a skyscraper opens in Dubai
Wasl Tower from US rises 302 meters along Sheikh Zayed Road Dubaibringing a distinct silhouette to the dense city skyline. THE skyscraper it sits close to the Burj Khalifa and takes on a changing profile that reads differently from each approach, with its form bending slightly as it rises. The bulbous form and advanced facade of ceramic The fins feel continuous, yet subtly adjusted, as if responding to orientation and sunlight in real time.
From the highway, the tower appears as a narrow plane that twists along its height, while closer views reveal a layered envelope that thickens and recedes. An indented vertical seam draws a line that accentuates the height and breaks the surface into legible sections.
images © Johnseye Photography© Ahmad Alnaji
ceramic facade adapted to the climate
The most defining element of the Wasl Tower is its ceramic facade, developed by architects to UNS as a full-height environmental system rather than a surface treatment. Thousands of terracotta fins wrap around the building to form a continuous outer layer that filters sunlight and channels air movement throughout the envelope. The choice of materials is based on local building traditions, while extending them to a multi-storey scale, where performance and durability take center stage.
Each fin is shaped and positioned according to sun exposure, creating a slope in the facade that adapts to the orientation. The density and angle of these elements allow daylight to enter while limiting heat gain, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. Air moves through the cavity between the ceramic layer and the glazing, supporting passive cooling through a combination of shading and ventilation. According to project data, this approach reduces cooling demand compared to older towers in Dubai.
the tower reaches 302 meters and is located near the Burj Khalifa in the center of Dubai
uns stacks Program as a vertical city
Inside, UNS is organizing a mixed-use program that combines hotels, residences, offices and public amenities within the Wasl Tower. Mandarin Oriental Downtown occupies several levels, with offices and residences distributed above and below, creating a multi-level employment that changes throughout the day. Circulation is structured through a central core, with separate lift systems guiding different groups of users through the tower without overlap.
Public and semi-public spaces are interspersed at key points, including elevated dining areas, wellness facilities and event spaces. A series of lobbies placed at different heights act as transition zones, allowing the building to function as a vertical extension of the city. Instead of concentrating activity at ground level, the project distributes the social spaces upwards, creating moments where the city is experienced through the tower itself.
The Wasl Tower rises above Dubai in an alternating contrapposto form
Connections to infrastructure and land
The base of the tower is directly connected to the surrounding infrastructure, connecting pedestrian routes, metro access and road networks. A bridge connection extends from the podium to adjacent structures, reinforcing the building’s role as a connector rather than an isolated object. This approach places the Wasl Tower in a wider urban system, where movement within the building aligns with movement across the city.
At podium level, landscaped spaces and gathering spaces soften the transition between street and tower. The inclusion of function rooms and hospitality functions attracts a wider audience to the building, expanding its use beyond residents and office workers. These spaces remain visually connected to the outside, maintaining a sense of openness while supporting a dense program.
UNS designs a ceramic facade that wraps the building as a continuous exterior layer
interiors bathed in filtered daylight;
The interiors continue the building’s focus on material and light, with polished stone floors, warm metallic finishes and filtered daylight shaping the experience. Traffic areas are defined through subtle changes in ceiling height and lighting, guiding traffic without heavy signage. On the hotel levels, double-height spaces and suspended installations introduce a lighter spatial rhythm, in contrast to the more controlled geometry of the exterior.
Rooms and common areas are laid out to maximize exterior views while maintaining a consistent interior language. The use of reflective surfaces and integrated lighting enhances natural light, allowing spaces to shift throughout the day. This approach aligns with the broader design intent, where environmental performance and spatial quality are developed together rather than treated as separate concerns.
Terracotta fins filter sunlight and guide airflow across the surface
Structure and environmental strategy
Structurally, the Wasl Tower relies on a combination of post-tensioned slabs, hybrid columns and bracing to maintain slenderness while allowing for flexible floor slabs. This system reduces internal columns, opening up usable space and improving adaptability to various programs. Material efficiency was also considered, with reduced use of concrete compared to conventional approaches in similar buildings.
Environmental systems are integrated throughout the building, including solar thermal panels, district cooling and daylight-responsive lighting. Ventilation responds to air occupancy and quality, while external terraces and planted areas create local microclimates. These strategies work in tandem with the ceramic facade, forming a coordinated approach to both performance and comfort.
