The UAE now boasts the longest suspended infinity pool, situated on the world’s most expansive cantilevered building.

Dubai is turning heads once again with its latest architectural marvel, setting new records.

The recently completed twin skyscrapers, One Za’abeel, are home to the world’s longest cantilever, along with the UAE’s longest suspended infinity pool, which spans 120 meters (393 feet).

A cantilever is a structure anchored at one end and extending outward unsupported, much like a diving board. At One Za'abeel, this feature is part of 'The Link,' a 230-meter (755-foot) long structure that juts 67.5 meters (221 feet) over the city.

The Link serves as a connector between the two towers of the luxury complex, offering shared facilities and amenities, according to Fadi Jabri, CEO of Nikken Sekkei Dubai, the architectural firm behind the design.

The massive glass corridor, which appears to float in mid-air, is an engineering wonder — but it serves more than just an aesthetic purpose, says Jabri.

The site is divided by a six-lane highway, making it impossible to build ground-level facilities. As Jabri explains, there was a clear need to reconnect the areas. Developers worked out a solution by utilizing the space above and below the road, creating a shopping mall underneath and linking the two towers with The Link overhead.

The cantilever, which extends 25 meters (82 feet) high and wide, houses three levels and serves as a prominent destination for hotel guests and residents, according to Badr Benryane, food and beverage director at the One&Only Za'abeel resort, located on the top 30 floors of one of the towers.

With no beach or water activities available, The Link will be the ultimate playground for our guests, says Benryane.

Inspired by the vibrant streets of major cities worldwide, The Link is a futuristic boulevard. As you stroll down its center, you’ll encounter a variety of dining experiences.

The Link boasts eight restaurants, including Tapasake, a Nikkei eatery offering Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes. 'One side features the restaurant with a terrace and indoor seating, while the other side houses the pool club, complete with VIP cabanas, loungers, and daybeds,' says Benryane.

After experiencing the pool himself, Benryane describes it as one of the standout features of the space. 'You're essentially in an infinity pool with nothing beneath you,' he says. 'You're swimming in the clouds, with a stunning view of the city — it’s breathtaking.'

Dubai is home to several record-breaking pools: in 2021, the Aura Skypool became the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool, and the Address Beach Resort in Dubai boasts the world’s tallest infinity pool, located on the 77th floor at 293.9 meters (964.2 feet).

The Link’s 100-meter (328 feet) height, coupled with its floor-to-ceiling windows, offers panoramic 360-degree views of the city and stretches all the way to the desert. The building takes its name from the region's white sands, or 'Za’abeel,' explains Badr.

The cantilever plays a dual role in both the building’s social space and its design: the two towers are slightly tilted outward, and the weight of The Link helps draw them back in, reinforcing the structure's stability, says Jabri.