Proposed 1.9-Mile Elevated Ring Surrounding the World’s Tallest Skyscraper Aims for Sustainability

Dubai-based design firm ZN Era Space has ambitious plans to encircle the city with a unique ring.

Dubbed the Downtown Circle project, this vision features a 1,800-foot-tall, 1.9-mile ring that wraps around downtown Dubai, home to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest free-standing structure in the world.

Supported by five towering pillars, this circular edifice will house both private residences and commercial spaces across five levels. It will also feature a continuous greenbelt along its inner perimeter, known as the Skypark, incorporating diverse habitats ranging from waterfalls to sand dunes. This expansive horizontal skyscraper is envisioned to function as a city within a city.

In an Instagram update on August 8, the firm stated that this concept is “a solution to the challenge of building densely while maintaining livability.”

In addition to tackling spatial constraints in densely populated cities like Dubai, this bold project aims to promote environmental sustainability. Dubai has set forth an ambitious roadmap, known as Dubai 2040, outlining a vision for sustainable urban development, which the Downtown Circle intends to complement with features like a rooftop made entirely of solar panels and an electric tram system, among other eco-friendly elements.

As noted by Visit Dubai, the project remains unconfirmed, and its feasibility—both practical and financial—remains uncertain. However, should it receive approval in the future, it could significantly transform Dubai’s skyline.