Dubai Skyscraper to Feature Record-Breaking 2,000ft Elevator Ride
New AI-powered elevators using lightweight materials and wireless technology aim to overcome traditional height limitations for buildings.
Dubai's upcoming Burj Azizi skyscraper will feature a continuous elevator journey of 2,071 feet (631.5 meters), spanning approximately 140 floors and setting a new benchmark for vertical transportation. KONE, the Finnish company behind the advanced elevator technology, announced that its new generation of AI-powered, lightweight elevators will enable these record-breaking journeys, with potential for future designs to carry passengers over a kilometer high.
Traditional elevator systems, largely unchanged for over 150 years, face limitations as buildings rise. The sheer weight of steel ropes becomes a significant factor, typically capping conventional systems at around 1,600 feet. To address this, KONE has integrated several innovations, including wireless power transmission, wireless data transfer, AI-driven traffic management, and ultra-lightweight hoisting ropes.
These advancements allow elevators to travel higher while consuming less energy and requiring fewer construction materials. A key development is the elimination of heavy traveling cables and governor ropes. KONE's UltraRope technology, introduced in 2013, utilizes a carbon fiber core with a high-friction coating, making it approximately one-fifth the weight of conventional steel ropes. This, combined with wireless communications and battery-based power, can reduce the overall weight of a lift installation by around 3,000 kg in a 300-meter-travel building. The wireless system also enhances resilience against the sway experienced by supertall structures.
The Burj Azizi, a 2,378-foot (725-meter) skyscraper under development, is set to be one of the world's tallest buildings and will incorporate several of KONE's new systems. Beyond height, the technology aims to significantly reduce waiting times. The AI-powered destination control system analyzes passenger movement and traffic patterns to optimize elevator allocation, potentially cutting journey times during peak hours by up to 60 percent.
This technology is particularly beneficial for mixed-use mega-towers, which often accommodate thousands of residents, workers, and visitors. The system also includes the option for double-decker elevators, which can transport more people simultaneously using fewer shafts, thereby optimizing valuable floor space. Philippe Delorme, President and CEO of KONE, stated that these innovations are making futuristic visions for cities a reality, with skylines extending beyond a kilometer in height and integrating various services seamlessly. Pascal Nassour, Senior Vice President of Global Major Projects at KONE, added that these solutions help customers overcome traditional constraints in vertical construction and will shape future urban development as buildings continue to grow taller.