Japanese architect Nikken Sekkei is to design a luxury residential tower in Abu Dhabi that will offer a “five-star lifestyle” to its occupants.

The project, called Reem Tower, is being developed by UAE-based National Bonds Corporation (NBC).

The 44-story tower will be situated at the north east of Marina Square, the premium waterfront development set within the multi-billion-dollar Reem Island project.

The tower will reach almost 172m into the Abu Dhabi skyline and have a built-up area of 87,075 sq m with parking for 500 cars.

It will include 216 two-bedroom apartments (129-140 sq m), 117 three-bedroom apartments (162-173 sq m), and two four-bedroom apartments (256 sq m).

Regional Director of Nikken Sekkei, Dr Fadi Jabri, said: “The project win is testament to Nikken’s comprehensive approach to design, which includes vital contributions from our highly specialised companies, Nikken Housing Systems and Nikken Space Design, in creating this beautiful bespoke, five-star development.

“Nikken Sekkei and its group of companies will be responsible for the architectural design, interior design and landscape design. We will create a luxury iconic tower in an iconic area of Abu Dhabi, which bears all the hallmarks of our strong company ethos, with sustainability very much at the forefront.”

Reem Tower will encompass a swimming zone with stunning infinity swimming pool, jacuzzi, kids’ pool, water deck, dry deck and lounge. A garden zone will include a kids’ playground, yoga/exercise lawn, garden, pavilion and green corridor. It will also have a fully equipped gymnasium, squash court and sauna.

NBC CEO Mohammed Qasim Al Ali said: “This is our first project with Nikken Group. We chose this leading Japanese design firm for their track record of producing high quality projects. This, coupled with their exceptional vision, makes Nikken Group the perfect partner to deliver such a design.”

Al Reem Island sits 300 m off the north-eastern coast of Abu Dhabi city. The development is connected to the emirate by two bridges and is located 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Al Ali added: “Because Reem Tower is situated in one of the first freezones in Abu Dhabi, we expect it to be very popular with foreign investors, who will view the development as an attractive investment leasehold.”

Explaining the concept behind Reem Tower, Masakazu Kimura, Senior Executive officer of Nikken Sekkei, said: “We looked to create beautiful symmetries shaping a clean and harmonious design, luminous halls facing calm and peaceful gardens and views; luxurious apartments that elevate spirit, amenities and public spaces that are like a lullaby to the senses.

“We conceived Reem Tower as a Japanese present to the city, where peace of mind, well-being and relaxation come together as one word: ‘Yasuragi’.”

Work on the tower is expected to start next year.

Reem Tower is being showcased alongside a number of other reginal and international projects by Nikken Sekkei at Cityscape Global, which is currently under way in Dubai.