A glittering brand-new icon will define Dubai's skyline with Emaar Properties today unveiling the design components and architectural features of a spectacular tower in the heart of Dubai Creek Harbour.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, picked the design by renowned Spanish/Swiss neo-futuristic architect, structural engineer, sculptor and painter Santiago Calatrava Valls, from a competitive international design pitch for this new landmark.

The Tower works as the dynamic core of Dubai Creek Harbour, a 6 sq km world-class masterplannned development that is 2 times the size of Downtown Dubai and situated 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport. The waterside development is centred off the Dubai Creek, the cradle of Dubai's history and culture, and in close proximity to the Ras Al Khor National Wildlife Sanctuary, protected under the UNESCO Ramsar Convention and home to over 67 species of water birds.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: "The Tower in Dubai Creek Harbour is our tribute to the positivity, energy and optimism that Dubai and the UAE commemorate, led by a leadership dedicated to overall development. A shining beacon of hope for the world, celebrating diversity and human accomplishments, this brand-new iconic landmark further highlights the nation's ambition and futuristic vision and improve our country's pride. It will be the destination for the world to visit, take pleasure in and commemorate life, as Dubai prepares to host the Expo 2020.

He added: "The design by Santiago Calatrava, picked after a competitive pitch from the world's leading architects, was an ideal fit to our requirement for a landmark that defined our metropolitan core for Dubai Creek Harbour. It will also position Dubai Creek Harbour as one of the most desired residential, leisure and touristic attractions, offering visitors and citizens with a modern, elegant and sustainable environment in which to live, work, learn and entertain.".

Fadel Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding, stated: "We are exceptionally pleased that our joint endeavor partnership with Emaar will deliver a new landmark in Dubai; a distinct addition to the city's skyline and a sign of architectural excellence. Unveiling The Tower design is a crucial step for the Dubai Creek Harbour project.This development will offer a lifestyle choice that is unprecedented in Dubai, in what will be one of the most sought after residential and tourist areas of the city. Our partnership with Emaar is progressing well and we are extremely excited by the way this project is coming to life.

Santiago Calatrava Valls said: From the beginning, my team and I have tried to put the best of ourselves into this project, since it is very special and is a great honour to participate. The collaboration with such a prestigious company as Emaar Properties makes it even more interesting and demanding. The design has clear reference to the timeless art from the past and the culture of the location while serving as a fantastic technological achievement. This project imagines an artistic accomplishment in itself, influenced by the concept of welcoming individuals, not just from Dubai and the UAE, however from the entire world.

Calatrava's accomplished works consist of the World Trade Centre Transportation Hub in New York, Calgary Peace Bridge, the Olympic Sports Complex in Athens and the Turning Torso Tower in Malm, which was recently granted with the Ten Year Award from the Council on Tall Buildings & Urban Habitat (CTBUH), to name a few.

His design philosophy is to fuse architectural expression, structural innovation, practical effectiveness and environmental advantages into one single imaginatively strong gesture that responds to, and transcends, the challenges of each distinct site. Each project therefore creates a sense of place that enhances the setting functionally, environmentally and communally