The £1.2 billion Burj Azizi tower in Dubai, expected to become the world's second-tallest building, will feature the longest elevator ever, powered by artificial intelligence. The skyscraper, currently under construction, will stand at 2,379 feet high, just behind its neighbour the Burj Khalifa at 2,723 feet.
Mixed-use development with record-breaking features
Located on Sheikh Zayed Road between Downtown Dubai and the Dubai World Trade Centre, the tower will have over 130 floors and function as a mixed-use development. It will include a seven-star hotel, apartment flats, penthouses, and a vertical retail centre. Plans also feature an observation deck, an adrenaline zone, a beach club, a luxury ballroom, the world's highest hotel lobby, and the highest restaurant in Dubai.
According to manufacturing partner KONE Corporation, the Burj Azizi will be home to the world's longest elevator. Ordinary lifts would struggle to climb the tower's height due to the weight of traveling cables, but new technology allows the use of lightweight cables, known as UltraRope, enabling longer travel with less energy and material.
AI-enabled lifts and construction timeline
The elevator will be AI-enabled to ensure shorter waiting times during peak traffic and will have 24/7 connectivity for constant monitoring, allowing potential issues to be identified before they cause disruption.
Construction on the Burj Azizi began in 2024, with completion expected by 2028. Mirwais Azizi, Founder & Chairman of Azizi Developments, said: 'Our investment in Burj Azizi, surpassing AED 6 billion, represents more than just the creation of an iconic structure it is a commitment to transforming Sheikh Zayed Road and elevating Dubai's skyline to new, unparalleled heights.'
He added: 'Burj Azizi is not merely about its towering stature or prime location and with its innovative design and cutting-edge technology, this tower will offer ultra-luxury residences, a unique vertical shopping mall, the world's highest observation deck, and a wealth of amenities and dining experiences, all set at extraordinary elevations.'
Philippe Delorme, KONE's President and CEO, said: 'As space becomes scarcer and more valuable in cities around the world, there's no alternative to growing upwards, making advanced vertical mobility more essential than ever.' He added: 'With our high-rise expertise and future-proofed solutions, we create smooth, reliable journeys in landmark buildings like Burj Azizi.'
