Burj Jumeirah: Dubai Ruler's fingerprint forms base of 550-metre needle tower

Due to be completed by 2023, the building has Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's fingerprint all over it

The 550-metre tower will become a landmark feature of the Dubai skyline. Seen here, the fingerprint of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.

The tower itself is a eye of the needle concept.

Along with the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa, the Burj Jumeirah will make its mark in the Dubai skyline.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the Burj Jumeirah development. Wam

The Burj Jumeirah, oval-shaped on its front, and sleek and cut in two halves which meet in the middle on its side, will be developed by Dubai Holding – who also created the Burj Al Arab.

The wider Downtown Jumeirah project will include homes, office space and hotels. Construction will start immediately.

The first phase of the project is due to be completed by 2023 and is expected to become a must-see tourist attraction.

Downtown Jumeirah.

Downtown Jumeirah.

Downtown Jumeirah.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid inspects the construction site in Al Sufouh neighbourhood. Wam

Along with the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa, the Burj Jumeirah will make its mark in the Dubai skyline.

Signs of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's influence can be seen right across Dubai, but now he will literally leave his fingerprint on the city.

A 550-metre tower, the base of which will bear the imprint of the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, is set to become the latest building to define Dubai's skyline.

Burj Jumeirah, oval-shaped on its front, and sleek and cut in two halves which meet in the middle on its side, will be developed by Dubai Holding, which also created the Burj Al Arab hotel.

Architecture renderings show a futuristic development with the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa forming a trio of landmarks in Dubai.

The wider Downtown Jumeirah project will include homes, office space and hotels. Construction will start immediately.

Sheikh Mohammed was pictured at the unveiling of the project on Thursday. He could be seen inspecting the site as well as a scale model of the new development.

The first phase of the project is due to be completed by 2023 and is expected to become a must-see tourist attraction.

"The future is far more spectacular than you think," a sleek video showing off the project says. It goes on to illustrate a water show similar to that of Dubai Fountain, and a base jumper leaping off the building.

The production also shows a glass viewing platform from the top of the building, offering stunning but stomach-lurching views of the glowing city below.

“The launch of Burj Jumeirah in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who has left his fingerprint on the project, is a confirmation of the critical role this development plays in Dubai’s vision for the future," said Abdulla Al Habbai, Chairman of Dubai Holding.

“The entire Downtown Jumeirah area will not only serve the needs of residents who are looking to live in cohesive and connected communities, but will also enhance Dubai’s tourism by adding another icon.”