Dubai begins building 'world's tallest' tower

The structure "will be the world's tallest tower when completed in 2020," a statement read

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Dubai began construction work on Monday on a tower that will stand higher than its Burj Khalifa, which is currently the world's tallest skyscraper.

The Gulf emirate's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, marked the groundbreaking of The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour as construction workers laid foundations for the skyscraper at a vast patch of sand.

The structure "will be the world's tallest tower when completed in 2020," said a statement issued at the ceremony.

Dubai's developer giant Emaar Properties announced plans to build the viewing tower in April, saying it will be "a notch" higher than Burj Khalifa, which stands 828 metres (2,700 feet) high.

Emaar has not revealed the exact final height of the tower.

It said in April that the structure will cost around US $1 billion.

Designed by Spanish-Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava Valls, the tower will have observation decks providing 360-degree views of the coastal city.

Emaar Chairman Mohamed Alabbar said the tower will completed before the Expo 2020 trade fair which Dubai is preparing to host.

In April, Emaar said the tower will be slender, evoking the image of a minaret, and will be anchored to the ground with sturdy cables.

Dubai has established a reputation for building dozens of futuristic skyscrapers, which have transformed its skyline.

Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Holding is building a tower in Jeddah that is planned to surpass the Burj Khalifa, rising more than a kilometre.