One Za’abeel

A new icon of the Dubai skyline served by Otis VT

Ever since Judy Marks took over as global CEO of Otis, she has been keen on grabbing milestone projects in each part of the world: among them, One Za’abeel in Dubai, a striking mixed-use structure distinguished by being the longest cantilevered building in the world. In the U.A.E., Marks is not stopping with this. In Abu Dhabi, Otis is also providing vertical-transportation (VT) equipment for the Midfield Terminal building, which will be served by 161 elevators, 122 escalators and 58 moving walks; and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, which will have 49 elevators, 12 escalators and one wheelchair lift. All VT units will have eye-catching, traditional finishes. Your author has learned from Otis Middle East colleagues that Marks has built a reputation as “a great, aggressive CEO who calls the staff and motivates them.” She appreciates key technocrats and project executives, resulting in Otis getting jewel over jewel in its crown as it marches toward the crest of the pinnacle.

An Icon of the Dubai Skyline

One Za’abeel is an advanced luxury development by Ithra Dubai in close proximity to Dubai International Finance Centre and the Dubai Gold Souk traditional market in Deira. The unique property offers a choice of residential and office space, along with retail, food and beverage (F&B) and hospitality outlets. This twin-tower, luxury development is a true icon of the Dubai skyline with its 200-m-long viewing platform. In a brochure, Top Address Real Estate states:

“Experience living in the longest cantilevered building that presents some of the best-in-class leisure and lifestyle facilities at your service, where you can taste the unique retail and F&B along with Michelin-inspired restaurants and lounges. Set within the absolute center of Dubai, its strategic location between the old and new business districts offers 360° views of the city. Get easy access to the major road networks that allow you hassle-free navigation, without facing any issues.”

Among the attractions, residents can experience “The Link,” a panoramic sky podium that connects the two towers. The sky podium was built for the longest cantilevered building in the world with a panoramic viewing deck 100 m above the ground. The striking development features luxury one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments along with several five-bedroom penthouses in the second tower. The first tower provides office space. Besides the residences and office space, occupants can enjoy top-rated hospitality at One Za’abeel’s restaurants and lounges.

Otis Chair, President and CEO Judy Marks appreciates key technocrats and project executives, resulting in Otis getting jewel over jewel in its crown as it marches toward the crest of the pinnacle.

A Showcase for Next-Generation VT Innovations

The innovation and ingenuity of One Za’abeel, including its VT, have made it the “talk of the town,” observes Otis Gulf Managing Director (MD) Mohammed Al Qaisi. He says:

“Otis has a rich legacy of pushing the boundaries of what is possible for an entire industry. By turning ideas into solutions, we constantly reinvent elevator experiences for passengers and customers. One Za’abeel is a cutting-edge architectural and engineering masterpiece. It is the perfect building for us to showcase our next-generation innovations.”

Al Qaisi says Otis engineers worked closely with developers, contractors and consultants to realize a VT system for both towers that includes five double-deck and 27 single-deck Otis SkyRise® elevators, paired with the Otis Compass® 360 destination-dispatch system, “a smart concierge that manages destinations and passenger flow.” In total, 184 Compass 360 capacitive touchscreens guide passengers to the right elevators and throughout the property.[1]

Developer’s Vision for Dubai and Beyond

Echoing the vision that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the U.A.E. and ruler of Dubai, has for the Emirate, Ithra Dubai aims to help shape a city that stands tall on the global arena. The U.A.E. government consistently strives to elevate the city and the region through meaningful and progressive real estate projects such as One Za’abeel that not only develop the landscape, but enhance and enrich the lives of those who live within it. In addition to One Za’abeel, Ithra Dubai’s portfolio includes Villa RIA-Al Barsha, The Eighty-Eight-Dubai Silicon Oasis, Mushrif Village-Mushrif, a multistory car park at Deira Goldsouq, Atlantis Staff Accommodation 2, The Plaza and Barsha Gate by Cheval Maison. In these projects — some completed and some in progress — various brands of elevators are used and numerous VT and engineering consultants employed.[2] For One Za’abeel, they included WSP (VT) and ALEC Engineering & Contracting LLC, part of the Investment Corp. of Dubai.

Project Outline

• Name: One Za’abeel
• Developer: Ithra Dubai
• Consultant: WSP (established in 1969, the global firm is consistently ranked No. 1 by Engineering News Record.) 
• Main contractor: ALEC Engineering & Contracting LLC
• No. of floors: 75
• Height: Approximately 176 m
• Number of VT units: 84 (including five double-deck elevators and six escalators)
• Elevator speed: 1 s/min to 8 s/min depending on number of floors and usage
• VT provider: Otis

Project Highlights

• Luxury residences and office spaces with high-end design
• The world’s longest cantilevered building
• A choice of leisure, unique retail and F&B
• The Link – Panoramic Sky Experience
• Panoramic sky podium that connects the buildings

References

[1] “Mohammed Al Qaisi, MD, Talks About Ushering In the Future of Technology at One Za’abeel With Its State-of-the-Art Solutions,” Khaleej Times, June 8, 2022.
[2] ithradubai.com/about-ithra-dubai