Dubai’s One Za’abeel twin skyscrapers have debuted with a bang, featuring the world’s longest cantilever building and the UAE’s longest suspended infinity pool. The cantilever, extending 67.5 meters (221 feet) over the city, forms part of “The Link,” a 230-meter-long (755-foot) structure connecting the towers. Designed by Nikken Sekkei Dubai, “The Link” serves as a hub for shared facilities and lifestyle amenities. Fadi Jabri, CEO of Nikken Sekkei Dubai, highlights the practical significance of this architectural wonder, emphasizing its role in bridging the divide caused by a six-lane highway. Negotiating the utilization of space above and below the road enabled developers to link the towers with a shopping mall beneath the road and “The Link” above, demonstrating Dubai’s innovative approach to urban development
Standing 25 meters (82 feet) high and wide with three stories, the cantilever is a focal point for guests and residents of the One&Only Za’abeel resort. Badr Benryane, director of food and beverage, highlights its significance as a recreational destination, particularly in the absence of beach activities. For guests, “The Link” serves as a unique playground, enriching their experience at the resort.
At 100 meters (328 feet) high, The Link offers sweeping 360-degree views of Dubai and its desert surroundings, drawing inspiration from the region’s white sands (“Za’abeel”). Beyond its social function, the cantilever plays a crucial role in the building’s structural design. The towers were intentionally built with a slight lean outward, allowing The Link’s weight to pull them together, enhancing overall stability. Weighing nearly 10,000 tons, The Link was assembled in eight parts and lifted into place over three days using cranes, necessitating road closures. Despite a delay due to the pandemic, the $1 billion project showcases architectural innovation and engineering prowess.
