DUBAI | Uptown Dubai Tower 1 – Burj 2020 | 711m | 2333ft | 115 fl | App

The Uptown Dubai Tower 1 (Burj 2020) was a proposed 711m (2,333 ft), 115-floor megatall skyscraper in Uptown Dubai District, near Jumeirah Lake Towers. Announced by DMCC in 2013, it was meant to commemorate Dubai’s World Expo 2020 victory.

If completed, it would have joined the ranks of Burj Khalifa (828m) and Jeddah Tower (1,000m+) as one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.

Uptown Dubai Tower 1 (Burj 2020) – Overview

• Height: 711 m (2,333 ft)

• Floors: 115

• Architects: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill (also designed Burj Khalifa & Jeddah Tower)

• Purpose: Mixed-use (residential, offices, luxury hotels, observation decks)

• Location: Uptown Dubai District, near JLT

• Status: Cancelled / shelved; replaced by Uptown Tower (340m)

Backlinks:

• Wikipedia – Uptown Dubai

• SkyscraperCenter – Tall Towers

• ArchDaily – Dubai Projects

• Gulf Business – Uptown Dubai

Why Build Uptown Dubai Tower 1 (Burj 2020)?

The tower was planned to:

• Commemorate Expo 2020.

• Compete with Downtown Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.

• Serve as a new luxury hub in Uptown Dubai.

• Symbolize Dubai’s status as a global skyscraper capital.

Burj Khalifa: Comparison & Context

• Burj Khalifa Location: Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.

• Burj Khalifa Height: 829.8 m (2,722 ft).

• Floors: 160.

• Former Name: “Burj Dubai” before inauguration in 2010.

• Purpose: Mixed-use → Armani Hotel, offices, residences, restaurants, and observation decks.

Visitor Experience

The At The Top Observation Deck on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floor (555m high) provides 360° views of Dubai. It’s often reviewed as breathtaking but pricey.

Is Burj Khalifa Overrated?

Some travelers call it “overrated” due to crowds and cost, while others rank it a must-see bucket-list landmark.

Engineering & Architecture Review

Designed by Adrian Smith (SOM), Burj Khalifa is a buttressed core design with a Y-shaped floor plan for stability, making it one of the greatest engineering feats of the 21st century.

Uptown Dubai Tower 1 – Facilities & Layouts

If built, Uptown Tower 1 would have included:

• Luxury apartments for Emirati newly-weds.

• Hotels and serviced residences.

• Premium offices.

• Sky lounges and observation platforms.

• Restaurants similar to Burj Khalifa’s At.mosphere.

Living Experience Uptown vs Downtown

• Uptown Dubai Tower 1: Designed for a futuristic Uptown lifestyle, away from heavy Downtown crowds.

• Downtown Dubai (Marina Gate, Burj Vista): Offers prestige and direct access to Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall, but higher density.

Construction Timeline & Status

• 2013: Announced as Burj 2020.

• 2014–2016: Design by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill.

• 2017: Shift to Uptown Tower (340m) instead.

• 2022–2023: Uptown Tower completed, not Burj 2020.

• May 2025: No site activity; Burj 2020 remains shelved.

Dubai Skyscrapers – Real Estate & Comparisons

• Burj Khalifa vs Uptown Dubai Tower 1: Khalifa is taller, but Uptown would have been Dubai’s 2nd megatall.

• Uptown Dubai vs Marina Gate / Burj Vista: Uptown targets future residential demand; Marina Gate already established.

• Unrealised Projects: Uptown Dubai Tower 1 joins a list of cancelled Dubai towers (Nakheel Tower, Dubai City Tower).

FAQs 

What is Uptown Dubai Tower 1 (Burj 2020)?

A proposed 711m megatall skyscraper announced for Expo 2020, now cancelled.

Where is Burj Khalifa located?

In Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.

How high is Burj Khalifa?

829.8m (2,722 ft), 160 floors.

What’s on Burj Khalifa’s 148th floor?

A premium observation deck experience at 555m, offering panoramic city views.

Was Burj Khalifa originally called Burj Dubai?

Yes, its original name was Burj Dubai, renamed Burj Khalifa upon opening in 2010.

Why was Uptown Dubai Tower 1 cancelled?

High costs, feasibility issues, and DMCC’s decision to build a smaller Uptown Tower instead.

What are the facilities Uptown Dubai Tower 1 would have had?

Apartments, hotels, restaurants, offices, and multiple sky platforms.

What are some unrealised skyscraper projects in Dubai?

• Uptown Dubai Tower 1 (Burj 2020)

• Nakheel Tower (1,400m proposal)

• Dubai City Tower (2,400m concept)

Amazing Facts

1. Burj Khalifa’s tip can be seen from 95 km away.

2. Uptown Dubai Tower 1 would have been taller than Shanghai Tower (632m).

3. Burj Khalifa houses the world’s highest restaurant, lounge, and swimming pool.

4. Uptown Tower 1 was proposed as a housing solution for Emirati newlyweds.

5. Dubai still holds 4 of the world’s 10 tallest towers.

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Uptown Dubai Tower 1 (Burj 2020) vs Burj Khalifa | Dubai Skyscrapers 2025
Explore Uptown Dubai Tower 1 (Burj 2020) – a proposed 711m megatall skyscraper – and compare it with Burj Khalifa’s height, visitor experience, address, and observation decks. Updates 2025.
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