Name: AL YACUOB TOWER
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
Floors: 72
Height: 330m
Use: Hotel+Com
Construction Start: 2006
Construction End: 2008

http://tinypic.com/jztonk.jpg

Update by Imre 04.08.2006

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looks like big ben in Westminster

Here's the article:

Big row derails Dubai Big Ben
Monday, 09 January 2006


Plans to build a 60-storey replica of London’s Big Ben tower in the middle of Dubai, look to have been scuppered after disagreements between Dubai Municipality Planning Department, and the developer.

The building may now have to be redesigned, after the Municipality rejected plans for a clock face on the tower, mimicking that on the houses of Parliament - Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside the tower, according to a report in construction Week magazine.

Work has already begun on the site for the building, which is to be built close to Dubai International Financial Centre, off Sheikh Zayed Road. The $60 million contract is being managed by Arabian Construction Company, according to Construction Week.

The building was initially rejected by the Planning Authority, which pressured the developer to relocate it to Nakheel’s International City development, according to the report.

A ‘letter of no objection’ was then obtained by the developer from the Palace of Westminster in London. But now the authority is refusing to grant permission for the clock face on the building, according to Construction Week.

“The project was delayed because of a design row over the clock. Although the building will have similarities to the Big Ben tower, it will not bear the clock face and will not be called Big Ben.

It will be a 60-storey residential building,” ACC director Wassim Merhebi told the magazine. The London original is just under 100 metres tall, but the Dubai tower will three times as big.

This is just getting riddiculous, Dubai is quickly gaining a repuation as the Rip-off capital of the world.

They seem to have far too much money to spend so they order a shit load of skyscrapers to be built without even considering whether tennants are available, then they go and decide that making giant replicas of Big Ben, Eiffel tower, Leaning tower of Pisa etc etc will gain them international recognition or something....

You're trying to put yourselves on the map, we get it, ok?!!!

It's like they can't find their own sense of character so they have to steal everyone elses! :bash:

This is just getting riddiculous, Dubai is quickly gaining a repuation as the Rip-off capital of the world.

They seem to have far too much money to spend so they order a shit load of skyscrapers to be built without even considering whether tennants are available, then they go and decide that making giant replicas of Big Ben, Eiffel tower, Leaning tower of Pisa etc etc will gain them international recognition or something....

You're trying to put yourselves on the map, we get it, ok?!!!

It's like they can't find their own sense of character so they have to steal everyone elses! :bash:

I have to agree. Dubai is wonderful and has lots of building that are unique and spectacular but building like this I dont like.

Wow, what a bloody rip off.

Its like slap on the face.

Las Vegas has scaled replicas of the Eiffle Tower, Great Pyramids and Empire State Building. They are fake, but no one minds because the whole city is a fake, fantasy world that its visitors gleefully enjoy.

Dubai is different. Its image is sophiticated and opulent. Its buildings are defining what 21st centry architecture is. So when I see a fake Big Ben, Dubai Eiffle Tower, or mini Taipei 101, I am hugely disappointed. Copycat buildings cheapen the whole place. They defeat the purpose of building a world's biggest/tallest whatever, which is to be unique and standout.

A suggestion. Instead of building a Big Ben replica, build a unique structure that combines leasable space and a clock feature in a way that resets the benchmark for clocktowers. For example, you could project the time holographically above the building, use LEDs on the building's side to graphically display the time a la the NASDAQ billboard in Times Square, or have the top of the buliding rotate once an hour. There must be a hundred better ways to do this and none of them require a petition to UK's Parliament or even a boxy narrow tower.

big ben deluxe, but high

btw.. talking about imitating towers... how's this?

Burj Al Arab to safeguard its famous look

Those wanting to copy the design of Dubai’s famous Burj Al Arab hotel can do so – as long as nobody claims they are officially linked to the hotel.

Several tourism bosses in England are now using the iconic design of the structure to create similar hotels.

The latest attempt is in the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool where construction of a Burj lookalike will take place in a bid to bring a bit of glitz and glamour to the ailing resort town.

Lancashire has seen the amount of tourists dramatically decline since the glory days of the 1950s and 1960s and tourism officials are doing all they can to boost its image.

A spokeswoman for the Burj Al Arab in Dubai said they were happy with the situation but will always do everything to protect the reputation of the hotel.

She said: “It is clearly a compliment to the achievement of Burj Al Arab, which inspires creativity among designers all around the world. However, we do intend to maintain Burj Al Arab as a truly unique experience.” Blackpool historian James Batchelor, who has written several books on the seaside resort said the Burj Al Arab idea had already grabbed several headlines.

He said: “I have to be honest and admit that Blackpool is very different from Dubai. In fact, the only thing they have in common is that they are both by the sea.

“But the tourism bosses in Blackpool are sick and tired of being labelled as a downmarket destination and are doing something about it.

“That is why they have copied the Burj Al Arab hotel. If you are trying to go upmarket then what better than to copy the world’s most luxurious hotel?

“It got a lot of attention when they announced it, but they did make sure that it was known that it just looks like the Burj and does not actually have anything to do with it on a business level.”

I like the height, but the design is a joke.

What a waste of resources which, if altered slightly, could've produced an amazing tower.

Let's beat the architect's face with a cinder block.

Nice design ! But too thin ...

very small footprint!!!

this one is so damn ugly, but there is still a chance it might turn out better in real life.

actually in find that burj al arab copy much more ridiculous.

It's tall but i think also it is very Ugly

.....even I could design a better tower....and I have nooo skill.....

ok im bloody confused now. the article is dated Jan 2006 and says no clock face. which is a damn good thing. but the tower is currently u/c and that giant model with the clock face is still there. can somebody clarify? if the project has a green light, why cant the UAE government create legislation against bad taste, shut down the project and imprison the architect?

and to all of you criticizing the city... read the article. the dubai government has been against this project from the start. they even made the developer go get a no objection letter from the parliament. dont blame the city. just blame the bastard developer who INSISTS on building this tower.

I dont like it

and to all of you criticizing the city... read the article. the dubai government has been against this project from the start. they even made the developer go get a no objection letter from the parliament. dont blame the city. just blame the bastard developer who INSISTS on building this tower.
That makes no sense, if they didn't like it they could stop this thing in 2 seconds.

so much money for such a cheap tower !

13/08/2006

http://i8.tinypic.com/24mi9oy.jpg

crane up already... and ACC. good stuff for a bad tower...

Crane up!! :okay: Thx for the progress picture Altin!!!!

the crane is a good sign. :)

ACC is so fast compared to many others.

Wow, its direktly beside "the Tower", if Al Yaqoub" wasnt so dam Ugly it would look great when its finished.
Anyways.....SZR has enough good looking towers so its ok that this one is not the best.

Wow, things are progressing!!!
Thanks AltinD.

Its a very prestigious plot so it better turn out good. The idea of a clocktower on SZR is good, i think, but im sceptical about the design. A big contrast to the capricorn and the tower.

Municipality seeks Big Ben style changed

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/9696/yalv9.jpg

Developers behind the plan to build a replica of London’s Big Ben in Dubai have had to review their plans at the advice of Dubai Municipality officials, who asked that the new building be amended to match its Sheikh Zayed Road neighbours.

The 72-storey Yaqoub Tower is currently being built along the city’s major artery and is scheduled for construction in November 2008.

The building, to be located next to the Union Properties Tower, will be 328 metres high with its top 60 metres designed to resemble London’s Westminster tower, said a representative of the project’s contractor – Arabian Construction Co.

However, sources at Dubai Municipality said they have asked the developer to make changes in the design.

“The project needed some changes to match the environment of Dubai… each environment has a different colour scheme and shape scheme,” said a municipality official. He, however, could not say whether an amended version has been submitted and approved.

Asked to confirm the civic body’s request, the contracting firm answered: “Not sure, but we know that the issue of the clock and its mechanism are not yet settled.

“We still have time until all the details are finalised; we are still in the foundations stage, after all.” More than three times taller than London’s landmark, Dubai’s Big Ben is going to be built from granite, aluminium and glass, said the contractor, adding that the structure’s exact colours have not yet been finalised.

The building has been designed by Dubai-based consultants Adnan Safarini for Daro Saifuddin Yaquob, owner of the UAE-based Yaquob Group, which lists hospitality, travel, real estate and stock market trading in its portfolio of businesses.

And while most Londoners can only admire their Big Ben from a distance, Dubai residents will be given a chance to work and live in it.

The lowest six floors of the building will house offices with the upper storeys consisting of 289 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom flats and duplexes.The building will have two swimming pools on the mid level and on the rooftop. A 13storey parking area for 597 cars has also been planned.

GO DUBAI MUNICIPALITY! I love them :D

so now who said they would allow every kind of bullshit..

i think this one will definetly ok.
what i would love is a real glass shiny modern version of big ben..

if they want, put a clock on top, that is fine for me. would be cool on SZR.

Great news to see that Dubai municipality battles against crapy and tacky designs!!!!!!!!!!!

Municipality seeks Big Ben style changed

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/9696/yalv9.jpg

Developers behind the plan to build a replica of London’s Big Ben in Dubai have had to review their plans at the advice of Dubai Municipality officials, who asked that the new building be amended to match its Sheikh Zayed Road neighbours.

The 72-storey Yaqoub Tower is currently being built along the city’s major artery and is scheduled for construction in November 2008.

The building, to be located next to the Union Properties Tower, will be 328 metres high with its top 60 metres designed to resemble London’s Westminster tower, said a representative of the project’s contractor – Arabian Construction Co.

However, sources at Dubai Municipality said they have asked the developer to make changes in the design.

“The project needed some changes to match the environment of Dubai… each environment has a different colour scheme and shape scheme,” said a municipality official. He, however, could not say whether an amended version has been submitted and approved.

Asked to confirm the civic body’s request, the contracting firm answered: “Not sure, but we know that the issue of the clock and its mechanism are not yet settled.

“We still have time until all the details are finalised; we are still in the foundations stage, after all.” More than three times taller than London’s landmark, Dubai’s Big Ben is going to be built from granite, aluminium and glass, said the contractor, adding that the structure’s exact colours have not yet been finalised.

The building has been designed by Dubai-based consultants Adnan Safarini for Daro Saifuddin Yaquob, owner of the UAE-based Yaquob Group, which lists hospitality, travel, real estate and stock market trading in its portfolio of businesses.

And while most Londoners can only admire their Big Ben from a distance, Dubai residents will be given a chance to work and live in it.

The lowest six floors of the building will house offices with the upper storeys consisting of 289 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom flats and duplexes.The building will have two swimming pools on the mid level and on the rooftop. A 13storey parking area for 597 cars has also been planned.

Thanks for this great news, it has made my day. :)

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http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/9696/yalv9.jpg




Whats this tower next to al yaqub tower.

Left is:

'The Tower' :)

Right is:

Capricorn Tower

18/08/2006

Al Yacoub Tower

http://i8.tinypic.com/24x4duv.jpg

http://i8.tinypic.com/24x4e2p.jpg

http://i7.tinypic.com/24x4ebo.jpg

Good news!

Left is:

'The Tower' :)

Right is:

Capricorn Tower

Hey can you please give me more info about capricon tower.

Capricorn Tower:

Height: 185m
Floors: 46
Completed: 2001 - 2003
Use: Office Building
Adress: SZR
Architect: Borja Huidobro

Pic:

http://en.structurae.de/files/photos/f003740/picture1.jpg

Oh its already completed, i've never seen this tower in dubai's pic. It would look so cool if it was 300m+.Anyways its a great tower, thanks for the info ZZ-II.

A nice article, that is related to this tower :D




Dubai reins in ugly buildings

Dubai Municipality officials have said that to persuade developers of new buildings to make their projects blend in with their surroundings is sometimes a diffcult task.

“We have some people who insist on a specific colour or style,” said Yousef Abdulla, head of the buildings permit section at the municipality’s building department.

“They fight for their cases,” said Abdulla, explaining that some owners refuse to back down and amend ugly or garish plans for projects even after being given explanations that they will be in stark contrast with their surroundings.

However, he said that the overall quality of architecture in Dubai was good and that the municipality is usually able to reach a compromise with building owners.

The Building Permits Section receives more than 60 new applications every day, he said, adding that the department is responsible for reviewing other aspects of projects besides its aesthetic qualities.

He said that every month, about 100 consultants and building owners are required to introduce changes to their concepts with only 20 of the cases being required to make changes on aesthetic grounds.

An architecture industry insider, who did not wish to be named, also said that some investors were not willing to take their consultant’s advice.

“They would insist on a particular colour and it is very hard to persuade them… Also, because everyone is in a hurry to have properties in the market soon, they will review a proposal and ask for cheaper materials… this is not only unsafe, but affects the building’s visual appeal,” he said.

A report by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says that the con struction sector in the emirate grew by 166 per cent between 2000 and 2004 and shows just how large an impact the new developments will have on the way the city looks in the future.

In 2004, the number of completed buildings reached 2,119 with those under construction reaching 4,852.

As reported in Emirates Today earlier this year, there are 5,300 construction sites in areas monitored by Dubai Municipality, which excludes developments by the Ports Customs and Free Zones Corporation and Nakheel.

Abdulla said that while the civic body is more lenient in some areas of the city, new projects along Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Creek, and near major interchanges, are subject to strict control.

In addition, an article in the Dubai Municipality Building Code requests consultants to make sure new buildings match the surrounding environment.While this is the consultant’s responsibility, inspectors have the right to ask for the colour to be changed.

“This is an international city,” said Mohammed Ahmed Saleh, a specialist at the section, explaining why the municipality does not enforce colour codes.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/3530/goodbadke0.jpg

Right, left tower looks great :okay:

the left render is wonderful, the other is not really ugly but not my taste

Id choose the left over the right, not sure about the golf ball though, dubais already got one.

So finally it's the design on the left that gets built instead of the Big Ben?

Quite a relief!! Nice tower.

^^ nope, they're just examples of other proposals

^^ In that case, any updated renderings of the tower?

I love the right one.

these are the buildings I discussed in Dubai Gosip II

15/09/2006

Al Yaquob Tower

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/8899/img3878ys4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/2050/img3879bc7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1411/img3880mz3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

:cry:

[QUOTE=ZZ-II]Capricorn Tower:

Height: 185m
Floors: 46
Completed: 2001 - 2003
Use: Office Building AND RESIDENTIAL
Adress: SZR
Architect: Borja Huidobro

Errrrr are they going to build the ugly Big Ben "replica" or are the building to street level and wait for the rdesigning?

i guess they will build the structure like it was planned initally but i am sure Municiplaity won't allow the current facade and roof design.

Good because the current "Big Ben" design would destroy the whole impression of this part of the SZR.Especially the view to the ET.

i guess they will build the structure like it was planned initally but i am sure Municiplaity won't allow the current facade and roof design.
Well, let's hope that happens. They haven't said anything yet

cool, it's starting to rise. but i hope we'll see a new design

29/09/2006

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/25/img4364uc2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3930/img4365ma9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/4395/img4366qj9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

great, he's growing. :okay:

shit, it's growing :(

06/10/2006

Al Yacoub

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/8527/img4722rf8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2593/img4723cp1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

great shots. any news about a new design??

13/10/2006
Al Yaqoub Tower

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2633/dsc0168dc2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/9061/dsc0173ak8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3017/dsc0175hk0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

What is now with the design of this one?

Will the Big Ben design remain or is there any redesigning on the way?

i bet it won't look like in the model, but nothing serious as of now.

27/10/2006

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/5290/dsc0495pd9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/1545/dsc0496fp4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

is the new design out yet

$60 million to build this thing? wow. no wonder wh there are tons of supertalls going up in dubai if that is the going rate to build a 1000' building

Up Up and Away!!

watch out the ugly beast is coming

Forgot this was the Big Ben style clock design.

Now im disapointed!

great shots

12-Nov-2006

http://i15.tinypic.com/358vus1.jpg

Here it comes... :runaway:

it looks crap

not really, you can't see any detail of the ugly design :)

NO PLEASE!!!!!!!! IT WILL RUIN SZR!!!! wtf is dubai thinking? how can they build this SHIT (even the redesign) omg what kind of ppl approve this?? if i were in dubai...:devil: :bleep:

^^ Exactly what I said

hahaha, damn, of all the bad designs that are being presented in Dubai this is definately the worst... :ohno:

This is a really interesting tower....

....Interesting to see how bad it's look!!

we still have enough reason to believe it will be redesigned because municipality has confirmed they aren't satisfied with the current design.

i wish i had the same optimistic outlook as you had..

By AltinD 19.11.2006

http://i7.tinypic.com/2usef01.jpg

http://i7.tinypic.com/2ey9lvq.jpg

since they covered the metal bars it might mean a redesign is underway and they stopped working on the structure, however altin still saw people working on the core today.

Al Yaquob Tower

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/2820/img6295bw6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1300/img6296vl1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

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http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/5882/img6298dl0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

SZRis gona look crap once this tower has done its magic.

Very Tall..... and very ugly for such a modern capital as Dubai.

It'd look nice in London though

ugh, no it wouldn't really :)

where are the iraqi insurgents who bomb new developments when you need them?

just kidding - sorry if that was insensitive. i am just angered by the blind selfishness of this developer and the stupidity of the architect

I predict that this tower will be "fixed" before it is built. It looks like they are only working only on the core. Expect to see an improved design! (I'm an optimist so maybe I'm wrong.)

^^ i am absolutely sure u r not. we had several rumours and articles claiming this.

Since the bad part of the tower is mainly the top, I guess they can build the bottom while designers and architects change the top.

Terrible tower but then its too late now.

Well, the good thing is this will eventually be blocked by a new 450m tower beside emirates towers

no need to overreact, it isn't that ugly, there are buildings that really define ugly 100 times more than this. It does kinda remind me of Joesph Chamberlain clock tower here at Birmingham University and London's Big Ben, except Big Ben is classier, way classier

Terrible tower but then its too late now.

that's really harm

oh........

i did not expect this no. of ( not like )

but it is really illogical


its clock with its top does not go with its height

it's NOT too late, this one is still under design.

i hope the design will be modified 2 the better

no need to overreact, it isn't that ugly, there are buildings that really define ugly 100 times more than this. It does kinda remind me of Joesph Chamberlain clock tower here at Birmingham University and London's Big Ben, except Big Ben is classier, way classier

That's why I find it revolting. All I can see is a copycat design with a clockface plonked on top. It looks out of proportion on the renders and it just has no class at all in its surroundings.

I'm sorry Dubai but its my view! Is this to be residential or hotel?

u r right

25/12/2006

http://i13.tinypic.com/4bjdtsj.jpg


As reported on the UAE section, there are sign on the construction site, that the tower is indeed going for a redesign of the exteriours, while work on the structure (at least the central core) goes on.

They have a mock up model of the tower (see picture above, right side) and they have erected scafolding around it, but not on the rest of the project board.

Lets hope for a flat roof, a pyramidshaped roof feature on The Tower is enough for the block.A clocktower would be interesting on SZR but make it more original, maybe a white facade a la capricorn, and flat roof. What about digital clocks?

good idea ..

but how much size ,is it in each side, is it on the top of the tower or what ?

explain ur concept

I'm sorry I just don't like this building at all. It's really ugly, and a crappy rip from Big Ben in London.

^^ You don't know what it is going to look like. None of us do.

27/01/2007

Al Yaquob


http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/5055/photo021yz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/4924/photo022wf8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/1919/photo025bw4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Ugly!
I realy don't like the design.
But maybe if it's finished it looks better.(But i don't think so)

Interesting, unusual design!

Thanks for the pictures!

Ugly!
I realy don't like the design.
But maybe if it's finished it looks better.(But i don't think so)

have the same opinion like you.


BTW: nice progress: :)

great updates

02/02/2007

Al Yaqoub Tower

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/2791/photo089kw0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1332/photo115sr1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6093/photo116it2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I love when a tower starts raising. Is a redesign still being studied or this was just another rumour?

A huge thank you to Imre for these pictures and all the others.

09/Feb/2007

Al Yaqoub Tower

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/6214/photo128ya6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/8967/photo127id1.th.jpg (http://img157.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo127id1.jpg)http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/365/photo129mg5.th.jpg (http://img157.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo129mg5.jpg)http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/4388/photo130db3.th.jpg (http://img157.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo130db3.jpg)

17/02/2007

Al Yaquob Tower

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/9461/photo08ty8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8995/photo09wn2.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo09wn2.jpg)http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/6730/photo10ke6.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo10ke6.jpg)

^^ nice updates thanks Imre

I love Dubai but this tower needs a total redesign, it is quite simply ghastly in all versions seen so far. That wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so TALL!

Redesign whilst you still can!

^^ We all hope and keep our finger crossed for a redesign, or at least a proper high quality render, showing exactly how it will look like. You have to accept that the renders are ALL crap; actually all the renders of the designs by the same architctural studio are crap.

Locke:

Agree, the plot deserves and demands a better design

this is one great design.... i really luv it...
Mark my words...
Dubai is going to be number 1 city in the world and UAE as a nation will be one of the most luxrious places to live within

no one liked this bad tower design but u



i am sure a change would take place

I hope they re-design this building before its too late. It’s just tacky... yuck :puke:

01/03/2007

Al Yaquob Tower

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9194/photo51yh4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/867/photo52dh6.th.jpg (http://img152.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo52dh6.jpg)http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1246/photo53qr6.th.jpg (http://img241.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo53qr6.jpg)

10/March/2007

AL YAQUOB TOWER

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/4697/photo06fz6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/4936/photo07va6.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo07va6.jpg)

looks like there going with the original design, thanks Imre

I can hardly see a difference after 10 days of work

think it'll speed up soon

very well filling up the gap.

really .. looks work is slow

16/03/2007

AL YAQUOB TOWER

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/4300/photo46aa7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/6780/photo13gx9.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo13gx9.jpg)http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/3922/photo45zb8.th.jpg (http://img174.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo45zb8.jpg)

very very ugly.

Very3 Ugly. The ugliest skyscraper in Dubai!

Let's wait and see. It's under redesign.

Nobody knows whether it is really being redesigned.

And redesigned does not necessarily means improved. Could be even worse eventually :lol:

Might not win a beauty contest, but so thin!

^^ If this tower turned from this:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/500/11020Nuaimi_Tower.jpg


... to this:


http://i10.tinypic.com/2pott9c.jpg

http://i10.tinypic.com/33enc4x.jpg


... only by changing the colour of the facade, everything is possible. :cheers:

OMG..... this building is a rip-off from here to tokio (dutch saying):lol:
No seriously this should be redesigned.

Id prefer a bright facade, the shape though is pretty good and will ad density in between Capricorn tower and The tower

OMG..... this building is a rip-off from here to tokio (dutch saying):lol:
No seriously this should be redesigned.

The developer got a non-objection letter from the British Parlament. ;)

25/03/2007

http://i7.tinypic.com/2cq0ilz.jpg

seem to be primitive something or old constructing way

eng_kheffa:

how is it primitive? its seems to be very much like many other contemporary buildings in Dubai and elsewhere to be, but then im not an expert in any way.

Thanks altin for all the updates, i was update-starving for a moment here xD

shame... it is growing this bldng will completely ruin the szr skyline if they dont make major changes

mikering:

I think the municipality has requested a designchange. I hope for not least a brighter facade to go with the tower and capricorn.

we'll see when the cladding comes

12/April/2007

Al Yaquob Tower

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9476/photo035ni5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3083/photo036sk4.th.jpg (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo036sk4.jpg)

actually we've a few threads with the wrong title ^^

back to the tower: compared to the last update ( 25th march ) the progress isn't the best

To say the less!

Is that a police radar between the lanes?

^^

yes, radar:)

I cant hold it in anymore....this build looks like a pencil....but has no usefullness....SORRY:ohno: :nuts:

it looks very interesting in an unattractive way. however, it's tall. but i dont know its kinda weird. lets see how this tall pencil turns out.

^^

yes, radar:)

Good news is, the Al Yaquob construction workers won't get fined for overspeeding :lol:

30/April/2007

AL YAQUOB TOWER

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4652/imresolt07cd2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

It looks like the core raised by only one floor in almost 3 weeks.

...still small....:cry:...

looks like theyre building about as fast as they are in the usa on this tower...heheheh

The slower this goes up, the better :)

Perhaps this one is on hold, because it's going to be redesigned?

This one doesn't really go with Dubai..

The slower this goes up, the better :)

took the words out of my mouth!! :)

The slower this goes up, the better :)

^^ what are you enjoy'ng this..???..for me as faster it grows..the better.....we need higher buildings...and need the workers..to deal with the new proposals..we need to build other buldings too...

No sign of workers here, neither last night (no lights on site also), nor this morning. :runaway:

maybe it is really under redesign....hopefully

No sign of workers here, neither last night (no lights on site also), nor this morning. :runaway:

:banana:

Don't like this one.

No sign of workers here, neither last night (no lights on site also), nor this morning. :runaway:

Maybe celebrating Labor day? :lol:

^^ Yeah and they are continuing it also today on 2nd. :lol:

I saw they have covered the rebars with plastic foils ... :runaway:

little BigBen

more the taller version of Big Ben :lol:

Al Yaquob Tower

04/May/2007

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/805/imresolt013he4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/313/imresolt014pw4.th.jpg (http://img503.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt014pw4.jpg)http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/2849/imresolt015cr5.th.jpg (http://img295.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt015cr5.jpg)http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/2888/imresolt081om8.th.jpg (http://img295.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt081om8.jpg)

Al Yaquob Tower

04/May/2007

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/805/imresolt013he4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Is that building in background the one that was on fire few months ago?

yes, Al Attar Tower

on hold?

correct

Perhaps this one is on hold, because it's going to be redesigned?

Probably...that option is very near truth :cheers:

Let's beat the architect's face with a cinder block.

wo guy

Cheap, ugly, tacky, Big Ben copy ... NO MOREEEEEE !!!


http://i11.tinypic.com/53jtymd.jpg

:banana:

:cheers:

wise decision.!!! me happy!
it was plain stupid to copy some tower from London.

That mock-up of the design has been removed from there.

The sad thing is that from past experiences with redesigns, for the new design to be completed, approved by the Municipality and for work to resume it will take so long, that I'm not keeping any hope for it to happen within 2007 year.

hopefully the new design will also include a small height increasing :)

A quick drive-by-shooting:

http://i19.tinypic.com/641azrd.jpg

You can see that the mock-up is not there anymore.

I don't like it :ohno:

In most places this would look incredibly outlandish...but should be OK among similar towers in this Desert Gotham.

Can't you people actually read the previous posts on the threads, not much just a few of them. It will make life easier both for you, who'll get a clue and for us who'll not have to endure reading such things. :ohno:

I don't get why they started the project if there were some pending issues that even forumers were aware of.
Now they have a lot of useless construction materials and costy cranes being immobilized :bash:

22/June/2007

Al Yaquob Tower

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/3365/imresolt112xb9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/3598/imresolt113rr0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/9931/imresolt114nn9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/4356/imresolt166bt1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/5609/imresolt219gb9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

workers are on the site....

^^ Of course, there are things they have to do, like maintain the equipments and the materials. Also I can see that the crane's arm rotates from time to time (some day it points at another direction that it did a day earlier)

Oh, they have replaced also the Project Managment company.

good news:)

Design change delays ‘Big Ben’

by Christopher Sell on Saturday, 23 June 2007

A complete overhaul in the design of the US $60 million (AED221 million) Al Yaquob tower on Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road has delayed the project, Construction Week has learned.

The 72-storey, 330m tower, which has been designed by Adnan Saffarini, was earlier designed to incorporate a Big Ben-style clock face at the top and was initially conceived as a residential and office tower.

But the building is now set to become a Marriott Hotel, prompting a major change of approach from the contractor.

"Going from a residential building to a hotel means every floor plate and everything on it has to change. Everything we wanted to build has been put on hold," said Rasheed Mikati, director, ACC.

"It has gone from being simple to very complicated. But it isn't a problem for us as we know we will be compensated for the delay, but on the other hand we don't like to see an ACC sign on formwork which is not going up a floor a week."

While building a residential tower with offices is essentially a straightforward undertaking, a hotel is more complex as the hotel operator is strongly involved and has to approve various aspects of the design.

Dubai Municipality is also required to issue a hotel license.

"And like all contractors and consultants, they are overstretched and under-staffed," added Mikati.

ACC hopes to receive the finalised plans by the end of the summer.

This is yet another design change for Al Yaquob tower.

The project grabbed headlines at the beginning of 2006 following a dispute between the developer and Dubai Municipality over featuring a clock face at the top of the tower.

Dubai Municipality initially gave consent for the tower but not the clock face, which was to be the highest clock in the world at 330m.

that's good news :) finaly we know somethig about this one ..hope they restart soon the reconstruction

not soon giovani, will take some months i think

It might take more then just a few months. When the tower just accross the road (Khalid Al Attar Tower, which ironically was also designed by the same architect) got a redesign from residental to hotel, they stopped for more then a year.

So another Hotel for SZR ... and just 5 years ago I was wowed that in that stretch of road were something like 5 - 7 Hotels :lol:

14/July/2007

Al Yaquob Tower

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2365/imresolt034it9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/4578/imresolt035nk8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

not longer on hold then? they have retired the protection things of the rebar.

as i can see, they've removed the plastic

Yes this is not on hold anymore. I saw workers today putting in place the formwork panels for pillar casting.

Hopefully the new design will be reveled soon :cheers:

25/July/2007

MARRIOTT HOTEL @ AL YAQUOB TOWER

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/8036/imresolt12tx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

do i see it right or have they started with a new floor?

I don't like it :ohno:

You don't like it!!:nuts:

Bored Saudi royalty + oil wealth + bad design sense = Dubai.

Bored Saudi royalty + oil wealth + bad design sense = Dubai.

Go take some GEOGRAPHY lessons :lol:

Because the saudi royals can't invest in foreign countries.... impossible! :crazy:

Because the saudi royals can't invest in foreign countries.... impossible! :crazy:

why impossible?

Prince Al-Waleed has lots of invesments worldwide, just see this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Waleed_bin_Talal

Because the saudi royals can't invest in foreign countries.... impossible! :crazy:

This is NOT a Saudi investment.

06/Aug/2007

MARRIOTT HOTEL @ AL YAQUOB TOWER

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/5427/imresolt13xa0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/4492/imresolt14wp5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/4450/imresolt16cd7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/3245/imresolt17qv3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

great, it is rising again :)

can't wait to see the new design of this building.

can't wait to see the new design of this building.


You're not alone man. :eek:

^^ But she's a woman. :dunno:

really!!:nuts:

24/Aug/2007

MARRIOTT HOTEL @ AL YAQUOB TOWER

http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/6091/imresolt156kt0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/128/imresolt191jz0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/3576/imresolt192fv9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

one more floor, a bit slow

I don't like the clock:ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

Dubai is becoming more cheap and kitchy by the minute.
Keep it up!

Dubai is becoming more cheap and kitchy by the minute.
Keep it up!

Have you seen the redesign of this or something? If so, please share! :lol:

it takes them way to long to redesign this building!

it takes them way to long to redesign this building!

What are you talking about? They have been back at work on it for quite awhile, so the redesign should be done we just haven't seen it yet.

this building is going to be to thin

this is what i'm talking about. they dont have many options to redesign. they just need to get rid of the clock, they cant design a complete new tower.

they were so proud of their crapy design, setting up a huge model and all that stuff. as you said, they have been back for quite a while now, and nothing happens! this sucks!

this is what i'm talking about. they dont have many options to redesign. they just need to get rid of the clock, they cant design a complete new tower.

they were so proud of their crapy design, setting up a huge model and all that stuff. as you said, they have been back for quite a while now, and nothing happens! this sucks!

Almost nothing you said in this post is true.

they could save this one with an iconic spire or roof feature...

I wanna see the new design raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!:gaah:

wait. if their gonna change the design why is it already under contsruction?

your not alone wondering about this.

we ll wait and see what happens.:ohno:

wait. if their gonna change the design why is it already under contsruction?

Maybe they realized how disgustingly ugly the original design is?

yea. but if they are to chage the design, i think they should stop or put it on hold. hehe. just my opinion . :D

yea. but if they are to chage the design, i think they should stop or put it on hold. hehe. just my opinion . :D

They DID put it on hold for a few months. And now they are building it again, so presumably the redesign has been completed.

Don't like this tower!

They DID put it on hold for a few months. And now they are building it again, so presumably the redesign has been completed.

ok then. :D im just gonna wait for the new design. :)

14/September/2007

MARRIOTT HOTEL @ AL YAQUOB TOWER

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6167/imresolt033oy3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/9912/imresolt034fn6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/271/imresolt090yq7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

seems they've reaced the first mech. floor

15/Oct/2007

MARRIOTT HOTEL @ AL YAQUOB TOWER

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/1038/imresolt15uc5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8593/imresolt16ii6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Hmm... can't say I'm sad about the fact that this one is being redesigned ;) Whats that tower to the left of it?

that is "The Tower", 243m tall and 54 floors :)

I'm starting to dislike Dubai... It just seems way to fake for me.

"The Tower" is a amazing tower. I went inside and its even better inside.

Does anyone know what is under construction to the right of the Capricorn Tower?

^^ Here the thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=278126)

02/Nov/2007

MARRIOTT HOTEL @ AL YAQUOB TOWER

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/6195/imresolt111ta1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/9783/imresolt112sp9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

wow, they managed to build a few floors. thx imre.

any news, gossip about the design?

no, design hasn't been released yet

I've noticed rising in the last updates!

02/Nov/2007

MARRIOTT HOTEL @ AL YAQUOB TOWER


Is it MARRIOTT Hotel or JW MARRIOTT Hotel ?...

^^
Design change delays ‘Big Ben’

by Christopher Sell on Saturday, 23 June 2007

A complete overhaul in the design of the US $60 million (AED221 million) Al Yaquob tower on Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road has delayed the project, Construction Week has learned.

The 72-storey, 330m tower, which has been designed by Adnan Saffarini, was earlier designed to incorporate a Big Ben-style clock face at the top and was initially conceived as a residential and office tower.

But the building is now set to become a Marriott Hotel, prompting a major change of approach from the contractor.

"Going from a residential building to a hotel means every floor plate and everything on it has to change. Everything we wanted to build has been put on hold," said Rasheed Mikati, director, ACC.

"It has gone from being simple to very complicated. But it isn't a problem for us as we know we will be compensated for the delay, but on the other hand we don't like to see an ACC sign on formwork which is not going up a floor a week."

While building a residential tower with offices is essentially a straightforward undertaking, a hotel is more complex as the hotel operator is strongly involved and has to approve various aspects of the design.

Dubai Municipality is also required to issue a hotel license.

"And like all contractors and consultants, they are overstretched and under-staffed," added Mikati.

ACC hopes to receive the finalised plans by the end of the summer.

This is yet another design change for Al Yaquob tower.

The project grabbed headlines at the beginning of 2006 following a dispute between the developer and Dubai Municipality over featuring a clock face at the top of the tower.

Dubai Municipality initially gave consent for the tower but not the clock face, which was to be the highest clock in the world at 330m.

22/November/2007

MARRIOTT HOTEL @ AL YAQUOB TOWER

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/9338/imresolt58th5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9844/imresolt72vp4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Wow! Rising fast now!

Whn this is done, no need to carry any watch anymore walking in SZR, thats for sure!! :lol:

^^ The tower has been redesigned long ago and the watch is not there anymore.

And there's still no rendering of the new design!? The advertising on the site doesn't show one.
So either the decision for the final appearance of the tower's upper parts hasn't been made yet, or it is still kept hidden to surprise the public. Let's see if the basic data will also change... sometimes there's an increase of height and floors. :)

28/December/2007

MARRIOTT HOTEL @ AL YAQUOB TOWER and Al Rostamani Maze Tower

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/1895/imresolt091cg5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/6853/imresolt092zz0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/1583/imresolt093ly1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/2154/imresolt094bm9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)