The Burj Khalifa, located in Downtown Dubai, UAE, holds the title of the tallest structure and building in the world, standing at an impressive 828 meters (2,717 feet) with 163 floors above ground and 2 additional basement levels. Developed by Emaar Properties and officially inaugurated on January 4, 2010, the skyscraper is a globally recognized symbol of innovation, luxury, and urban ambition.
Key Facts:
- Architect: Adrian Smith (formerly with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)
- Structural Engineer: Bill Baker
- Construction Time: 2004 – 2010
- Total Cost: Estimated at USD 1.5 billion
- Materials Used: Over 330,000 cubic meters of concrete, 103,000 square meters of glass, and 39,000 tonnes of steel rebar
Features and Highlights:
- Residential and Commercial Spaces: Includes 900 private residences, corporate suites, and the prestigious Armani Hotel Dubai, designed by Giorgio Armani himself.
- Observation Decks:
- At The Top (Levels 124 & 125) – High-speed elevators take visitors up in under a minute.
- At The Top SKY (Level 148) – One of the highest outdoor observation decks in the world at 555 meters.
- Burj Khalifa Park: A 27-acre landscaped park at the base, featuring fountains, walkways, and green spaces.
- Dubai Fountain: Synchronized with music and lights, the fountain system at the tower’s base is one of the world’s largest choreographed fountains.
Design and Sustainability:
- Inspired by the Hymenocallis flower, the Y-shaped floor plan maximizes views and wind resistance.
- Utilizes condensate recovery systems, solar panels, and energy-efficient technologies for sustainable operations.
- The tower’s spire alone adds over 200 meters to the height and is made of over 4,000 tons of structural steel.
Tourism and Cultural Impact:
- Receives over 2 million visitors annually.
- Has set multiple world records, including:
- Tallest man-made structure
- Highest number of stories in a building
- Elevator with the longest travel distance in the world
- Featured in movies like Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and numerous global media campaigns.
Accessibility:
- Strategically located near Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, and major roads like Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Easily accessible via Dubai Metro (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station).
