The world's tallest communications tower has been completed in central Tokyo following nearly four years of construction, reported The Telegraph. Tokyo Sky Tree, which measures 634 meters in height, was finished two months behind schedule following delays caused by last year's earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. However, operators of Tokyo Sky Tree, which will operate as a communications tower for the nation's broadcasting networks, hope the timely completion of the tower just before the first anniversary of the disaster will help boost the nation's tourism industry, which was been hit hard over the past year. The tower, located in Sumida block in the Asakusa district, is not only the loftiest communications tower ever built, it is also the world's second tallest building, eclipsed only by the 828 meters Burj Khalifa in Dubai. More than 580 thousand workers were involved in the construction of the US$ 800 million structure, which was inspired by traditional Japanese architect and painted a shade of blue-tinged white called "aojiro". Tokyo Sky Tree is set to become an iconic addition to the city's urban skyline, overshadowing other landmarks such as the 1958 red and white Tokyo Tower, which was previously used as the main broadcasting tower and long regarded a symbol of country's rapid post-war development. Now the tower has been completed, and the operator plans to finish the interior for stores and other facilities with an eye to opening them to the public on May 22.

Tokyo Sky Tree is on target to be the tallest structure in Japan upon completion in the spring of 2012, reported constructiondigital. Located in the Narihirabashi/Oshiage part of the Sumida Ward of Tokyo, the Tokyo Sky Tree broadcasting tower will soar nearly 634 meters into the sky, making it one of the tallest in the world and an icon of Japan. Designed by Nikken Sekkei, the tower, which resembles a large tree, will serve as a hub for the country's digital terrestrial broadcasting network. Additionally, the structure features two observation decks and is designed to withstand Japan's frequent earthquakes as well as strong winds. Though many may see this as Japan's way of getting in the race for the world's tallest structure, the height of the Tokyo Sky Tree serves an important function-it improves the towers ability to send the broadcasting signals over the tall skyscrapers of Tokyo. The base of the tower resembles a tripod. The three 'legs' anchor the structure to the ground. As it rises, the structure begins to curve around a central tube into the sky. Observatory levels at 350 meters and 450 meters allow visitors to have panoramic views of the urban landscape. The lower level will feature restaurants and retail opportunities. Japan isn't a stranger to earthquakes and strong storms. As a result, architects must design structures with disaster prevention features to withstand movement from above and below. Taking inspiration from the traditional Japanese pagoda, the tower relies on a central column for stability. According to the architects, "this system counters swaying set in motion by earthquake tremors and strong winds, ensuring a safe and reliable structure." The Obayashi Corporation is serving as the general contractor on the Tokyo Sky Tree project.

Dubai developer Emaar Properties and investment firm Dubai Holding on October 27 unveiled plans for a multi-million project known as "Dubai Creek Harbour at The Lagoons", which will contain the world's tallest twin towers with height more than 600 meters (1,968ft) each. Located within the two partners' joint master development, Mohammed bin Rashid City (MBR City), the project will be officially launched on November 1 in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London and Moscow and will be the first residences located in Dubai Creek Harbour, offering views over the harbour and Dubai skyline. "Dubai Creek Harbour at The Lagoons" will be developed on an open site and is expected to be larger than Downtown Dubai in terms of magnitude. Dubai Creek Residences will include six towers - two of which will be 40-storeys in height - with a variety of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments that will have unit area ranging between 75 - 200 square meters. The master plan will contain a dedicated retail precinct, pedestrian walkways and The Dubai Twin Towers, an iconic mixed-use development billed to be the tallest twin towers in the world. At present, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at 452 meters and 88 floors hold the record for the tallest twin towers in the world. Dubai is already home to the world's tallest tower Burj Khalifa (828 meters), the world's highest residential tower Princess Tower (414 meters), the world's highest hotel building JW Marriott Marquis (355 meters) and the world's highest twisted tower "Infinity Tower" (307 meters).