Introduction

Dubai has never failed to amuse people when it comes to the drastic growth in city planning within a short span of time. The architecture of Dubai is one of the best works in the world. The Burj Khalifa is one of the most remarkable works in the history of Dubai with all the latest technologies in design and architecture.

The early architecture of Dubai, which dates to the late 19th century, was influenced by Islamic, Iranian, and Indian styles. The hot and muggy weather, local social and religious norms, and the range of construction materials readily available all played a significant role in determining architectural designs. The primary characteristics were ease of use, usefulness, longevity, and climate adaptability. 

Mud used as mortar in the early constructions, which were built of stone, palm leaves, and palm tree trunks. Most of Dubai’s original residents lived in barastis, which are huts built of palm fronds. Later, the four common structures of the emirate—watchtowers, mosques, souks, and homes—were built using the strongest materials available, coral stone from the sea and gypsum from the creek’s salt marshes. Islamic emphasis on discretion and modesty played a role in the creation of courtyards connected with the wind towers to keep the space cool during summers.

Dubai has effortlessly blend within the modern design architecture and at the same time keeping up with traditional architecture. The architecture of dubai has changed significantly over the years. Architecture started with vernacular design style and then evolved towards modern style with exposed glass walls,steel,dynamic and spiral designs that resonates the native design features.

Evolution of the City

Dubai’s architecture and city planning changed after 1979 with the construction of the world trade centre. The WTC has a blend of traditional and modern architecture with both appealing and functional spaces. Islamic architecture over the years has evolved significantly with time. Initially, the architecture started with domes, arches, amphitheatres, low-rise structures. Buildings were designed for functionality and very less thought was given to the aesthetics of the space.

Nowadays architectural designs are delivered to make a statement which is quite obvious from all the recent structures in Dubai. Today’s architecture is more advanced with all the latest technologies and building materials like concrete, glass,steel,metal to create more than just a functional space.

Skyscrapers in Dubai are constructed primarily of concrete and glass, using straightforward building materials. The majority of Dubai’s taller structures are homes, while some of them also have business uses.

However, construction in Dubai has gradually shifted toward environmentally friendly projects. It is now required for builders to utilise non-toxic, emission-free materials generated from renewable resources as a result of the 2011 Green Building Regulations and Specifications released by the Dubai Municipality.

As a result, Dubai’s already stellar collection of breathtaking technical marvels has gained a number of eco-friendly constructions. Al Barari, for instance, features villa buildings with solar panels and organic waste recycling built right into the design. Buildings in Dubai Silicon Oasis have green roofs to reduce the environmental impact of development.

The 3D-printed building of structures is another relatively recent invention in Dubai’s architecture. The world’s first 3D-printed office and a two-story structure can be found in Dubai.

Present Dubai

The Burj Khalifa is one of Dubai’s most notable examples of contemporary architecture. With a total height of 2,722 feet since its completion in 2008, the Burj Khalifa has remained the world’s tallest structure.

The structure was created to embody the epitome of Dubai: exceptional, forward-thinking, and reaching new heights. Its spiralling construction rises up from a flat desert foundation and is modelled after Islamic architecture. The tower’s cross sections are all lined up to reduce wind vibration.

In addition to the magnificent Burj Khalifa, Dubai is home to several other architectural marvels :-

· The Burj Al Arab, a well-known skyscraper in Dubai next to Jumeirah Beach, is distinguished by its distinctive sail-shaped façade.

· Another mixed-use tower in Dubai Marina is Marina 101. This structure rises a little over 1,400 feet.

· One of the tallest residential skyscrapers in the world is Princess Tower in Dubai Marina, which is slightly taller at 1,358 feet.

· The 23 Marina, which is another upscale, residential high-rise, is little over 1,289 feet tall. This structure is situated in the Dubai Marina as well.

· The stunning architecture of the Dusit Thani hotel is meant to resemble praying hands. This hotel was the first of its kind to be awarded the EarthCheck Gold Certification for sustainability, standing 501 feet tall.

· Despite not being a massive high-rise, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel on the Dubai shoreline stands out among the city’s other architectural marvels thanks to its distinctive wave-shaped form.

City Planning

 In the last decade, Dubai has grown to multiply unstoppably in terms of population and economic growth. One of the important elements behind the growth is the spatial planning infrastructure, services etc. City planning has been done over a period and ensured the sustainability of the city promoting globalisation.

expansion was mostly supported by trade and business operations. As of 2005, 6% of the Dubai’s total income was derived from oil and gas operations(Bagaeen, 2007. Services related to finance and trade accounted for more than 40% of the total revenues. Construction and real estate investments brought up 22.6% of income, and aviation-related services contributed 25%. 

Most city operations were altered by the 2008 economic slump. The Dubai Statistics Centre reports that the economic slump caused the economy to decline by -2.4 before growing by 2.3 in 2010. (Elessawy, 2017). The economic crisis forced the government to alter its reliance on a number of activities. There was less reliance on the building and real estate industries. Due to the shift in attention to various areas, economic activity in Dubai is currently accelerating. Trade and tourism are a couple of the expanding sectors. Tourists draw attention to the city, which boosts commerce and raises money.

Dubai’s population consists of 90% of expatriates, labours, and tourists. Spatial planning is done in a way to ensure potential growth and promotes a rise in the employment of the city population.

Conclusion

Dubai has always been a major point of attraction in terms of socio, the economic growth of the city.The city has adapted itself according to the need of the hour. With increase in the population dubai has expanded its opportunities and services in order to accommodate all the residents.it also focuses on sustainable methods in order to reduce energy and preserve earth’s resources.