Architecture & Engineering Firms
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
About
About SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)
Founded in 1936, SOM is the architecture and engineering firm behind the Burj Khalifa — the world's tallest building at 828 metres. One of the most influential design practices in history, SOM has shaped skylines across every continent with a focus on structural innovation and sustainable design.
Notable Dubai Projects
- Burj Khalifa — 828m, world's tallest building (2010)
- Structural engineering and design leadership on the iconic supertall
Expertise
- Supertall and megatall tower design — global leaders
- Structural engineering and building systems integration
- Urban planning and master planning
- Interior architecture for corporate and hospitality sectors
- Sustainable design and net-zero building strategies
Why Choose SOM
- Designed the Burj Khalifa — defining Dubai's global identity
- 85+ years of pioneering architecture and engineering
- Multi-disciplinary practice: architecture, engineering, urbanism
- 800+ awards including 40+ AIA Honor Awards
Sources
Services Offered
Key services Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) provides for architecture & engineering firms clients in Dubai:
Why Choose Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
- One of the world's most renowned architecture and engineering firms — founded in 1936, with a global reputation for landmark towers and large-scale developments.
- Architect of the Burj Khalifa — SOM designed the world's tallest building, along with a long record of supertall and high-rise projects worldwide.
- Established Dubai office — SOM opened its Dubai studio in April 2017 (Maze Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road), serving as its regional hub for the Middle East and North Africa.
- Multidisciplinary under one firm — architecture, structural and MEP engineering, urban design, interiors and landscape integrated across studios.
- Deep Middle East experience — the firm cites nearly 60 years and 180-plus completed projects across the region.
How Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) Works
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1
Initial consultation and brief
Discuss the project vision, site, programme and budget to define scope and the disciplines required.
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2
Concept and master planning
The team develops concept design, master planning and urban design for the development.
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3
Integrated design development
Architecture, engineering, interiors and landscape are developed and coordinated through detailed design.
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4
Authority approvals and documentation
Design documentation is prepared and submitted for the relevant authority approvals.
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5
Delivery support
The firm supports the project through to delivery on site.
Business Profile
Hours and pricing may change — confirm directly with the business before engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SOM have a Dubai office?
Yes. SOM opened its Dubai office in April 2017 (Maze Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road), which acts as the firm's regional hub for the Middle East and North Africa, offering a full range of architecture, design and planning services.
Did SOM design the Burj Khalifa?
Yes. SOM was the architect and structural engineer of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, currently the world's tallest building, and is known for a long history of supertall and high-rise design.
When was SOM founded?
SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill) was founded in 1936 in the United States. Its Dubai office opened in April 2017.
Is SOM an architecture studio or an engineering consultancy?
SOM is a multidisciplinary firm. It offers architecture together with structural, civil and MEP engineering, urban design, interiors and landscape — disciplines that can be integrated on a single project.
Does SOM design private villas, or only large developer projects?
SOM focuses on large-scale and landmark work — towers, mixed-use, master planning, commercial, hospitality, civic and transportation projects for developers and institutions. Owners of an individual private villa should confirm directly whether their project fits the firm's scope.
What types of projects does SOM work on?
The firm works across commercial, residential, hospitality, healthcare, education, civic and government, cultural, airport and transportation projects, with a strong record in high-rise towers and master planning.
Does SOM handle Dubai authority approvals?
For projects in Dubai, design documentation is prepared for the relevant authority approvals, often alongside a locally licensed engineering consultant. Confirm the specific submissions (e.g. Dubai Municipality, Trakhees, DDA) for your project during the consultation.
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