Extended wait for Burj Dubai

Burj Dubai will not be ready until at least September next year – a delay of nine months.

Construction work Burj Dubai began in 2004 and was to be completed in December this year. However, that date has been pushed back to maintain the highest quality and to upgrade the interior design that was originally created in 2004, said Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar.

"We are expecting it to be ready by August or September next year. What matters for us is the quality and not the date," he said.

Most recently, work on Burj Dubai was halted for 18 days last month due to high winds, according to senior officials on the site. And last year, a two-week strike by 40,000 labourers of Arabtec, one of the construction companies working on the project, also delayed work.

In a statement yesterday, Emaar said the project will be completed by September 2009. "The luxury finishes that were decided on in 2004 is now being replaced by upgraded finishes.

"World-class designers were brought in from California and SOM to revise the interior design, and accordingly all apartments are being upgraded following a redesign process that took two to three months.

Speaking to Emirates Business, Fred Durie, executive director – development, Emaar, said construction of all livable floors of Burj Dubai is complete. "Work is progressing on two communication floors. The final height of the tower will, however, be revealed only by the chairman," said Durie.

The Burj Dubai currently stands at more than 630 metres and, according to Durie, it will be substantially higher.

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