API World Tower is a 32-storey commercial office building on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Completed in 1998, the tower was developed by Al Ali Property Investment and became an early high-rise commercial project for API, with offices, business facilities, covered parking and direct access to the World Trade Centre Metro Station.
Introduction
API World Tower is an established commercial office building on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai’s Trade Centre First district. With its position opposite Dubai World Trade Centre and directly across from the World Trade Centre Metro Station, the tower has long been associated with Dubai’s central business environment.
The building is 32 storeys high and stands approximately 130.5 metres tall. The Skyscraper Center records its completion in 1998, while API’s own heritage timeline places API World Tower in 1999 as its first high-rise development in Trade Centre First.
Unlike many newer Dubai towers designed around residential or mixed-use lifestyles, API World Tower has a clear commercial identity. Its facilities include office accommodation, a business centre, meeting rooms, conference facilities, covered parking and a health club with a swimming pool, gym, steam baths and jacuzzi.
This guide looks at the tower from more than just a property-listing perspective, covering its location, history, architecture, offices, facilities, transport connections and practical considerations for businesses looking for office space in central Dubai.
What Is API World Tower?
API World Tower is a commercial office tower located at 22 Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. The building is officially listed as API World Tower, although Al Ali Tower is recorded as another name for the property. It has 32 floors, a height of 130.5 metres and an office-focused function.
The tower was developed by Al Ali Property Investment, while architectural design is attributed to Khatib & Alami. The building’s steel structure and prominent position on Sheikh Zayed Road reflect the commercial character of the development.
API World Tower at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Building name | API World Tower |
| Other name | Al Ali Tower |
| City | Dubai |
| Area | Trade Centre First |
| Address | 22 Sheikh Zayed Road |
| Building type | Commercial office |
| Floors | 32 |
| Height | 130.5 metres |
| Completion | 1998* |
| Developer | Al Ali Property Investment |
| Architect | Khatib & Alami |
| Main road | Sheikh Zayed Road |
| Nearby landmark | Dubai World Trade Centre |
| Metro | World Trade Centre Metro Station |
The Skyscraper Center records completion in 1998. API’s heritage timeline lists API World Tower under 1999, so the two sources use slightly different dates.
Where Is API World Tower in Dubai?
API World Tower is situated along Sheikh Zayed Road in Trade Centre First, one of the most established business locations in central Dubai.
The building is positioned opposite Dubai World Trade Centre, while the World Trade Centre Metro Station is directly across the road. API describes the metro station as approximately a one-minute walk from the tower.
Its location gives businesses convenient access to several major commercial districts and landmarks, including DIFC, Emirates Towers, Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport.
Why Sheikh Zayed Road Matters
Sheikh Zayed Road is one of Dubai’s most important transport and commercial corridors. It connects major business districts and is lined with high-rise office buildings, hotels, retail destinations and corporate developments.
For an office building, being on this corridor provides a practical advantage: employees, clients and visitors can approach the area using both Dubai Metro and the road network.
API World Tower and Trade Centre First
Trade Centre First is part of the central Dubai area surrounding the World Trade Centre and the older commercial core of Sheikh Zayed Road.
The location has changed significantly since API World Tower was developed. API’s own history notes that during the early 1990s, the road was known as Defence Road before later becoming Sheikh Zayed Road. API World Tower was constructed during a period when Dubai’s high-rise commercial skyline was beginning to develop along this corridor.
That history is useful when understanding the tower today. It is not a recently built office project competing purely on modern design. Instead, it is an established commercial building that occupies a long-standing business address in central Dubai.
History of API World Tower
When Was API World Tower Built?
The Skyscraper Center records the building as completed in 1998. API’s own heritage timeline, however, places API World Tower under 1999, identifying it as the company’s first high-rise in Trade Centre First and its second head office.
This small difference in dates likely reflects different ways of recording the project’s completion and corporate history.
API’s First High-Rise Commercial Building
According to API, the tower was its first high-rise commercial building. The company also describes it as its second head office until 2019.
That gives API World Tower a different significance from an ordinary office building. It forms part of the development history of API itself and represents an earlier stage of Dubai’s commercial property expansion.
An Early Sheikh Zayed Road Landmark
When API World Tower was constructed, Sheikh Zayed Road did not have the same concentration of skyscrapers that defines the Dubai skyline today.
API describes the tower as having introduced a new standard for corporate accommodation at the time, with business facilities and leisure amenities designed around professional tenants.
Today, the building sits among a much larger collection of commercial towers, but its location remains one of its defining characteristics.
Architecture and Design of API World Tower
API World Tower rises approximately 130.5 metres over 32 floors. The Skyscraper Center identifies the building as an all-steel structure and lists Khatib & Alami as the architect.
Its architecture should be viewed within the context of late-1990s Dubai rather than compared directly with today’s highly specialized supertall and mixed-use developments.
A 32-Storey Commercial Tower
The building’s vertical scale made it a notable high-rise commercial project when it was developed.
Its office-focused configuration also differentiates it from towers where residential apartments, hotels and retail spaces occupy large parts of the building.
A Recognizable Sheikh Zayed Road Presence
API describes the tower as having striking architecture and views over the developing Dubai cityscape. Its position directly opposite Dubai World Trade Centre gives the building a highly recognizable commercial setting.
For companies, this location can also function as a practical business address because it is close to one of Dubai’s major exhibition and events venues.
Offices in API World Tower
The primary function of API World Tower is commercial office space.
Current listings show a range of office formats, from furnished and serviced workspaces to larger fitted offices. This means the building can accommodate different business requirements rather than following one standard office layout.
Fitted Offices
Larger fitted offices are available in the building, with current listings including spaces around 2,014 sq ft and larger configurations. Actual availability and asking rent can change considerably between units.
A fitted office can be useful for a company that wants to move into an established workspace without carrying out a complete fit-out from scratch.
Furnished and Serviced Offices
Current listings also show furnished office options with facilities such as:
- internet
- DEWA included in some packages
- cleaning
- pantry access
- meeting rooms
- furnished workspaces
- flexible payment arrangements
These features vary by individual operator and tenancy package, so they should be confirmed before signing an agreement.
Flexible Workspace Options
The building also has modern workspace offerings with private offices, coworking areas, hot desks, meeting rooms and event spaces. One current listing describes a business centre with 24/7 access and high-speed internet.
This gives businesses more flexibility than the traditional model of renting a large unfurnished office and fitting it out independently.
Office Sizes in API World Tower
Office sizes in the tower vary considerably.
Current listings include smaller furnished workspaces as well as offices exceeding 2,000 sq ft and larger configurations. For example, Bayut currently shows a 2,014 sq ft fitted office and listings for substantially larger spaces.
Because individual units differ in layout and fit-out, businesses should evaluate the usable workspace, meeting-room requirements, storage, pantry facilities and parking rather than comparing units purely by advertised square footage.
Facilities and Amenities at API World Tower
Although API World Tower is primarily a commercial building, its facilities extend beyond basic office accommodation.
API’s official building profile mentions a business centre, conference centre, meeting rooms, multi-level covered parking and a health club.
Health Club
The building’s health club includes:
- swimming pool
- steam baths
- jacuzzi
- fully equipped gymnasium
API describes the gym as being supported by professional supervision and designed for people working in demanding business environments.
Business Centre
A business centre provides additional support for companies and professionals using the building.
Depending on the workspace arrangement, tenants may also have access to meeting rooms and shared facilities.
Conference and Meeting Facilities
API World Tower includes conference and meeting facilities, making the building suitable for businesses that regularly need spaces for client meetings, presentations or internal discussions.
Covered Parking
The tower has multi-level covered parking, an important feature for an office building on Sheikh Zayed Road where many employees and visitors still rely on private vehicles.
Exact parking allocation should always be confirmed for the individual office before signing a lease.
Security and Building Services
Current office listings for API World Tower mention features including:
- security staff
- CCTV
- maintenance services
- high-speed elevators
- central air conditioning
- reception and lobby facilities
The exact services included with a particular office can vary depending on the workspace provider and lease arrangement.
Businesses should therefore distinguish between building-level facilities and services included in an individual office package.
Transportation Near API World Tower
One of the strongest practical features of API World Tower is its transport connectivity.
World Trade Centre Metro Station
The World Trade Centre Metro Station is directly across from the tower. API places the station approximately one minute from the building.
This makes the building particularly accessible for employees and visitors who use Dubai Metro.
Sheikh Zayed Road
For drivers, the tower sits directly on Sheikh Zayed Road, connecting it with several major areas of Dubai.
However, travel time by car can vary substantially during peak periods. Companies should consider employee commuting patterns before choosing an office.
Taxis and Public Transport
The central location also makes taxis and other public transport options relatively convenient for clients and employees travelling to the area.
What Is Near API World Tower?
The tower’s location places it close to several major business, retail and leisure destinations.
Dubai World Trade Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre is directly opposite the tower and is one of the most important exhibition and events venues in the city.
API lists it at approximately seven minutes from the building.
Emirates Towers
Emirates Towers is approximately 10 minutes away according to API’s location information.
DIFC
Dubai International Financial Centre is also around 10 minutes away according to API’s stated travel times.
Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai and The Dubai Mall are also within practical reach. API lists The Dubai Mall at approximately 10 minutes, although actual driving times can vary with traffic.
Dubai International Airport
API places Dubai International Airport approximately 13 minutes from the tower under its stated travel estimates.
These figures should be treated as approximate rather than guaranteed journey times.
Restaurants, Cafés and Everyday Services
An office location needs more than just transport links.
The wider Trade Centre and Sheikh Zayed Road area provides access to restaurants, cafés, hotels, convenience stores and other services used by office workers and visitors.
For businesses with frequent client meetings, the surrounding commercial district also provides multiple options for informal meetings outside the office.
API World Tower Rental Prices
Office rental prices in API World Tower vary significantly according to size, furnishing, fit-out, floor and lease structure.
Current Bayut listings show asking rents ranging from smaller furnished workspace packages to much larger fitted offices. Its current API World Tower office page shows listings ranging from AED 32,000 to AED 1,047,280 per year, while the listed average asking rent is around AED 473,901.
These numbers should not be treated as a fixed building-wide rental rate. The difference between a small serviced workspace and a large fitted office can be substantial.
What Affects Office Rent?
Factors can include:
- office size
- floor
- view
- furnishing
- fit-out quality
- number of workstations
- meeting rooms
- included utilities
- parking
- lease duration
- payment structure
- additional service charges
For this reason, comparing two offices only by annual rent can give a misleading picture.
Current Office Market in API World Tower
Current listings demonstrate how varied the office market inside the building can be.
For example, recent listings include a 2,014 sq ft office at different asking prices depending on its furnishing and terms, while other listings include much larger offices.
This also means that businesses should compare the total occupancy cost, not just the headline rent.
Potential additional costs can include:
- security deposit
- VAT
- Ejari-related fees
- agency commission
- utilities
- internet
- cleaning
- parking
- fit-out
- maintenance
The exact structure depends on the landlord, office provider and tenancy agreement.
What Type of Business Is API World Tower Suitable For?
The building’s location and office infrastructure can suit different types of businesses.
Established Companies
Companies looking for a central Dubai business address may find the location practical because of its proximity to major commercial districts.
Professional Services
Consultancies, agencies, financial services firms and other professional businesses can benefit from having access to meeting and conference facilities.
Startups and SMEs
Smaller businesses can consider furnished or flexible workspace options where available instead of taking a large conventional office.
Companies With Frequent Visitors
The proximity to the World Trade Centre Metro Station can be particularly useful for businesses that receive clients or employees from different parts of Dubai.
The suitability ultimately depends on the company’s space requirements, budget, employee commute patterns and preferred office format.
Is API World Tower a Good Office Location?
There is no single answer for every business, because the suitability of an office depends on what the company actually needs.
However, several practical characteristics make the tower notable.
Central Business Location
Its position on Sheikh Zayed Road places it close to several major business districts.
Metro Accessibility
The World Trade Centre Metro Station is directly opposite the tower, giving public-transport users a straightforward route to the building.
Established Commercial Identity
The building has been part of Dubai’s commercial landscape since the late 1990s and has a clear office-focused identity.
Range of Workspace Options
Current listings show everything from furnished workspaces to larger fitted offices, allowing companies to consider different occupancy models.
Things to Consider
The building is an established tower rather than a recently completed development. A company prioritizing the newest building systems, contemporary architecture or recently delivered office interiors may want to compare it with newer commercial towers.
Traffic during busy periods and the condition of individual office units should also be considered.
API World Tower vs Newer Office Towers in Dubai
API World Tower belongs to an earlier generation of Sheikh Zayed Road commercial buildings.
Newer office towers may offer more recent interiors, newer building systems and different amenity packages. API World Tower, meanwhile, offers an established central location and a long-standing commercial presence.
| Factor | API World Tower | Newer Office Tower |
| Building age | Established | Usually newer |
| Location | Sheikh Zayed Road | Depends on project |
| Metro access | World Trade Centre Metro | Depends on building |
| Office options | Various | Varies |
| Facilities | Established business and health facilities | Depends on project |
| Office condition | Depends on unit | Often newer |
| Parking | Available | Depends on project |
| Business address | Established central location | Depends on location |
The right comparison should therefore focus on total cost, accessibility, office quality and business requirements, rather than simply building age.
Things to Check Before Renting an Office in API World Tower
Before signing a lease, businesses should inspect the specific office rather than relying only on the building’s general description.
1. Check the Actual Office Size
Confirm the usable area and understand whether the advertised size includes shared or common areas.
2. Inspect the Fit-Out
Check flooring, ceilings, lighting, partitions, pantry facilities and washrooms.
3. Confirm Parking
Ask how many parking spaces are included and whether additional spaces are available.
4. Check What the Rent Includes
Clarify whether the quoted amount includes:
- DEWA
- internet
- chiller
- cleaning
- maintenance
- service charges
Some furnished office packages advertise utilities and internet as included, but this is not necessarily the case for every office.
5. Ask About Lease Terms
Check:
- number of cheques
- security deposit
- VAT
- agency fee
- Ejari fees
- renewal conditions
- notice period
6. Visit the Office
Photos can hide issues with noise, natural light, views, elevators or the condition of shared areas.
A physical inspection is especially important when comparing fitted and furnished offices.
Pros and Cons of API World Tower
Pros
- Central Sheikh Zayed Road location
- Direct proximity to World Trade Centre Metro Station
- Opposite Dubai World Trade Centre
- Close to DIFC and Emirates Towers
- Established commercial building
- Multiple office formats
- Covered parking
- Business centre and meeting facilities
- Health club with gym, pool, steam baths and jacuzzi
- Long history within Dubai’s commercial property market
Cons
- Older than many newer Dubai office developments
- Traffic can affect road journey times
- Office condition varies between individual units
- Rental prices differ considerably by size and fit-out
- Some modern workspace features may depend on the individual office provider
Final Thoughts
API World Tower is more than another office building on Sheikh Zayed Road. Its history, central location and connection with API’s own development story make it part of an earlier phase of Dubai’s commercial high-rise growth.
The 32-storey tower combines a long-established business address with practical facilities such as covered parking, meeting and conference spaces, a business centre and a health club. Its position opposite Dubai World Trade Centre and next to the World Trade Centre Metro Station is also a major part of its identity.
For a business considering an office in the building, however, the tower name alone should not determine the decision. The specific office’s size, fit-out, view, parking, included services, lease terms, and total occupancy cost all matter. Comparing those factors with newer office buildings in central Dubai will provide a much clearer picture of whether a particular unit meets the company’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About API World Tower
How many floors does API World Tower have?
API World Tower has 32 floors and is approximately 130.5 metres tall.
Where is API World Tower located?
It is located at 22 Sheikh Zayed Road in Trade Centre First, Dubai, opposite Dubai World Trade Centre.
When was API World Tower built?
The Skyscraper Center records the tower as completed in 1998. API’s heritage timeline lists it under 1999, describing it as the company’s first high-rise in Trade Centre First.
Who developed API World Tower?
The building was developed by Al Ali Property Investment.
Who designed API World Tower?
The Skyscraper Center identifies Khatib & Alami as the architect.
Is API World Tower a residential building?
No. API World Tower is primarily a commercial office building.
Is there a metro station near API World Tower?
Yes. World Trade Centre Metro Station is directly across from the tower, with API describing it as approximately one minute away.
Does API World Tower have a gym and swimming pool?
Yes. API’s official building profile mentions a health club with a swimming pool, steam baths, jacuzzi and fully equipped gymnasium.
Is parking available at API World Tower?
Yes. API describes multi-level covered parking as one of the building’s facilities.
How much does an office in API World Tower cost?
Asking rents vary significantly according to office size, furnishing and lease terms. Current Bayut listings show a broad range, so businesses should check current listings and compare the total occupancy cost for the specific office.
Is API World Tower suitable for startups?
It can be, particularly where furnished or flexible workspace is available. Current listings include serviced offices, private workspaces and coworking options alongside conventional offices.
Is API World Tower close to DIFC?
Yes. API’s published location information places DIFC at approximately 10 minutes from the tower, although actual journey times vary with traffic.
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