Emaar Properties has announced that it has opened registration details for its most ambitious project to date - the Burj Dubai, the world's tallest tower.

The company also announced the appointment of Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill as the architectural design consultants for the landmark development, which will set yet another record for Dubai.

Emaar released a new artist rendering of the project, which is located on the Sheikh Zayed Road. This 'city within a city' combines residential, commercial, hotel, entertainment, shopping and leisure outlets with open green spaces, water features, pedestrian boulevards, an old town and one of the world's largest shopping malls.

Future residents and hotel guests will have incredible views of the Arabian Gulf and the city of Dubai. Construction on the infrastructure will commence towards the end of this year.

Commenting on the mega project, Mohamed Ali Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, said: "With the Burj Dubai we are creating a new architectural benchmark for global property developers and contribute towards the growth of Dubai as a leading tourst destination."

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill derived their inspiration for the design of the tallest tower in the world from the cultural and historical influences of the Gulf region. The tower's base and geometry reflect the six-petal desert flower of the region. The base of the Burj Dubai 'blossoms' and allows the tower a graceful transition from the ground.

The three-leaf design maximizes views and the dome-shaped plan profile is used to accentuate a series of steps up the vertical height of the building. These petals peal away as the building mass gets taller and creates a cascade of domes on all three sides.

Petronas Towers in Malaysia (452 metres) and the Chicago's Sears Tower (442 metres) are currently the world's tallest man-made towers. Recently China announced plans to build the Shanghai World Financial Centre to stand some 492 metres and due to be completed by 2007.