DUBAI, April 10 — Emaar Properties PJSC plans to build a US$1 billion (RM3.9 billion) skyscraper in Dubai that will exceed the height of the Burj Khalifa, now the world’s tallest building.

The tower within its Dubai Creek Harbour project will be “a notch taller” than the 828-metre Burj Khalifa, chairman Mohamed Alabbar said at a press conference today, declining to be more specific. Construction will start at the end of June and will finish before Dubai hosts the World Expo in 2020.

“We wanted to build a new landmark for Dubai,” Alabbar said. “When we look at Downtown and the Burj Khalifa, the area is almost full to the rim.”

Dubai, the Gulf’s tourist and business hub, is developing hotels and entertainment projects as it aims to attract 20 million tourists annually by 2020 from 10 million in 2012. Emaar’s new tower will have an observation deck, gardens and 18 to 20 floors available for shops, restaurants and other tourist facilities, Alabbar said. The project will be financed by 50 per cent of equity and 50 per cent of debt. — Bloomberg