5 min read
by Joshua Hughes

List of the Most Famous Buildings in Dubai: A Guide to the City's Best Architecture

Panoramic shot of some of Dubai's most famous buildings including Burj Khalifa and the Emirates Towers

Home to some of the world’s most famous buildings, Dubai is renowned for its relentless ambition and remarkable architecture. The city attracts millions of visitors annually, with these fantastic buildings serving as a testament to Dubai’s ultra-modern, luxurious lifestyle.

In this guide, we explore the top 10 famous buildings in Dubai and consider what makes them so breathtaking to residents and tourists alike.

Why Dubai is Known for Its Famous Buildings

Before we go into the Dubai famous buildings list, it's essential to understand what makes Dubai and its remarkable architecture so special.

With the United Arab Emirates turning just 53 years old on 2nd December 2024, Dubai has transformed from a small desert settlement to one of the world’s most dynamic cities in an incredibly short time.

Central to its rise are its remarkable buildings, which have become international symbols of luxury, innovation, and forward-thinking design. Key reasons for Dubai's famous buildings standing out include:

Innovative Architecture: Designs that push engineering boundaries.
Cultural Reflections: Many structures blend modern design with traditional Middle Eastern elements.
Record-Breaking Achievements: From the world’s tallest building to the most opulent hotels, Dubai loves to set records.

With that in mind, let’s delve into Dubai's top 10 famous buildings and discover why they’ve earned global acclaim.

Top 10 Famous Buildings in Dubai

1. Burj Khalifa

Highlight: The world’s tallest building.

Standing at 828 meters, or just over half a mile, the Burj Khalifa is a remarkable feat of architecture and engineering from leading real estate developer, Emaar. Having taken 6 years to build, at a cost of $1.5 billion, the Burj Khalifa became the centrepiece of the Downtown Dubai community.

Its sleek design, luxury interiors, and record-breaking height have earned the Burj Khalifa global recognition and name as Dubai’s most famous building.

Burj Khalifa rising above the clouds, Dubai’s most famous building and the tallest in the world

2. Burj Al Arab

Highlight: A seven-star hotel shaped like a sail.

Sitting on its own man-made island, the Burj Al Arab symbolises Dubai’s commitment to luxury tourism. Opened in 1999, it is the world’s fifth tallest hotel and became known as the world’s only seven-star hotel.

The hotel’s helipad, which sits 210m above the ground, has hosted many famous events, including Tiger Woods teeing off in 2004, David Coulthard performing donuts in a Formula 1 car in 2013, and David Guetta live-streaming a DJ set in 2021.

Burj Al Arab with Dubai’s coastline and marina skyline in the background, a symbol of Dubai luxury

3. Dubai Frame

Highlight: A massive golden frame connecting old and new Dubai.

Opened in 2018, the Dubai Frame has become one of Dubai’s most famous buildings, symbolising the city’s evolution through the years. This unique attraction stands at 150m tall and offers panoramic views of the city's historic parts and its futuristic skyline.

The Dubai Frame perfectly framing the Burj Khalifa in the background, a famous architectural landmark

4. Museum of the Future

Highlight: A striking torus-shaped building engraved with Arabic calligraphy.

Dedicated to innovation, this architectural wonder is a museum exploring the future of technology, science and innovation. Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation, the United Arab Emirates government opened the Museum of the Future in 2022 to promote sustainability and technological innovation, particularly in robotics and artificial intelligence.

The Museum of the Future surrounded by DIFC skyscrapers, showcasing Dubai’s futuristic architecture

5. Dubai Mall

Highlight: One of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment complexes.

The Dubai Mall has become famous as one of the world’s best shopping destinations. The mall is home to over 1,200 retail stores and more than 200 international dining experiences.

But what makes Dubai Mall so remarkable is that it is not just a shopping mall but an entertainment destination that includes an aquarium with over 140 marina species, an ice rink, a VR Park, a sports district and a cinema.

With 105 million visitors in 2023, Dubai Mall was the most visited place on earth, undoubtedly one of the top 10 famous buildings in Dubai.

Interior of the Dubai Mall featuring the aquarium’s spectacular main fishtank, a must-see attraction

6. Atlantis, The Royal

Highlight: A stunning luxury hotel resort

Located on the world's largest manmade island, Palm Jumierah, Atlantis The Royal is an architectural masterpiece. In 2023, an hour-long performance from Beyonce marked the spectacular opening of this luxury 795-room, 17-restaurant resort.

Atlantis The Royal’s unique design resembles stacked blocks. It offers breathtaking ocean views, high-end restaurants, and world-class amenities.

Atlantis the Royal at sunset, one of Dubai’s most iconic modern buildings

7. Atlantis, The Palm

Highlight: A pink-arched luxury resort on the Palm Jumeirah.

One of Dubai’s most iconic hotels, Atlantis, The Palm offers underwater suites, award-winning dining, and the world’s largest waterpark, making it a favorite among visitors to Dubai. Its breathtaking beachfront location and iconic architecture have solidified its place as a global symbol of luxury.

Gardens and grounds in front of the Atlantis Resort on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai's famous luxury landmark.

8. Cayan Tower

Highlight: A twisting skyscraper in Dubai Marina.

Known for its spiral shape, Cayan Tower’s design ensures no two floors are identical. This engineering marvel offers 75 floors of luxury apartments in the thriving Dubai Marina community, boasting stunning waterfront views and easy access to premium dining and entertainment options.

The twisting Cayan Tower in Dubai Marina, an iconic building in Dubai’s famous skyline.

9. The Opus

Highlight: A cube-shaped building with a hollow core.

Designed by the world-famous architect Zaha Hadid, The Opus is an incredibly unique building in Dubai’s Business Bay community. This remarkable structure is home to the ME Dubai hotel, apartments and offices, making it popular with residents, tourists and businesses.

The Opus by Zaha Hadid in Business Bay, a striking and futuristic building in Dubai

10. One Za’abeel

Highlight: Extraordinary architecture and the world’s longest inhabited sky bridge.

Opened in 2024, One Za’abeel’s unique design has made it one of Dubai’s most famous buildings. The building, which consists of two towers connected by a horizontal structure known as The Link, was recognised by Guiness World Records as having the longest cantilever building in the world.

Today, One Za’abeel is home to the One&Only One Za'abeel, a luxury hotel resort, exquisite apartments and grade-A office spaces.

One Za’abeel with its remarkable cantilever design, a marvel of modern engineering in Dubai.

Buying Property in One of the Famous Buildings of Dubai

Buying a property in Dubai’s famous buildings can offer a remarkable opportunity, both from an investment perspective and as a lifestyle choice. These properties are renowned for their unmatched views, prime locations, and exclusive amenities, making them an excellent choice for investors.

Why Consider Investing in Famous Buildings?

Unparalleled Prestige: Living in one of Dubai’s landmarks elevates your status.
High ROI Potential: Such properties attract premium buyers and renters.
World-Class Facilities: Enjoy access to 5* amenities, such as spa and leisure facilities, concierge services, restaurants, and more.

Property Prices in Dubai’s Famous Buildings

Building Name	Property Types	Average Price*
Burj Khalifa	Apartments	AED 2,994/sq.ft.
Atlantis, The Royal	Hotel Residences	AED 8,421/sq.ft.
Cayan Tower	Apartments	AED 2,001/sq.ft.
One Za’abeel	Apartments Offices	Homes: AED 4,338/sq.ft. Office: AED 5,873/sq.ft.
The Opus	Apartments Offices	Homes: AED 3,780/sq.ft. Office: AED 3,699/sq.ft.

*Average price achieved in 2024 as per Property Monitor.

Conclusion

Dubai’s famous buildings continue to inspire and capture global attention with their innovative architecture and luxurious features. Every building tells a story of ambition and creativity, from the soaring Burj Khalifa to the ultra-luxurious Atlantis, The Royal. The Dubai famous buildings list in this guide capture the essence of a city that never stops pushing boundaries.

Whether you’re a visitor eager to explore these wonders or an investor looking to own a piece of architectural history, Dubai offers unparalleled opportunities. To own a property in one of the top 10 most iconic buildings in Dubai, contact Engel & Völkers today.