Mashreq Bank Headquarters / SOM / UAE

Mashreq Bank Headquarters

• Architects:  Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP,
• Location:  Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Client:  Mashreq
• Structural Engineer:  Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
• Structural Material:  Concrete
• Building Function:  Commerical + Office
• Project Dates:  2013-2019
• Site Area:  4,850 m2  
• Project Area:  40,000 m2
• No. of Stories:  35 stories
• Building Height:  165 m
• MEP Engineer:  Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
• Main Contractor:  Arabian Construction Company  
• Civil Consultant:  Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

The 32 storey tall Mashreq Bank Headquarters with its boldly cantilevered form, will be a new landmark in the Dubai skyline. In contrast to the futuristic glass and steel towers of Dubai, this is a simple form clad in stone panels. The L-shaped typical floor plates opens to the north with its orientation allowing offices on both sides of the courtyard to have clear glazing protected from solar gain by the building itself. These facades allow panoramic views toward Sheikh Zayad Road.

The development comprises of 39,700 m2 GFA premier office space with a height of 151 meters, it will be an iconic landmark in a key development area within Dubai. Upon completion, the bank will relocate its headquarters from Al Ghurair Centre in Deira to this new office location. A unique feature of the building is a four-storey crown structure that forms top four floors of the building and extends up to 27 meters beyond the main building footprint.

The lateral structural system of the tower comprises of a reinforced concrete core placed at the corner of the tower along with two braced reinforced concrete frames at the end of the building's L-shape. The typical framing system consists of a 200 thick reinforced concrete flat slab with drop panels and thickened zone along slab edge.

The top three levels of the tower cantilever beyond the footprint of the L shape floor plan. The primary cantilever structure consists of a system of four structural steel built-up cantilever trusses located above the executive levels with only 8 struts penetrating the office space. 

The glass facades enable daylight harvesting while the horizontal and vertical shading systems minimize glare. Combined with the L-shape of the building, it allows for occupants to have a clear view over the city. The building also includes a 350-seat auditorium, staff dining room and a landscape garden. Our structural design allowed for the building to maximize floor-plan while providing flexibility.

This tower due for completion in 2019 will become a new landmark in Dubai's renowned skyline.