Work on the 82-storey Al Habtoor Tower in Dubai has reached a significant milestone, with 65% of the structural framework now complete, according to a project update from the main contractor, China Railway 18G Middle East. The company confirmed that the basement, podium, and parking structures are fully finished, while work on the building’s main entrance and lobby elevator systems is halfway done.
The skyscraper, located in Al Habtoor City along Sheikh Zayed Road, is one of Dubai’s most closely watched residential developments, both for its scale and for its location within one of the city’s prime real estate districts. Rising to 345 metres once complete, it will rank among the tallest residential towers in the world, adding to Dubai’s skyline of record-breaking structures.
Construction progress has advanced to level 68, with work on the upper floors proceeding in stages as concrete pours and structural reinforcements are completed. The swimming pool on the tower’s first amenity floor is also taking shape, currently at 30% completion. The contractor said other interior fit-outs and mechanical systems would begin in phases over the coming months.
China Railway 18G Middle East, a subsidiary of the state-owned China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), said the project is part of its broader global portfolio of large-scale, high-profile developments. CRCC is one of the world’s largest engineering and construction firms, with projects ranging from transportation infrastructure to landmark skyscrapers.
Al Habtoor Tower, once finished, will accommodate more than 1,000 apartments ranging from one- to four-bedroom units, alongside penthouses offering panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa, Business Bay, and the Dubai Canal. Its design integrates luxury residential features with extensive shared amenities, including multiple swimming pools, fitness centres, landscaped decks, and retail spaces at podium level.
The development is part of Al Habtoor Group’s ongoing investment push in Dubai, following recent upgrades to Al Habtoor City’s hotels and leisure areas. Group Chairman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has previously said the project reflects a long-term commitment to the emirate’s real estate sector and its ability to attract high-net-worth investors globally.
Dubai’s property market has been in the midst of a sustained upswing, with off-plan sales hitting record highs in 2024 and continuing strong into 2025. Large-scale luxury developments have played a key role in that growth, driven by an influx of foreign buyers, long-term visa reforms, and steady economic expansion. According to Dubai Land Department data, transactions for premium properties rose by more than 30% year-on-year in the first half of 2025.
For Al Habtoor Tower, the combination of location, scale, and design ambition is expected to appeal to both investors seeking capital appreciation and end-users looking for a high-rise lifestyle. The tower’s integration with Al Habtoor City’s hospitality, dining, and entertainment venues is seen as a major draw, offering residents direct access to one of Dubai’s most vibrant mixed-use destinations.
Completion timelines have not been officially revised, but market sources suggest the building could be ready for handover in 2026 if construction momentum continues. Industry analysts note that keeping a project of this scale on schedule requires precise coordination between contractors, suppliers, and specialist trades, particularly given the engineering challenges of building at such heights.
The Al Habtoor Tower project underscores the scale of ambition in Dubai’s residential sector, where developers continue to push architectural and engineering limits to deliver standout projects. For the city, it adds another signature element to its skyline, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading markets for luxury high-rise living.