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In what has been labeled as a unique internal design competition, Tameer Holding has today announced that acclaimed designers Atkins will compete amongst itself across three of its leading design centres for the privilege of designing an iconic skyscraper intended to be developed on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Based on current world rankings, the colossal mixed use project will be amongst the world’s tallest structures and will comprise of residential, commercial and retail configurations in addition to a 200-plus key boutique hotel and branded, serviced apartments.

The design for the region’s newest landmark has already attracted vast global interest, with a multitude of international design firms competing to design the iconic structure with Atkins eventually selected to lead on the project after an intensive preliminary selection process.

The three Atkins teams vying for the project are based in global studios in Dubai, London and Hong Kong.  Headed by internationally renowned design leaders, they are responsible for some of the world’s most eye-catching and famed landmarks including the Burj Al Arab, Bahrain World Trade Center and Teda Tower.

Preliminary designs are scheduled for submission to the judging panel later this month.  The panel of judges is a mix of Tameer’s Board of Directors and senior management with oversight by its industry partners, with the winning design announced in July.

Tameer’s Chief Executive Officer, Abdallah Hageali says the competition will further fuel the leading developer’s commitment and legacy in support of “the art of building”, upholding creativity and enhancement in the full spectrum of design and construction.

“This endeavor to lift the benchmark further for the best in design is reflective of our approach towards property development. We are committed to constantly pushing the boundaries, searching for the best and highest standards in quality and innovation.  This competition is a unique initiative that we anticipate will ultimately leave its mark and result in a true architectural masterpiece” Mr. Hageali said.

Managing Director of Atkins in the Middle East & India, Tim Askew, says the group’s best architectural talent has been preparing for the design competition over a number of months, with three of its major global studios engaging in healthy competitive rivalry to design the mega-structure.

“We are delighted to have been selected as lead designer for the project after the initial selection process.  Whilst this is the first time we have embarked upon such a major internal competition on such an international scale, we see it as instrumental in helping us to further drive creativity and ingenuity for projects such as this, in recognition of the status it deserves as Dubai’s newest landmark” he said.

Apart from its aesthetic and functional design qualities currently under consideration, the colossal skyscraper will span over 5 million square feet and will be designed in accordance with current sustainability best practice.  Towering over the city skyline it will provide breathtaking views of Marsa Dubai as it lies in proximity to the most luxurious retail, dining and leisure precincts and sophisticated commercial and academic hubs.

Managing Director of Tameer Dubai, Abdul Hamid Moukayed, says the project will not only offer a premium in creativity and design spurred by the global competition, but heralds a new era in sustainable development with unsurpassed eco-features which are  intended to be implemented in the project.

“Apart from the prominent effort to compete on design, the project is expected to exhibit an exemplary standard of construction in accordance with unmatched sustainability-focused measures and we look forward to working with some of the world’s best creative designers to help bring this architectural masterpiece to life,” Mr. Moukayed said.

The announcement of TAMEER’s latest development plans arrives amidst rising demand for residential and commercial units in Dubai, fuelled by ongoing economic growth. Thousands of investors have been attracted by the growing market, resulting in Dubai’s population doubling over the past ten years with official forecasts predicting the number of inhabitants will rise to 2 million by 2015.