Today, when residents of Jagraon, Punjab gaze upwards, they spot more than just endless mustard fields and charming farmhouses. They also see a familiar outline from Dubai’s skyline: a 14-foot replica of the Burj Khalifa standing proudly atop a humble home, adorned with a UAE flag.
Sukhvir Dhillon, 28, an employee at Dubai International Airport, was the pioneer in commissioning these rooftop miniatures.
“It’s my homage to the city that transformed my life,” he shared with Khaleej Times. “I arrived in Dubai in 2018 as a construction worker. Gradually, I advanced in my career. Today, I have a stable job and have provided a home for my family in Jagraon.”
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He expressed that the miniature holds personal significance, calling it “a reminder of my beginnings and the opportunities the UAE offered.” Sukhvir intends to illuminate the structure. “I want it to glow at night, true Dubai style. It should be visible from afar,” he chuckled.
A Tribute to Dubai
The creator of the tower is Ravinder Singh Devgan, 41, a father of two from Jagraon whose handcrafted tribute to Dubai’s iconic landmark has made him a local hero and an online sensation.
“I’ve never visited Dubai,” Ravinder said, amused by the contrast with his client. “But I’ve seen enough images and videos to feel like I’ve explored the Burj Khalifa myself.”
He crafted the model as a tribute to the “city of dreams,” which draws thousands of Punjabi workers annually. The structure rises in recognizable tiers, reinforced with iron rods. Made from lightweight fiber and resin, Ravinder assures it can withstand strong winds on his rooftop.
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Ravinder notes that craftsmanship runs in his family. “My father, Sohan Singh, is a driver by profession, but he’s always been skilled with his hands. What I can create today is thanks to him.”
In many rural Punjab areas, families use rooftops to express their identity. Some display kangaroo cut-outs for sons in Australia or maple leaves for Canada. Ravinder glanced at his neighbors’ rooftops and smiled. “Kangaroos are nice, but they seem out of place on a Punjabi house. Nothing compares to the Burj Khalifa.”
Ravinder’s first replica was for Sukhvir. It took nearly six weeks from a clay mold to a fiber-resin cast.
After he posted photos online, Ravinder received numerous inquiries. “I didn’t anticipate this response,” he said. “After the first Dubai model, more orders followed. The latest came from Firozpur.”
Each model costs Rs55,000 (about Dh2,245). Now that Ravinder has perfected his technique, production time has decreased.
Ravinder smiled at his rooftop masterpiece. “Dubai hasn’t met me yet, but my Burj Khalifa has already left its mark.”
