Description
Burj Khalifa, called Burj Dubai until its construction, is 2,717 feet high, making it the world's highest building above Tokyo Skytree and Shanghai Tower.
Record-breaking Construction
Burj Khalifa is the first building after Empire State Building to hold the records for tallest building and tallest structure at once. Furthermore, at 2,093 feet, its 163th of 189 storeys is the highest utilisable storey. It also has the highest roof in the world. In January 2011, At.Mosphere Restaurant opened its doors on the 122nd floor, adding the world's highest restaurant to the list.
Second Highest Viewing Platform
Between 2014 and 2016, Burj Khalifa was also home to the world's highest viewing platform. This does not refer to the regular observatory on the 124th floor (1,483 ft), but to the exclusive "At the Top Sky, Burj Khalifa" on 148th floor (1,823 ft) that opened its doors in 2014. A visit here is considerably more expensive. However, you get to enjoy an open terrace as well as snacks and drinks. A stay here is limited to 30 minutes. Since 2016, the world's highest viewing platform is located at Shanghai Tower at 1841 feet.
The World's Fastest Elevator
The fastest elevator in the world takes less than one minute to get you to the platform. Even if you only make it to 124, a stunning view over Dubai and the surrounding desert awaits you. From this perspective, you really become aware of how this city has been created from scratch in the middle of nowhere. The edges of the chequered city are directly adjacent to Dubai emirate's desert. On the other side, you get an impressive view of the coast and the artificial islands World and Palmeira.
Dubai Fountain with 6600 Lamps
Looking straight down, you can marvel at the water games of Dubai Fountain at certain hours. The best time is every half-hour between 6 and 11 pm. Dubai Fountain is a choreography of water fountains, synchronised with select music, and illuminated by 6600 lamps and 25 projectors. If you have enough time, you should enjoy the water games twice: from Burj Khalifa's observatory, and from outside of the building.
Historical Information
The foundation's Y shape came to his mind, when architect Adrian Smith was looking at a desert flower, and inspired him to build the skyscraper. It was constructed between September 2004 and January 2010. The main investor was Emaar Properties. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) from Chicago, the architectural firm Smith was with, were in charge of designing it. From 2005, they formed part of an international consortium with South Korean company Samsung supervising further construction.
At the Centre of Downtown Dubai
Construction of Burj Khalifa in Jameira marked the founding of a new district: Downtown Dubai. The large Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain as well as numerous hotels and restaurants have made it the city's hotspot. All of these are only a few steps away from Burj Khalifa, forming Downtown Dubai's centre.
How to get there
Travelers from abroad usually come to Dubay by plane. Instead of renting a car, we advise you to hire one of the taxis that are readily available in the city. Simply tell them to take you to Dubai Mall or Burj Khalifa, and let them chauffeur you there, saving time and energy. Another option is to take the red metro line and get off at Burj Khalifa.