive displays connect visitors to the nation’s progress from its traditional roots to what has become one of the world’s most popular locations.
• The museum also features special exhibitions focused on Islamic art and culture, making it a key educational and cultural attraction.

Standout statistic:

Museum exhibits include materials and documents related to the founding of the UAE

8. Cayan Tower

• Located in the Dubai Marina, Cayan Tower Dubai is renowned for its unique 90-degree twist
• The building, designed by the same company responsible for Burj Khalifa, stands at 306 metres
• The tower, which took eight years to complete, offers upscale apartments with luxurious features, including an infinity pool and a state-of-the-art gym

Standout statistic:

Instead of balconies, Cayan Tower Dubai boasts glass walls which provide panoramic views of Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf.

9. Princess Tower

• Also situated in Dubai Marina, work on the Princess Tower was completed in 2012
• A crown-like dome at the top of the building complements its regal name
• Inside, residents can enjoy amenities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a gym, a spa and a children’s play area

Standout statistic:

At 414 metres high, Princess Tower Dubai was previously the tallest residential building in the world before being surpassed by New York’s 432 Park Avenue

10. Emirates Towers

• A dual complex, Emirates Towers Dubai, comprises the Emirates Office Tower and the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel
• The two buildings feature unique equilateral triangle tops designed by Hazel Wong
• Opened in April 2000, Emirates Towers Dubai hosts multiple corporate and government offices
• The hotel offers priority access to the neighbouring Museum of the Future through a private entrance

Standout statistic:

Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel is the only hotel in Dubai with its own metro station

11. Dubai Frame

• Opened in 2008, Dubai Frame connects the city’s historical roots with its futuristic vision
• The landmark, located in Zabeel Park, stands at 150 metres high and 95 metres wide
• The structure holds the record for the world’s largest frame
• Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of both old and new Dubai from its observation deck

Standout statistic:

An elevator transports visitors to the observation deck, covering 48 floors in just 75 seconds

12. Jumeirah Beach Hotel

• With its wave-like design, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a luxury resort offering an immaculate view of the Arabian Gulf
• The hotel initially opened in 1997, before being renovated in 2018
• Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a popular destination for celebrities and high-profile footballers
• The hotel features a 2km stretch of private beach with views of the Burj Al Arab
• Guests enjoy exclusive access to Wild Wadi Waterpark, five swimming pools and a variety of dining options.

Standout statistic

The hotel’s wave-like design is intended to showcase a breaking wave on the Arabian Gulf

13. Dubai Opera

• Located in Downtown, Dubai Opera serves as a concert venue, theatre and banquet hall
• Covering 650,000 square feet, the venue was designed by Atkins 
• The building’s architecture is a nod to the dhow, a traditional Arabian sailing vessel, reflecting Dubai’s maritime history

Standout statistic:

Dubai Opera officially opened in August 2016 with a sold-out performance by Spanish opera singer Plácido Domingo.

14. Gevora Hotel

• Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the Gevora is a standout building among Dubai’s vast array of skyscrapers
• Construction work on the venue began in 2005, before it officially opened in February 2018
• The Gevora features 528 rooms, five restaurants, a health club and an outdoor pool.

Standout statistic:

Standing at 356 metres, the Gevora is officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest hotel building

15. JW Marriott Marquis

• Located in Business Bay, the JW Marriott Marquis is comprised of twin towers with 1,608 rooms, fine dining restaurants, leisure facilities and its pub, the Bridgewater Tavern
• Designed by Arch Group Consultants, its date palm-inspired shape pays homage to Arab heritage
• The five-star hotel officially opened in 2013.

Standout statistic:

At 355 metres, the JW Marriott Marquis was previously the tallest hotel in the world, before being surpassed by the Gevora Hotel. It is still part of Dubai famous buildings.

FAQs

Key Takeaways:

• Dubai is home to some of the world’s most iconic architectural landmarks, known for their innovation, luxury, and global recognition — from ultra-modern Dubai famous buildings to culturally inspired designs.
• The Burj Khalifa remains the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 metres and attracting over 17 million visitors annually.
• Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s sail-shaped hotel, is internationally recognised for its luxury, gold-adorned interiors, and exclusive suite-only experience. It is one of Dubai famous buildings
• Museum of the Future is a symbol of Dubai’s forward-looking innovation, with over 1 million visitors since opening and a façade adorned in Arabic calligraphy.
• Dubai World Trade Centre holds historical significance as the city’s first Dubai famous buildings and appears on the UAE’s 100-dirham banknote.
• Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping destinations globally, draws over 100 million visitors yearly and includes entertainment attractions like the Dubai Aquarium and the Dubai Fountain.
• The list also includes architecturally significant developments like Cayan Tower (with a 90-degree twist), Princess Tower, Emirates Towers, and the Dubai Frame — which offers panoramic views of old and new Dubai.
• Resorts and hotels such as Atlantis, The Palm and Jumeirah Beach Hotel are featured for their scale, luxury, and entertainment offerings.
• Emerging icons like the Museum of the Future, Dubai Opera, and Reportage developments showcase the city’s ongoing expansion in both modern architecture and cultural spaces.
• The full list includes record-breakers, world firsts, and architectural marvels, making Dubai a global destination for fans of design, innovation, and luxury living.

For more on places to visit in Dubai, stay connected with the Property Finder blog.

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