Don’t look down: The high-rise window washers of Reem Island - in pictures

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  A worker hydrates himself before beginning his descent of the Gate Tower Reem Island. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Kishan Barigee, 22, of India prepares to wash windows on the Gate Tower. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Before the workers start their descent, a site manager checks knots and each harness to ensure everything is in order, and offers adjustment tips when needed. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Workers line up on the edge of the Gate Tower before beginning their descent. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Once the workers’ water bucket is empty, they will refill with one of the four refill bottles they carry with them, slowly lightening the load. Christopher Pike / The National

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  On the ropes, each climber will have about 20 litres of soapy water with them, plus their bucket, sponge and squeegee. Christopher Pike / The National

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  It takes three weeks to completely scrub down a building such as Reem Island’s Sky Tower . Christopher Pike / The National

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  When given the signal, the workers start their slow decent, washing off a few weeks of dust and dirt, one window at a time. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Each building will get a full wash about five times every year. Christopher Pike / The National

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  The workers first apply soap, then using a squeegee to wipe it down. The desert heat will dry the window almost instantly. Christopher Pike / The National

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  The view from above: A Gate Tower resident swims in the pool. Christopher Pike / The National

A typical day for a fully-trained window washer on a site such as Reem Island’s 65-storey Gate Towers starts at 5am. As the washers don their red coveralls, prepare their gear, and check their harnesses, support workers fill dozens of plastic containers with water and detergent. It takes three weeks to completely scrub down a building such as Reem Island’s Sky Tower.