Dubai’s Skinniest Skyscraper: The Veil to rise 380m with single-apartment width
A contemporary sanctuary for modern times inspired by centuries old tradition
DUBAI: A new architectural landmark is set to redefine Dubai's skyline.
The Veil, a collaboration between Pritzker Prize-winning RCR Arquitectes and Dubai-based developer Muraba, blends contemporary design with centuries-old traditions.
Towering at 380 meters and offering unparalleled views, the project promises to be a sanctuary for modern living, bridging the gap between Dubai’s cosmopolitan dynamism and its rich cultural heritage.
What is The Veil?
The Veil is a 73-story residential tower located alongside the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road. Uniquely, each apartment occupies the entire 22.5-meter width of the building, offering sweeping dual-aspect views.
Its 131 units range from 2 to 5-bedroom residences, accompanied by high-end amenities such as a wellness spa, private cinema, padel courts, and dining facilities. Prices start from AED18,000,000.
“This is more than a beautiful residence. What we set out to achieve is a life-enhancing work of architecture, which speaks to the heritage of the built environment of the UAE,” said Ibrahim Al Ghurair, Managing Director of Muraba, while emphasising the unique vision behind The Veil.
“We want Muraba Veil to be synonymous with exquisite serenity; with the same calm that you feel when you enter the courtyard of an Arabic house,” he added.
Muraba Veil, Oasis
At the heart of The Veil’s design is a return to tradition, especially the architecture of the Arabian house. Drawing inspiration from historical courtyard homes, The Veil is designed to offer natural ventilation through a unique Mashrabiya-inspired exterior.
The perforated stainless-steel mesh facade—the eponymous “veil”—not only dematerialises the building’s presence but also reflects the changing colours of the sky, enhancing the interplay between light and shadow throughout the day.
RCR Arquitectes, founded by Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem, and Ramon Vilalta, have become renowned for their sensitivity to place and the seamless integration of modernist design with natural surroundings. As Aranda explains, “We are passionate about ensuring our buildings are responsive to the place, that they belong to the site and the native landscape where they are situated. They must communicate with nature and be infused with the atmosphere of the local culture.”
Heritage meets cutting-edge architecture
The Veil embodies a duality: while it looks forward in its modern engineering, it remains firmly rooted in ancient architectural principles. The narrow structure allows for a gentle breeze to flow through each residence, echoing traditional methods of climate control in desert architecture. The design ensures a serene living environment, providing both privacy and a strong connection to nature.
The building’s oasis-like design extends beyond its residential units to a vast subterranean wellness club, hidden beneath a dune-like carapace. This spa is designed to offer residents a retreat from the bustle of urban life, featuring experiential pools, treatment rooms, lounges, and an amphitheater.
A new approach to Dubai architecture
In contrast to the towering glass and steel skyscrapers that dominate Dubai’s skyline, The Veil offers a softer, more intimate experience. Its emphasis on natural light, ventilation, and local heritage sets it apart. The project reflects RCR’s commitment to “acclimatising” architecture to its environment—an approach that could signal a shift in the future of urban design in Dubai.
In Al Ghurair’s words, “Muraba Veil is more than just another building in Dubai. It’s a statement about how architecture can enhance life, connect with its surroundings, and offer a peaceful retreat from the material world.”
With construction fully approved by Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), The Veil is poised to be a standout among Dubai’s high-rise towers. Engineering consultancy WSP, in partnership with Arup, has taken on the challenge of realising the architectural ambitions of RCR Arquitectes and Muraba, ensuring the structural integrity of this towering masterpiece.