The UAE's most populous city has long been one of superlatives, but even in Dubai a residential tower topped off with a crystal-like crown of diamond-shaped spires is likely to stand out as something special.
As has recently been announced, Burj Binghatti will have “more than 112 storeys” and is set to be the world’s tallest residential tower.
It will offer, its developers say, the chance for residents to “live amidst the clouds”.
Containing what the marketing material describes as “luxurious and high-end two and three-bedroom suites and penthouses”, Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences, to use the full name, is squarely aimed at those with deep pockets, as prices start at a cool Dh8 million ($2.1 million).
The development of the Business Bay tower is happening thanks to Binghatti, a Dubai-based developer of residential property, and Jacob & Co, a New York-headquartered watch and jewellery company.
In promotional material for the project, the companies say that the design for the tower is the work of Jacob Arabo, the founder of Jacob & Co and a renowned diamond designer.
“This magnificent structure represents the aspirations of humans to reach for the stars,” the companies said.
“This Hyper Tower is the new word that has been coined for the planning of this colossal tower within a prime address in Dubai.”
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Five of the tallest residential towers in the world — in pictures
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To become the world’s highest residential tower, Burj Binghatti has to exceed the 472m height of the current record-holder, New York’s Central Park Tower, which has 98 above-ground storeys, along with three basement storeys. The Central Park Tower is currently the 15th-tallest building in the world.
In keeping with the ultra-luxurious lifestyle that Burj Binghatti’s developers are promoting, properties in the tower have names such as “Billionaire Penthouse”. Other apartment designs include the Fleur de Jardin Penthouse and the Astronomia Penthouse.
The developers have yet to announce when Burj Binghatti will be completed, but potential residents are expected to pay 60 per cent of the price of their property during construction, with the remaining 40 per cent required on handover.
Despite its impressive height, Burj Binghatti will be dwarfed by Burj Khalifa, the Dubai tower that remains the world’s tallest building. The tip of Burj Khalifa, which was completed in 2009 and opened in 2010, is 829.8m above ground.
Promotional images for Burj Binghatti show people relaxing at an “infinity swimming pool” — one that appears to stretch into the horizon — “overlooking the entirety of Dubai and its skylines”, with a grandstand view of Burj Khalifa.
Despite its height, Burj Khalifa is not regarded as being the world’s tallest residential tower because less than 85 per cent of it is taken up by residential properties.
Community Shield info
Where, when and at what time Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday at 5pm (UAE time)
Arsenal line up (3-4-2-1) Petr Cech; Rob Holding, Per Mertesacker, Nacho Monreal; Hector Bellerin, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Alex Iwobi, Danny Welbeck; Alexandre Lacazette
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Chelsea line up (3-4-2-1) Thibaut Courtois; Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Gary Cahill; Victor Moses, Cesc Fabregas, N'Golo Kante, Marcos Alonso; Willian, Pedro; Michy Batshuayi
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
Referee Bobby Madley
Family reunited
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was born and raised in Tehran and studied English literature before working as a translator in the relief effort for the Japanese International Co-operation Agency in 2003.
She moved to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies before moving to the World Health Organisation as a communications officer.
She came to the UK in 2007 after securing a scholarship at London Metropolitan University to study a master's in communication management and met her future husband through mutual friends a month later.
The couple were married in August 2009 in Winchester and their daughter was born in June 2014.
She was held in her native country a year later.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Power: 190bhp
Torque: 300Nm
Price: Dh169,900
On sale: now
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
