Work has started on the Burj Azizi, a $1.5bn tower named after Dubai Azizi Developments, which is likely to become the second tallest building in the city after the 828m Burj Khalifa.The height of the Burj Azizi has not yet been announced, but it would need to be over 414m tall to reach second place, currently held by the Princess Tower.

The 122-storey project will contain a vertical mall, residencies, seven-star hotel, observation deck, restaurants and bars. It will be located on the Sheikh Zayed Road, close to the Emirates Towers and the Palm Jumeirah.

Mirwais Azizi, Azizi Developments’ founder, said: “Today is a special day as we finally break ground on one of my dream projects in Dubai.  I am delighted to be marking this occasion with our own team at Azizi.

“This tower will be our legacy. With Dubai having given my family and I so much – safety and abundance of opportunities – this tower, which will be its second tallest, is our way of giving back to this emirate and its remarkably hospitable and welcoming people.”

The Burj Azizi is due to be completed by 2028.