Dubai Skyscraper City Tower One: 358 Meters and a Challenge for Mass Timber

City Tower One Skyscraper in Dubai: What Is Known

City Tower One is a 93-story tower 358 meters tall, designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners. The building is located in the Trade Centre First district, on a site connecting Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Badaa Road. Inside, there are 608 residential units. According to ArchDaily, construction is complete, and leasing began in June 2026. Nearby landmarks include Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future.

Why This Matters for Mass Timber

From the perspective of the expert community, City Tower One is an example of “classical” high-rise construction using steel and concrete. However, the scale of the project highlights the need for low-carbon alternatives. Mass timber cannot yet directly compete at such heights, but hybrid schemes with CLT and glulam already make it possible to build structures dozens of stories tall. Every new steel skyscraper becomes an argument for expanding research into timber structures — from structural strength to fire safety.

Conclusion

City Tower One is yet another confirmation that high-rise urbanism continues to seek a balance between scale and sustainability. For now, mass timber lags behind in height, but each such project brings closer the day when wooden skyscrapers become a reality in the Middle East as well.