Burj Khalifa builder plans for taller tower

Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is reaching for the sky once again, with the developer of the world’s tallest building vowing Sunday to build an even taller tower bedecked with rotating balconies and elevated landscaping inspired by the mythical hanging gardens of Babylon.

The government-backed company behind the project, Emaar Properties, hopes the new tower will entice view-seeking home-owners even as it raises other promised skyscrapers and repairs a prominent one gutted by fire.

Company Chairman Mohamed Alabbar said the new observation tower would be “a notch” taller than the 2,717-foot Burj Khalifa. Just how much taller he wouldn’t say.

Unlike the Burj Khalifa, the new $1 billion tower will not be a traditional skyscraper but more of a cable-supported spire containing “garden” observation decks.