Construction of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Dubai, has been delayed and will be completed only in September next year, the developer was quoted on Tuesday.

The tower, which is expected to reach a final height of 900 meters (2,953 feet), was due for completion in the bustling city state at the end of 2008.

Developer Emaar said, “The luxury finishes that were decided on in 2004, when the tower was initially conceptualized, are now being replaced by upgraded finishes” .

The Burj Dubai had already become the tallest man-made structure on the planet, when Emaar announced in April that it has surpassed the 629 meter (2,063-foot) KVLY-TV mast in the United States.

Many building projects in Dubai, which are going through construction frenzy, have been facing delays caused by shortage of building materials and skilled labour.