Hubbry Logo
Cayan TowerCayan TowerMain
Open search
Cayan Tower
Community hub
Cayan Tower
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Cayan Tower
Cayan Tower
Cayan Tower
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Cayan Tower, known as Infinity Tower before it was inaugurated, is a 306-metre-tall (1,004 ft), 75-story skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The tower is designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill SOM architectural group for Cayan Real Estate Investment and Development. Upon its opening on 10 June 2013, the tower became the world's tallest high-rise building with a twist of 90 degrees. This record has since been surpassed by the Shanghai Tower, which opened in February 2015.

Key Information

Design

[edit]

The twisting design of Cayan Tower was achieved by rotating each floor 1.2 degrees around a cylindrical elevator and service core.[4] Prior to its name change to Cayan, the tower carried various names to describe its original shape. The unique design was supported by a dynamic analysis that studied the potential performance of the tower under wind, seismic, and other dynamic loads.[5] Cayan Tower's apartments are designed with reconstituted wooden floors, Chinese synthetic marble counter tops, and kitchen fixtures.[relevant?] The tower also includes a five-story parking garage behind it.[6] The rooms of the tower are designed in such a way that it would not be affected by direct sunlight due to titanium-coloured metal panels on cast-in-place concrete columns aided with repetitive staggered screen panels to stop penetrating sunlight from disturbing the residents of the unit.

Site flooding

[edit]
On 8 February 2007, the plot was flooded the day before due to the collapse of the wall separating the plot and the water in Dubai Marina.

The tower's construction was on hold for a year and a half after the foundation site of the tower was flooded when the wall that held back the Dubai Marina was breached on 7 February 2007.[7][8] Witnesses described a loud cracking sound, followed by an inflow of sand and water. The project resumed construction in July 2008.

Official launch ceremony

[edit]

The Cayan Tower was inaugurated with fireworks accompanied with laser light display on the tower on 10 June 2013 and become the world's tallest twisted tower, surpassing Turning Torso.[9][10] The tower was renamed Cayan Tower, with the developer saying,[relevant?][11]

there [⁠ ⁠is⁠ ⁠] more than one tower with the name Infinity and we wanted something different [⁠ ⁠.⁠ ⁠.⁠ ⁠.⁠ ⁠] We are very attached with this unique project and it was a very conscious decision we took. We know there won’t be any Cayan Tower in the world and this will be the only one.

[edit]
  • Collapsed wall and flooding at the Infinity Tower construction site
    Collapsed wall and flooding at the Infinity Tower construction site
  • Infinity Tower's flooding on 9 March 2007
    Infinity Tower's flooding on 9 March 2007

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cayan Tower

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Cayan Tower is a 307-meter-tall residential located in , , , renowned for its innovative helical design that rotates 90 degrees from base to top. Designed by the architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and developed by Cayan Group, the 75-story structure—formerly known as Infinity Tower—was completed in 2013 after eight years of construction. Upon its inauguration on June 10, 2013, it held the record as the world's tallest high-rise building with a 90-degree twist. The tower's architecture features identical floor plates, each rotated by 1.2 degrees relative to the one below, creating a continuous helical form that enhances by reducing wind loads and minimizing solar gain through deep window sills and prefabricated metal panels. Supported by a central cylindrical core, it houses 495 luxury apartments across 73 above-ground floors and five below-ground levels, with a total gross floor area of approximately 111,000 square meters, including amenities such as an , spa, and conference facilities. This design not only optimizes waterfront views of the Arabian Gulf but also sets new standards for high-end residential living in . Cayan Tower has received numerous accolades for its engineering and aesthetic innovation, including the CTBUH Best Tall Building by Region award for & in 2014, 4th place in the Award 2013, and an Architizer A+ Popular Choice Award in 2014. These honors underscore its contribution to Dubai's skyline, where it stands as a symbol of modern architectural ambition alongside icons like the .

Overview

Location and Specifications

Cayan Tower is located in the district of , , at coordinates 25°05′08″N 55°08′25″E. The structure stands at a height of 306.4 meters (1,005 ft) and consists of 73 floors above ground with 5 below, encompassing a total floor area of 111,000 m², which classifies it as a supertall per the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat criteria for buildings exceeding 300 meters in height. Positioned along the waterfront, it plays a key role in defining the dynamic skyline of . Primarily a residential tower, Cayan Tower houses luxury apartments and penthouses across its levels, complemented by resident amenities including multiple swimming pools, fitness centers, and landscaped gardens.

Development Background

The Cayan Tower project originated with Cayan Real Estate & Development, a of the Cayan Group, which was founded in 2004 by Ahmed M. Alhatti to capitalize on the burgeoning sector in the . As a privately held entity, the group focused on high-profile residential developments, with the tower envisioned as a luxury property amid Dubai's mid-2000s property boom, driven by rapid and foreign . Planning for the project advanced in the early 2000s, culminating in design completion by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in 2006, the same year construction commenced following regulatory approvals. The site was strategically acquired in Dubai Marina's Plot 10B for its prime waterfront location along the Arabian Gulf, offering unobstructed sea views and integration with the marina's promenade to enhance residential appeal. Initially named Infinity Tower, the development aimed to deliver 495 high-end apartments, positioning it as an icon of innovative luxury living in a competitive market. Funding was entirely private, sourced from Cayan Group's equity, with the total project cost reaching approximately AED 1 billion (about $272 million). To support financing and mitigate risks during the , pre-sales of apartments began shortly after planning approval, achieving 80% sales by inauguration and providing crucial revenue streams. In a strategic move to distinguish the project globally, the name was changed to Cayan Tower in 2013, avoiding confusion with similarly named developments in cities like and .

Architecture and Design

Design Concept

The Cayan Tower was designed by the architecture and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), with structural engineering led by William F. Baker. The project's core concept revolves around a helical twisting form that achieves a complete 90-degree rotation from base to spire, drawing inspiration from natural twisting structures such as DNA strands to create a sense of fluidity and organic elegance in an urban setting. This innovative approach not only enhances the tower's visual dynamism but also contributes to improved aerodynamic performance by reducing wind loads on the structure. The features a consistent hexagonal layout for each of its 75 stories, with every residential floor rotated 1.2 degrees clockwise relative to the one below, centered around a cylindrical core that houses elevators and services. This repetitive yet evolving configuration allows for efficient use of space while emphasizing the tower's sculptural quality. Aesthetically, the design aims to establish an iconic landmark in , setting it apart from the surrounding rectilinear through its graceful, spiraling silhouette that evokes movement and sophistication. Inside, the tower accommodates a variety of residential units, including studios, one- to four-bedroom apartments, and multi-level penthouses spanning up to six stories, all equipped with floor-to-ceiling glass facades to maximize panoramic views of the , Arabian Gulf, and city skyline. These prioritize openness and connection to the environment, aligning with the overall conceptual goal of blending architectural with luxurious livability.

Structural Engineering

The of Cayan Tower centers on a robust central core designed to accommodate its signature 90-degree helical twist over 306.6 meters, achieved through incremental 1.2-degree rotations per . This consists of a cylindrical shaft that houses elevators, stairs, and essential services, serving as the primary vertical load-bearing element and providing critical torsional rigidity to counteract the dynamic stresses induced by the twisting form. The core's circular geometry enhances resistance to shear and torsion, ensuring overall stability in seismic and wind-prone conditions typical of Dubai's coastal environment. Complementing the core, the perimeter structure employs approximately 3,000 cast-in-place columns that remain vertically aligned when viewed from the front or rear, while "stepping" 12 to 14 inches laterally at each level to facilitate the progressive . These columns are connected to flat-plate floor slabs and clad with prefabricated metal panels, which form a repetitive staggered screen system that maintains structural integrity without introducing irregular load paths. This configuration distributes lateral forces evenly, allowing the helical form to be realized efficiently using high-strength . Wind load mitigation was a key engineering priority, addressed through extensive wind tunnel testing and three-dimensional computational modeling to evaluate aerodynamic performance. The twisting geometry disrupts vortex shedding patterns, reducing across-wind excitation and lateral loads by approximately 25% compared to a non-twisted equivalent structure of similar height. This innovation not only enhances occupant comfort by minimizing sway but also optimizes material use by lowering the required structural mass. Sustainability is integrated into the via features tailored to Dubai's harsh arid , including double-glazed high-performance facades and deep sills that create a thermal , reducing solar heat gain and improving overall energy efficiency. The prefabricated metal cladding panels further provide shading and self-ventilation, while the helical form offers inherent self-shading to shield against intense and dust-laden winds. The primary materials— for the core and columns, high-performance for windows, and titanium-accented panels for the exterior —balance durability, fire resistance, and aesthetic expression in this supertall residential tower.

Construction

Timeline and Milestones

Construction of the Cayan Tower, originally known as Infinity Tower, commenced with in February 2006, marking the start of initial piling and foundation work on the site. This phase laid the groundwork for the 307-meter twisted residential , developed by . The foundation was completed in 2008, allowing the to advance into the structural phase despite early setbacks, including a flooding incident that briefly halted progress. By 2010, the building's core had risen to approximately 50% of its height, with resuming at a steady pace of about one floor per week. Cladding installation began in early 2009, contributing to the tower's distinctive helical facade as upper levels took shape. The project faced significant delays attributed to the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 and regulatory approvals, pushing back the original target completion date from 2010. These challenges extended the timeline by several years, with work progressing intermittently amid economic pressures in . The tower reached in August 2012, achieving its full structural height of 307 meters after overcoming these obstacles. Final completion occurred in June 2013, when the building received its , enabling the official inauguration later that month.

Challenges and Incidents

During the early stages of construction in February 2007, the Infinity Tower site (later renamed Cayan Tower) in experienced a major flooding incident when a diaphragm wall containing the adjacent breached, inundating the excavated area to a depth of several meters and halting work for over 18 months. No workers were injured as the site was evacuated promptly, and while no structural damage occurred to the foundation, the event required extensive dewatering efforts using pumps and reinforcements, costing developer Cayan Real Estate approximately AED 100 million (about $27.2 million). The 2008 global further compounded challenges, severely impacting Dubai's real estate sector and leading to funding pauses for the project as investor confidence waned and several buyers withdrew, necessitating contract renegotiations with contractors and suppliers. These financial hurdles delayed progress beyond the flooding recovery, extending the overall timeline and increasing costs, though Cayan secured alternative financing to resume full operations by late 2008. Logistical difficulties arose from the tower's unique 90-degree helical design, particularly in sourcing and implementing specialized twisting capable of accommodating the 1.2-degree rotation per floor, which was custom-engineered using a jump form system to ensure precise alignment during concrete pours. On-site adjustments, including laser-guided surveying and iterative mockups, were essential to maintain structural integrity and prevent misalignment, resolving these issues through collaboration between architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and local engineering teams. To mitigate risks associated with the irregular helical form, such as potential differential settlement on the reclaimed land, advanced safety measures were implemented, including real-time geotechnical monitoring with inclinometers, settlement gauges, and sensors throughout to detect and correct any ground shifts early. These protocols, combined with reinforced foundation piling, ensured stability without major incidents post-flooding. All challenges were ultimately overcome by 2012, allowing completion in June 2013, and the experiences informed enhanced site protection standards, such as improved waterfront barriers, for subsequent high-rise projects in .

Completion and Usage

Official Opening

The Cayan Tower was officially inaugurated on June 10, 2013, in a ceremony held in that featured a spectacular display of fireworks and laser lights illuminating the structure. The event drew dignitaries from the , corporate leaders in , VIPs, and media representatives, marking the culmination of seven years of development by the Saudi-based Cayan Group. Highlights of the included acrobatic performances and a 3D mapping projection on the tower's helical facade, emphasizing its innovative 90-degree twist from base to pinnacle—the tallest such design globally at the time. Cayan Group Chairman Ahmed Alhatti presided over the proceedings, announcing the renaming from Infinity Tower to Cayan Tower during the event to reflect the company's identity. The opening received widespread media attention, with outlets like , , and praising the tower as the world's tallest twisting and a new icon for Dubai's skyline. Coverage highlighted its architectural innovation and the AED 1 billion ($272 million) investment, positioning it as a symbol of Dubai's rebounding property market. Following the ceremony, initial occupancy began in the summer of , with the first residents moving into units amid ongoing interior fittings. By the end of the year, approximately 80% of the pre-sold apartments—out of 495 total units—had been handed over to owners, reflecting strong demand for the luxury residences.

Residential and Operational Features

Cayan Tower houses 495 residential units, ranging from studios starting at approximately 700 square feet to expansive penthouses exceeding 10,000 square feet, all equipped with smart systems for lighting, , and security controls. Each unit features private balconies offering panoramic views of the and Arabian Gulf, enhancing the luxury living experience with contemporary interiors including marble finishes and premium appliances. The tower's amenities cater to a high-end , including a rooftop infinity-edge pool overlooking the , a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a with treatment rooms and facilities, services, and retail outlets at the base level. Additional facilities encompass a children's pool, landscaped gardens, and rooms, promoting community interaction and wellness among residents. Operationally, the building relies on eight high-speed elevators featuring machine-room-less technology, with specialized cabs designed to align seamlessly with the tower's rotating floor plates, ensuring efficient vertical transport despite the 90-degree helical twist. Fire safety measures include pressurized stairwells to facilitate safe evacuation, complemented by 24/7 security surveillance and on-site staff. Managed by the Cayan Group, the property incurs annual management fees of approximately AED 21.43 per for residential units as of 2024, which fund ongoing maintenance of the iconic helical facade, common areas, and building systems. As of 2025, the tower maintains high , reflecting strong in Dubai's luxury residential market, where resale transactions continue actively amid rising property values in the district.

Significance

Records and Awards

Upon its completion in 2013, Cayan Tower stood at 306.4 meters, establishing it as the world's tallest twisting tower with a full 90-degree helical rotation from base to pinnacle. This achievement earned it official recognition from Guinness World Records as the tallest twisted tower at 306.4 meters in 2014, highlighting its innovative structural form that rotates 1.2 degrees per floor around a central core. Although the record was surpassed by taller twisted structures like Shanghai Tower in 2015, Cayan Tower remains a benchmark for helical design in supertall residential architecture as of 2025. In global rankings by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), Cayan Tower holds the 201st position among the world's tallest completed buildings, the 35th in the , 31st in the , and 28th in as of 2025. Its engineering excellence, particularly the outrigger truss system at three levels that connects the cylindrical concrete core to perimeter columns, has been lauded for enabling the dramatic twist while ensuring stability against wind loads. SOM structural engineer William Baker's contributions to this system received acclaim during the CTBUH awards presentation, underscoring its role in advancing high-rise innovation. The tower garnered significant accolades for its architectural and technical merits, including the CTBUH 2014 Award for Best Tall Building by Region in the and , which praised its helical form as a of contemporary in the region. Additionally, it received the Award in 2014, ranking 4th among the world's top new skyscrapers for its aesthetic and functional integration on the . These honors affirm Cayan Tower's enduring status as an icon of twisting supertall engineering.

Legacy and Impact

Cayan Tower has solidified its status as an iconic element of the skyline, its 90-degree helical twist creating a dynamic that enhances the waterfront's visual appeal and contributes to SOM's broader influence on the city's 21st-century architecture. By rotating each floor 1.2 degrees, the design not only maximizes panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and for residents but also sets a precedent for innovative high-rise forms that prioritize aesthetic and functional harmony. This distinctive profile has helped shape Dubai's reputation for bold, transformative urban development, inspiring a trend toward twisting that blend prowess with visual drama. The tower's completion has had a notable impact on the local real estate market, elevating luxury property values in through its role as a premium residential address. Properties in the area have seen steady price appreciation driven by global recognition and the tower's architectural allure. As a flagship project for the Cayan Group, it served as a model for their subsequent developments, such as the CMC Tower in , which incorporates upscale commercial and management spaces while echoing the group's emphasis on innovative, high-end builds. Architecturally, Cayan Tower advanced discussions on helical structures by demonstrating their practical benefits in challenging environments, particularly in reducing loads and solar heat gain to promote sustainability in arid climates like Dubai's. The twisted form shields interiors from excessive sunlight, enhancing energy efficiency without relying on additional mechanical systems, thus influencing global approaches to eco-conscious supertall . Culturally, the tower symbolizes Dubai's ambitious drive toward futuristic , frequently appearing in international media as a hallmark of the city's architectural evolution and serving as a popular backdrop for along the promenade. Its illuminated silhouette draws visitors for and evening strolls, integrating into guides that highlight Dubai's luxury . As of 2025, amid the emirate's ongoing surge, Cayan remains a sought-after residential option, with strong demand for its units reflecting sustained market vitality.

References

  1. https://www.som.com/projects/cayan-tower/
  2. https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/cayan-tower/464
  3. https://www.bayut.com/buildings/cayan-tower/
  4. https://www.multihousingnews.com/worlds-tallest-twisted-tower-unveiled-in-dubai/
  5. https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/dubai-s-twisting-cayan-tower-named-among-world-s-best-new-skyscrapers-1.249171?videoId=5598744747001
  6. https://www.som.com/news/soms-cayan-tower-in-dubai-wins-an-architizer-a-award/
  7. https://latitude.to/articles-by-country/ae/united-arab-emirates/8925/cayan-tower
  8. https://propsearch.ae/dubai/cayan-tower
  9. https://www.cayan.net/leadership/
  10. https://www.crunchbase.com/person/ahmed-m-alhatti
  11. https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/cayan-s-latest-twist-591163
  12. https://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/beyond-infinity-world-s-tallest-twisted-tower-in-dubai-gets-new-name-2013-06-11-1.509917
  13. https://www.commercialinteriordesign.com/insight/infinity-tower-ready-occupancy
  14. https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/buildings/cayan-tower-designed-by-skidmore-owings-merrill_o
  15. https://www.cud.ac.ae/sites/default/files/files/2016/azalia-naba-sarah-dugmush.pdf
  16. https://archello.com/project/cayan-tower
  17. https://www.engelvoelkers.com/ae/en/area-guide/cayan-tower
  18. https://open.metu.edu.tr/bitstream/handle/11511/44959/index.pdf
  19. https://www.aaa-dubai.com/blog/the-role-of-structural-engineering-in-creating-dubais-iconic-skylines/
  20. https://architizer.com/projects/cayan-tower/
  21. https://repository.najah.edu/bitstreams/8020f9b8-0315-499e-b7f5-bf137f71d02e/download
  22. https://www.scribd.com/document/538709025/cayan-infinty-tower
  23. https://www.constructionweekonline.com/projects-tenders/article-14005-threat-of-fresh-delays-for-dubais-infinity-tower/
  24. https://www.mepmiddleeast.com/news/article-6432-infinity-tower-on-track-for-2011-handover
  25. https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/construction/to-infinity-beyond-40461
  26. https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/construction/infinity-tower-suffers-18-month-delay-85865
  27. https://gulfnews.com/business/property/contractors-race-against-time-for-twisting-tower-1.138153
  28. https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2013/06/12/Cayan-Tower-worlds-largest-twisted-structure-opens-in-Dubai/10811371057096/
  29. https://www.building.co.uk/news/collapse-of-sea-wall-causes-dubai-site-to-flood/3102195.article
  30. https://www.skyscrapercity.com/threads/dubai-cayan-tower-306m-1005ft-73-fl-com.358434/page-69
  31. https://www.constructionweekonline.com/projects-tenders/article-16087-infinity-tower-project-has-definite-end-in-sight
  32. https://www.meed.com/work-to-restart-on-flood-hit-infinity-tower/
  33. https://www.constructionweekonline.com/business/article-26586-face-to-face-ahmed-alhatti-ceo-cayan
  34. https://www.building.co.uk/news/infinity-tower-in-dubai-hit-by-18-month-delay/3124297.article
  35. https://mfeformwork.com/project/cayan-tower/
  36. https://www.commercialinteriordesign.com/insight/twisting-infinity
  37. https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/end-in-sight-for-dubai-s-infinity-tower-450804
  38. https://www.cayan.net/media-center/events/cayan-tower-official-opening/
  39. https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-22880983
  40. https://gulfbusiness.com/dubai-opens-worlds-tallest-twisted-tower/
  41. https://archinect.com/news/article/75507676/cayan-tower-world-s-highest-twisted-tower-opens-in-dubai
  42. https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/property/keys-to-world-s-tallest-twisted-tower-in-dubai-start-at-a-cool-dh2-million-1.297234
  43. https://english.alarabiya.net/business/property/2013/06/10/Developer-gives-Dubai-landmark-new-twist-as-property-market-rebounds
  44. https://www.cnn.com/2013/06/12/world/meast/dubai-twisted-tower
  45. https://www.cayan.net/media-center/videos/cayan-tower-opening-alarabiya-channel/
  46. https://www.drivenproperties.com/ready-to-move-apartments-and-properties-dubai/cayan-tower-apartments
  47. https://www.cayan.net/projects/cayantower/
  48. https://www.tanamiproperties.com/Projects/Cayan-Tower-Amenities
  49. https://www.kone.com/en/references/cayan-tower.aspx
  50. https://www.luxhabitat.ae/developments/dubai/cayan-infinity-tower/
  51. https://famproperties.com/service-charges-dubai/dubai-marina/cayan-tower
  52. https://propertykumbh.com/news/luxury-apartments-in-dubai-for-sale
  53. https://www.cayan.net/media-center/news/guinness-world-records-tallest-twisted-tower/
  54. https://skyscraper.media/middle-east/cayan-tower-610/
  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8Cw7Hzug0Q
  56. https://www.som.com/news/cayan-tower-named-best-tall-building-in-middle-east-and-africa/
  57. https://www.cayan.net/awards/emporis-skyscraper-award/
  58. https://www.dubaichronicle.com/2014/05/21/dubais-cayan-tower-emporis-skyscraper-award/
  59. https://www.cnn.com/style/article/worlds-tallest-twisted-towers
  60. https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/price-history
  61. https://www.cayan.net/projects/cmctower/
  62. https://www.easternengineeringgroup.com/twisting-the-skyline-the-most-daring-twisted-buildings-on-earth/
  63. https://www.cnn.com/style/article/famous-buildings-dubai
  64. https://evendo.com/locations/united-arab-emirates/arabian-gulf-coast/attraction/cayan-tower
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.