Dubai-based Emaar Properties has broken ground on its $1-billion development - 'The Tower in Dubai Creek Harbour' - which, on completion in 2020, will become the world’s tallest tower, overtaking the iconic Burj Khalifa.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, joined the ground-breaking ceremony along with Mohammad Al Gergawi, the chairman of Dubai Holding, Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, and other dignitaries.

The tower, which is set for completion in 2020, in time for the World Expo in Dubai, will be 'a notch higher' than the 828-m-long Burj Khalifa, currently the world's tallest tower.

Supported by a matrix of cables, the skyscraper will anchor the redevelopment of the Dubai Creek.

This futuristic tower has been designed by renowned Spanish/Swiss neo-futuristic architect, structural engineer, sculptor and painter Santiago Calatrava Valls, said a statement from Emaar.

Unveiled in April this year, the Tower will serve as the vibrant core of Dubai Creek Harbour, a 6-sq-km world-class masterplannned development that is two times the size of Downtown Dubai.

Providing stunning 360-degree views of the city and beyond, the Tower strengthens the UAE's reputation for innovation in architecture, engineering and construction, and will eclipse Burj Khalifa as the tallest building, said the statement.

Re-defining the spectacular skyline and setting a new global referral point, The Tower anchors the Dubai Creek Harbour, a next-generation smart hub defined by the latest developments in artificial intelligence.

A joint venture between Emaar and Dubai Holding, Dubai Creek Harbour is in close proximity to the Ras Al Khor National Wildlife Sanctuary, protected under the Unesco Ramsar Convention, and the Dubai International Airport.

Speaking at the launch, Al Gergawi said: "The ground-breaking is another historic moment for the UAE, as we mark the construction of another icon that will add to the UAE's civic pride. It celebrates the vision of Sheikh Mohammed, underlined by the recently announced 'UAE Strategy for the Future' to drive the transformational growth of the nation."

With no similar super-tall structures in the world, Emaar adopts a new approach to building The Tower. Wind-engineering and seismic tests have been completed. Every aspect is designed to the highest international standards - from the materials to the construction technology.

The crowning glory of The Tower is The Pinnacle Room in addition to several VIP Observation Garden Decks. It will have dynamic illumination making it a stunning visual landmark during the day and night, said Alabbar.

"Dubai is a centre of innovation for supertall structures and breakthrough developments in architecture and engineering.  The Tower will be a sterling addition to the smart city that Sheikh Mohammed envisages. We will continue to push the frontiers of engineering to complete it in time for Expo 2020 Dubai," he observed.

The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour supports the goals of Dubai Plan 2021 to establish the city as a global business and leisure hub, and will add real economic value by driving the growth of the core sectors of tourism, hospitality, aviation and retail among others.

 Santiago Calatrava Valls said the design and architectural features of The Tower demand unique engineering approaches that are currently being implemented on site.

"Extensive studies were undertaken in preparation for the ground-breaking, and the learning that we have gained from the experience will add to the knowledge base of mankind," he added.-TradeArabia News Service