The Burj Khalifa celebrated its 14th anniversary this year, and remarkably, it still holds the title of the tallest building in the world. Standing at a staggering 828 meters, this architectural marvel, developed by Emaar Properties, officially opened its doors in January 2010 and has since become a major attraction for visitors from around the globe. What makes the Burj Khalifa truly exceptional? It’s not just its height or the numerous world records it boasts; there’s a rich narrative behind its creation. To uncover the full story, dive into an episode of Time Out Quick Guides, which explores everything from the tower’s conception and construction to the impressive records it holds, including the thrilling escapades of Tom Cruise, who famously jumped off the tower multiple times. Check out the episode below:

When did construction start on Burj Khalifa?

Construction officially began in 2004 (Credit: burjdubaiskyscraper.com) when the area that is now Downtown Dubai was just beginning to take shape. Given the scale of the project, it required an astonishing amount of materials to bring this masterpiece to life. To be exact, a jaw-dropping 330,000 cubic meters of concrete, 39,000 tonnes of steel, and 103,000 square meters of glass were utilized in its construction.

In 2006, the focus shifted to reaching the 100th floor, and by 2007, the Burj Khalifa officially became the tallest building in the world as it reached 141 floors. The tower was completed after 22 million man-hours of labor, encompassing a total area of 5.67 million square feet. Today, the Burj Khalifa features 200 floors, with 160 of those being habitable, and it proudly holds nine additional world records beyond its status as the tallest building on the planet.

10 Facts You Might Not Know About Burj Khalifa

• The elevators travel at an astonishing speed of 10 meters per second.
• It boasts the highest occupied floor in the world.
• To celebrate its grand opening in 2010, over 10,000 fireworks were launched from the Burj Khalifa.
• Cleaning all the windows of this iconic structure takes approximately 120 days.
• It has been recognized as the world’s most photogenic attraction.
• At the peak of construction, more than 12,000 workers were on site each day.
• The amount of reinforced steel used in the tower, if laid end to end, would stretch over a quarter of the way around the globe.
• The total cost of constructing the Burj Khalifa was around 1.5 billion USD.
• A full library can be found on the 123rd floor.
• The Armani Hotel occupies the first 39 floors of the building.

What Records Does the Burj Khalifa Hold?

The Burj Khalifa is not just a visual marvel; it is also a record holder in various categories (Credit: Supplied):

• It is the tallest building in the world.
• It stands as the tallest man-made structure on the planet.
• It holds the record for the tallest free-standing structure globally.
• It has the largest number of storeys in any building.
• It features the highest outdoor observation deck in the world.
• It holds the world record for vertical concrete pumping.
• It boasts the tallest elevator service in the world.
• It has the highest installation of an aluminum and glass façade.
• It is home to the world’s highest swimming pool, located on the 76th floor.

Cool Things You Can Do at the Burj Khalifa

One of the most exciting aspects of the Burj Khalifa is that it isn’t just a distant spectacle; you can experience its grandeur up close. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, capture stunning photographs, and even dine at exclusive venues within the tower.

Have a Drink at SKY Lounge

Indulge in refreshing beverages at the world’s highest lounge, located on the 148th floor. The panoramic views from this level are nothing short of spectacular.

Take a Picture at The Top Observation Deck

For an unforgettable experience, take the lift to the 124th and 125th floors. Here, you can capture breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai. The 124th floor features an outdoor terrace, while the 125th floor offers a virtual reality experience for visitors.

Eat at At.mosphere, the World’s Tallest Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful meal at the 122nd-floor restaurant, where you can choose from a seven- or 13-course tasting menu, featuring seasonal and traditional French delicacies.

Ride the Tallest Elevator

If you’re an elevator enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to ride the world’s tallest lift, which ascends to an impressive 504 meters. The building houses a total of 57 elevators, with the tallest one surpassing the height of the Empire State Building in New York (381 meters).

Sky Views Edge Walk

For the thrill-seekers, the Sky Views Edge Walk allows you to stroll along a ledge that is over 219 meters above ground. This exhilarating experience offers unparalleled views of the city, but be sure to take this step only if you truly enjoy heights!

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