Dubai—Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, one of the largest real estate developers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and world-renowned neo futuristic architect Santiago Calatrava unveiled last weekend their plans to build the world’s tallest building by 2020,  the Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour.

The Tower, inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon of the Ancient World,  is touted taller than Emaar’s previous high-rise development the Burj Khalifa, currently the world’s tallest building, which stands at 829.8 metres.

According to Emaar, the building, pegged at $1 billion to build, is its gift to the world in time for the World Expo in Dubai happening between October 2020 to April 2021.

The tower will rise on the planned mixed-used township Dubai Creek Harbour, which “sits abreast of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary,” where around 450 animal species are protected.  “As Dubai Creek Harbour develops, this sanctuary will remain sacrosanct, with a new visitor centre bringing a message of sustainable biodiversity to new generations,” describes Emaar’s official website.

It adds, “Dubai Creek Harbour will be both a financially viable and ecologically responsible city, built with future generations in mind, using every innovation to minimise its environmental impact.  This world-class development will offer spectacular views of the creek and Dubai skyline.”

Dubai is known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, luxury malls, and pulsating nightlife.