In the 1980s, Yazz and the Plastic Population grabbed themselves a worldwide smash with their musical anthem 'The Only Way is Up'. More than two decades on, it's a sentiment that clearly resonates firmly with developer Tameer and its president Federico Tauber.
In May, Tameer is set to hand over the cloud-piercing Princess Tower in Dubai Marina, which, at more than 414 metres high, will become the tallest residential building on the planet.
Talk to Tauber and it's obvious that the firm considers Princess Tower its crown jewel. So, is the tower the most prestigious development both he and the company have completed so far?
"Absolutely" he replies.
So, as those other chart-toppers The Spice Girls once crooned, 'How Does It Feel to be on Top of the World?'
"We are very proud," says Tauber. "We are almost there. It's an iconic building, one of the most unique in the world.
"The nice thing about living on top of this building is seeing the tops of the other towers. You can see all the other tower tops - and that is unique." The genial Argentinean's not kidding either. The view from the top extends across most of the emirate's iconic landmarks. The vista takes in the rest of Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab, the tailbacks on Sheikh Zayed Road, all the way down, and beyond, Downtown and the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa.
Glancing down at Emirates Golf Club, Tauber jokes it's the perfect spot to get a bird's eye view of next year's Dubai Desert Classic.
"On a clear day you can see the whole shape of Dubai," he says. The Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat has confirmed to Tameer they see no plans in the pipeline anywhere in the world to pip Princess' tagline of tallest residential building on earth - "for at least two or three years."
And that's something that makes Tauber and Tameer very happy - and a fact they intend on shouting from the rooftops.
But who actually wants to live up on cloud nine? With apartments in the 107-floor Princess Tower already 90 per cent sold, what reasons and motivations do Tauber's clients give for harbouring an overwhelming desire to be top of the pile?
"You need certain characteristics as a person to want to live in the sky, on top of the world," says the 44-year-old Tameer chief, who took up his role with the UAE firm nearly three years ago.
"I think it's a feeling of tranquility," he adds. Princess Tower comes amidst a hectic period for Tameer, during which five buildings will be completed and handed over in just five months - Silver Tower in Business Bay was completed before Christmas and the 180-apartment Al Jawzaa residential project in International City is imminent.
Princess Tower's neighbour in Dubai Marina, the 91-storey Elite Residence is set to be complete soon, along with the 258-office, 28-storey Regal Tower in Business Bay and, of course, the company's sky-high record breaker topping the lot. Tauber says: "Every day that we deliver a building is a very special day for us. It makes us very happy and very proud that over just a few months we are going to deliver five projects."
With 10 of the world's 14 tallest residential buildings now in Dubai, the question that remains, is: Is designing tall buildings just a competition now? A 'who can shoot the highest' form of one-upmanship for the construction industry?
Perhaps surprisingly, Tauber agrees.
"I think so, yes," he says. "Especially in this region. (But) It's not just for the sake of having it, I think every time it's an attempt to differentiate - and I think it's a good thing.
"Competition is always good - Dubai has received the benefits of competition in design.
LIVE AND LEARN
Name: Federico Tauber
Firm: Tameer Holding Investments
Position: President
Q WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
A My first job was in sales during university, where I actually sold properties.
Q WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR CAREER?
A I've had the blessing of working with some very good leaders but if I have to name one, it would be my father. His example of honesty has been my benchmark for conduct during my whole career.
Q WHAT WAS THE BEST DAY OF YOUR CAREER?
A That's difficult, I've had many very good days in my career. But in my first job, I was very young and my team won a very important sales contest. We had a big sense of achievement from winning it.
Q WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A GOOD LEADER?
A What is very important in a leader is to identify the problems that can affect your goals and especially know what are the important ones, the ones that are going to affect you most. The sooner you identify that, the better it will be.
Q HOW DO YOU RELAX?
A I enjoy water-skiing and tennis. I love the sea and the beach, we are so lucky to have that in Dubai.
Q WHAT ARE YOUR REMAINING CAREER GOALS?
A I would like to continue to build developments to allow people to enjoy life.
Q WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
A You have to be able to solve problems, motivate people - and work hard and reward the trust that people will place in you.
© 7Days 2012
