As explorers, we often seek out the stories woven into the fabric of a city, and the inspiration behind its most prominent landmarks. Born in the dawn of the new millennium, in the year 2000, Jumeirah Emirates Towers has blossomed into a renowned gathering point for the global business community. Its elegant silhouette, soaring above Dubai's financial district, holds a particularly compelling origin story – one born from a global call to creativity.

Journey back to the mid-1990s, a time of inspiring ambition in Dubai. It was then that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with a visionary's eye, launched an international design competition. He called upon the world’s greatest creatives to dream of a landmark to celebrate the city's burgeoning financial hub, a pair of towers that would not only soar but also eclipse the height of the Dubai World Trade Centre–a structure lovingly built by his late father, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, two decades prior.

The response of architectural ingenuity rippled across the globe. Amidst the multitude of entries, one voice resonated with particular clarity: the stunning vision of Hong Kong architect Hazel Wong. Her design became the foundational dream from which the Jumeirah Emirates Towers would rise. Remarkably, as Wong herself noted, the essence of her winning concept was "sensitively and faithfully retained throughout the development," a rare and beautiful example of the care and respect that both His Highness and Jumeirah have always shown in nurturing innovation.

Both Dubai and Jumeirah are defined by a beautiful interplay of tradition and ingenuity, a narrative echoed in the towers’ design. Wong's vision tells this story through a harmonious weaving of modern forms and local cultural references. Its dynamic façade featuring aluminium panels and reflective glass, captures the shifting desert light by day and transforms into a striking beacon by night. The triangular shapes, inspired by Islamic design, evoke the celestial harmony of earth, sun, and moon, while also hinting at tales of Dubai's maritime past through subtle allusions to the graceful passage of traditional dhow ships. This symbolism of cultural fusion is enriched by the towers' pivotal role as a global meeting point, where design elements drawn from the region's rich heritage cultivate a deep sense of place and belonging. 

"An unmistakable sense of excitement and pride filled every corridor," recalls Resident Engineer José  Kozhikkadan, who has been a part of the hotel’s story since the day its first brick was laid. “After working to build Jumeirah Emirates Towers from the sand, watching the hotel come to life with our guests and colleagues felt surreal. There was an incredible shared energy and a deep appreciation for what we had collectively achieved. It was a new beginning, and a memorable milestone reflecting vision, dedication, and teamwork at its finest.”

For Kozhikkadan, his fond memories of construction are still vivid. As a young engineer, just 21, he stood beneath the rising towers, witnessing cranes lift steel beams into place, each movement writing Dubai's skyline. Completed in a record-breaking three years, the towers' innovative triangular design and spacious interiors were a marvel. Walking into the lobby for the first time was a moving experience. The Middle East's first intelligent tower, with its seamless integration of technology and elegance, left an indelible impression. It was clear then, as it is now, that this was more than a hotel; it was an enduring legacy.

Behind the scenes, the hotel has been a global stage for diverse, high-profile events. From the dynamic 1 Billion Followers Summit to creating the city's first outdoor Ramadan Majlis, and supporting international events including COP28, the towers have consistently delivered  experiences of influence. 

One particularly proud moment for Kozhikkadan was the Red Bull collaboration featuring three-time world champion slackliner, Jaan Roose, who crossed a 100-metre slackline suspended 224 metres high between the two towers. Bringing this daring event to life and seeing it captivate audiences worldwide reinforced his passion for creating and achieving the extraordinary.

Kozhikkadan has enjoyed a front row seat in witnessing Dubai's growth unfold. From the launch of the Dubai Metro to the opening of the Museum of the Future, he has helped the hotel become integral to these transformations. “We became one of the first hotels in Dubai to create direct bridge access to the Metro, seamlessly linking our guests to destinations across the city. Later, building our direct connection to the Museum of the Future reaffirmed our commitment to embracing innovation, ensuring we remain at the heart of Dubai’s evolving story.”

Being part of this legacy since its inception is humbling, meaningful, and inspiring for Kozhikkadan. “Every day feels like contributing to a larger story, a story about dreams, perseverance, and vision,” he explains. “Even after all these years, new dimensions and fresh insights continue to emerge. Jumeirah Emirates Towers isn’t merely where I work, it has become a significant part of my identity, and a beautiful chapter of my life.”

As dawn breaks over Dubai 25 years on, Kozhikkadan still wakes before the sun's rays shower the city's skyline in a soft golden light, his quiet ritual of preparation setting the rhythm for Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Each morning brings a silent promise - to safeguard a legacy, to ensure that every guest experiences the enduring elegance and welcoming spirit that have defined our hotel for so long. It is a daily act of commitment, nurturing creativity, care, and dedication. 



Experience the spirit of Dubai at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, where modern innovation meets the warmth of Arabian hospitality. Plan your visit and create your own unforgettable story.