A high-rise building is typically defined by its height and the number of floors it has. Generally, any building that is significantly taller than its surroundings and requires the use of elevators to access upper floors qualifies as a high-rise. While there’s no single global standard, most experts agree that buildings over 75 feet (about 7 to 10 stories) fall into this category. High-rises are designed with special structural systems to support their height and resist wind and seismic forces. They also have advanced fire safety measures and require elevators and sophisticated mechanical systems to operate efficiently. The term “high rise” focuses more on the functional and engineering aspects rather than just aesthetics.

In Dubai, a high-rise building is officially defined by the Dubai Civil Defence as any structure with occupiable or usable space exceeding 23 meters (approximately 75 feet) above the lowest grade or the lowest level of Fire Service Access. This precise measurement sets a clear standard distinguishing high-rises from lower buildings. Given Dubai’s rapid vertical growth, this definition ensures that buildings meeting or surpassing this height adhere to strict safety regulations, including advanced fire protection, evacuation protocols, and engineering requirements tailored for the city’s climate and urban density. The focus on usable height reflects the practical challenges of managing tall structures in a fast-developing metropolitan environment.

While often used interchangeably, “high-rise” and “skyscraper” refer to different categories of tall buildings. A high-rise is any building taller than the average urban structure that requires elevators and special design considerations, usually starting around 10 stories. A skyscraper, however, is a much taller building, often exceeding 150 meters (about 40-50 floors) and characterized by its iconic towering presence on the skyline. Beyond skyscrapers, there are also supertall buildings, these are exceptionally tall structures reaching heights of 300 meters or more, standing well above typical skyscrapers and dominating city skylines with their extraordinary scale.

In short, all skyscrapers and supertall buildings are high-rises, but not all high-rises qualify as skyscrapers or supertall buildings.

Here at the Skyline Atlas, all buildings are referred to as high-rise buildings when they have at least 10 stories. Hereby, we follow the international recommendation of SKYDB. For more information on definitions of real estate data, please visit SKYDB Standards.

Modernist design is common across Dubai’s skyline, especially in areas like Sheikh Zayed Road and Business Bay. These towers use clean lines, glass facades, and open floor plans, built with steel and concrete to maximize height and light.

Postmodern design adds visual diversity. Many buildings blend contemporary forms with traditional elements like arches, geometric patterns, or decorative facades, often inspired by regional architecture.

Sustainable or green design is gaining ground. Some towers now include solar panels, energy-efficient systems, shaded facades, and even vertical greenery. While still limited, the trend is growing in projects focused on environmental goals.

Iconic or signature design defines many of Dubai’s landmarks. Towers like Burj Khalifa, Cayan Tower, or Burj Al Arab use bold shapes and engineering innovation to stand out and symbolize the city’s global identity.