Explore the Iconic Burj Khalifa: The World's Tallest Building in Dubai

The World's Tallest Building in Dubai

Burj Khalifa generated by Playgroundai

Summary

The Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a remarkable feat of human engineering and the tallest building in the world. Standing at 830 meters (2,722 feet) tall, it is a symbol of progress and innovation, and has become a popular tourist destination for its impressive design and luxurious amenities. From its observation deck on the 124th floor, visitors can experience breathtaking views of the city and beyond. The Burj Khalifa is a testament to the progress and ingenuity of human engineering, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

The Burj Khalifa is a remarkable feat of human engineering located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Standing at 830 meters (2,722 feet) tall, it is the world's tallest building and a symbol of progress and innovation. Its iconic design is composed of steel and reinforced concrete, with its exterior composed of glass and aluminum panels arranged in a captivating pattern.

The building boasts a variety of luxurious amenities, such as world-class restaurants, a shopping mall, a hotel, and a private club. Visitors can also experience breathtaking views from the observation deck on the 124th floor.

The construction of Burj Khalifa was completed in 2010, and since then it has become a major symbol of Dubai. It has been featured in multiple films, television shows, and other forms of media, and its majestic silhouette is a defining feature of the cityscape.

124th floor by Guilhem Vellut

Facts

• The Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper located in the heart of the Dubai coast, along Sheikh Zayed Road, the city's main avenue. Initially planned to open its doors on December 31st, 2008, due to a delay in construction, its completion and inauguration was postponed until January 4th, 2010.
• It is composed of 160 floors, with 49 dedicated to offices and 61 to apartments. The building has 57 elevators travelling at a speed of 10 m/s. On the 124th floor, an open balcony to the public, titled ‘At The Top’, offers a 360° view of the city.
• The construction of this skyscraper was not motivated by a lack of space, as is the case in New York City, since Dubai enjoys great extensions of land, with much of it being desert. The city is immersed in a megaproject aimed at positioning it as a world-class point of luxury and attraction; the Burj Khalifa is just one among hundreds of projects. In Downtown Burj Dubai, it is possible to find the world's longest fountain, the Burj Khalifa Lake Hotel & Serviced Apartments, the Dubai Mall (the world's largest shopping center), the Burj Khalifa Mall Hotel, and 19 residential towers.
• Within the Burj Khalifa lies the first Armani hotel (in the first 39 floors), 700 luxurious private apartments (floors 45 to 108), a lookout (floor 123), an observatory (floor 124), and offices (all remaining floors up to floor 156).
• Nevertheless, the eventual reign of the Burj Khalifa as the world's tallest structure will be short, since the Jeddah Tower, promoted by the Saudi Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal in the port city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, designed by the US architectural firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, is currently under construction and will surpass 1,000 meters in height (to be exact, 1,007 meters). It is expected to be completed by 2021. In addition, other projects may be approved, such as Sky City One or J220 in Changsha (China), with 838 meters, or the Azerbaiyani Tower, a 1,050-meter skyscraper currently being planned in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Nakheel Harbour Tower, another skyscraper also set to be located in Dubai, had its construction -which was meant to begin in 2009- cancelled.

Burj Khalifa Ligths show  by scottgunn

World Records

The Burj Khalifa, an awe-inspiring edifice standing majestically as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance, has ascended to the pinnacle of human architectural achievements. This monolithic skyscraper has shattered records previously thought impossible, defying gravity and standing as a towering symbol of human ambition.

Breaking the shackles of mediocrity, the Burj Khalifa has claimed the title of the tallest building in the world, surpassing the once mighty Taipei 101. With a soaring height that stretches to the heavens, this building towers over its competitors, casting an imposing shadow across the cityscape.

View from the top of the Burj Khalifa Sky Lounge, floor 148 by Arun Katiyar 

But the Burj Khalifa's ambitions don't stop there. It also boasts the most number of floors in a building, surpassing the International Commerce Centre. The Burj Khalifa is more than just a building; it's a vertical city unto itself, with a plethora of floors, each containing its own unique offering and spectacle.

The Burj Khalifa's unwavering desire to reach new heights doesn't end with its floors. It has also claimed the title of the tallest building to the top occupied floor, surpassing the Taipei 101. The building's dizzying heights are matched only by the sheer number of records it has broken.

View from Burj Khalifa-Financial Centre Road-Business Bay by Giggel. 

For those brave enough to venture to the top, the Burj Khalifa offers the highest observation deck in the world, surpassing even the iconic Empire State Building. From this lofty perch, one can marvel at the breathtaking views of the surrounding metropolis, the vast expanse of the desert beyond, and the shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf.

If you think that's impressive, hold onto your hats because the Burj Khalifa has even more to offer. It boasts the elevator that travels the greatest distance in the world, whisking passengers to unimaginable heights in a matter of seconds. And not to be outdone, it also has the highest service elevator in the world, reaching unparalleled heights of efficiency and speed.

The Burj Khalifa at night by Asim Bharwani

But the Burj Khalifa's dominance doesn't end there. It also holds the distinction of being the tallest structure in the world supported without cables, surpassing the Tokyo Skytree. And let's not forget that it's also the tallest man-made structure in the world, surpassing even the Tokyo Skytree, and constructed by humans, surpassing the Warsaw Radio Mast.

If you're still not impressed, then consider this. The Burj Khalifa has the highest swimming pool in the world, situated on the 76th floor. It's a marvel of engineering and design, a breathtaking feat that stands as a testament to the human spirit.

And if all that wasn't enough, the Burj Khalifa also holds the record for the longest shadow cast by a building in the world, with a length of 2,467 meters, surpassing the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai, with a length of 1,117 meters. This towering monolith continues to amaze and astound, a testament to human innovation and progress.

Opening hours:

The opening hours of the observatory on the 124th floor are from 8:30 to 23:00. 

The observatory on the 148th floor has an opening hours of 9:30 to 22:00. 

Price 124th floor observatory: 

Adults between $34.20 (31.90 €) and $54.68 (51 €) depending on the time. Children between 4 and 12 years old: between $25.95 (24.20 €) and $43.74 (40.80 €) depending on the time. Children under 4 years old free entry. 

148th floor observatory: 

Between $95.74 (89.30 €) and 136.81 (127.60 €) depending on the time. 

Children under 4 years old free entry. 

Entry to the Burj Khalifa $46.21 (43.10 €) 

Nearby Places 

• Downtown Dubai (181 m) 
• Dubai Fountain (213 m) 
• Dubai Mall (481 m) 
• Safa Park (3.1 km) 
• Dubai Zoo (3.3 km)

Conclusion

The Burj Khalifa is an iconic landmark in Dubai and a testament to the progress and ingenuity of human engineering. Its impressive height, luxurious amenities, and breathtaking views make it a must-see destination for visitors and locals alike, and a symbol of progress and innovation.

In addition to its impressive height and iconic architecture, the Burj Khalifa also provides a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. From its world-class restaurants to its shopping mall and hotel, there is something for everyone. Those looking for a unique experience can also take a tour of the building, or go on a helicopter tour for an unparalleled view of the city from above. The Burj Khalifa also often hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and other events throughout the year.