The Burj Khalifa: A Towering Marvel

The Burj Khalifa celebrated its 14th anniversary this year, and it continues to hold the title of the tallest building in the world. Standing at an impressive height of 828 meters, this architectural wonder, developed by EMAAR, opened its doors in 2010 and has since attracted millions of visitors from around the globe. But what makes it so captivating? It’s not just about its height or the numerous world records it boasts. To truly appreciate this iconic structure, take a moment to watch an episode of Time Out Quick Guides, which explores the tower’s creation, its construction journey, the records it holds, and even the daring stunts performed by Tom Cruise. Check out the episode below:

When Did Construction Begin on the Burj Khalifa?

Construction commenced in 2005 (Credit: burjdubaiskyscraper.com). The journey to create the Burj Khalifa began back in 2004, at a time when Downtown Dubai looked vastly different from the vibrant metropolis it is today. Given the immense scale of the project, a staggering amount of materials were required to bring this vision to life. A remarkable 330,000 cubic meters of concrete, 39,000 tonnes of steel, and 103,000 square meters of glass were utilized in the construction process.

The initial two years were dedicated to excavations and building the first 50 floors. By 2006, the focus shifted to reaching the 100th floor. Officially opening its doors in January 2010, the Burj Khalifa required an astounding 22 million man-hours to construct and now encompasses a total area of 5.67 million square feet. By 2009, the tower’s structure was visibly taking shape (Credit: Imre Solt), and in July 2007, it officially became the world’s tallest building when it reached 141 floors. Today, the Burj Khalifa features a total of 200 floors, with 160 of them being habitable. In addition to being the tallest building on the planet, the Burj Khalifa holds nine other remarkable world records.

10 Fascinating Facts About the Burj Khalifa

• The elevators in the Burj Khalifa travel at a speed of 10 meters per second.
• It boasts the highest occupied floor in the world.
• Over 10,000 fireworks were launched from the Burj Khalifa to mark its grand opening in 2010.
• The tower’s windows take approximately 120 days to clean completely.
• It has been crowned the world’s most photogenic attraction.
• At the peak of construction, more than 12,000 workers were on-site every day.
• The amount of reinforced steel used in the tower, if laid end to end, would stretch 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 first 39 floors of the building house the luxurious Armani Hotel.

What Records Does the Burj Khalifa Hold?

The Burj Khalifa is not just about its height; it knows how to celebrate its achievements in style (Credit: Supplied). Here are some of the impressive records it holds:

• The tallest building in the world.
• The tallest man-made structure globally.
• The tallest free-standing structure on the planet.
• Holds the record for the largest number of storeys worldwide.
• The highest outdoor observation deck in the world.
• Holds the world record for vertical concrete pumping.
• The tallest elevator service available anywhere.
• World record for the highest installation of an aluminum and glass façade.
• The world’s highest swimming pool, located on level 76.

Exciting Experiences at the Burj Khalifa

One of the best aspects of visiting the Burj Khalifa is that you don’t have to admire it from afar; you can explore it firsthand, take stunning photos from its heights, and even enjoy a meal there.

Have a Drink at SKY Lounge

Indulge in refreshing drinks at the world’s highest lounge, located on level 148. The panoramic views from this height are simply breathtaking.

Capture the Moment at The Top Observation Deck

You can ascend to floors 124 and 125, where you’ll encounter stunning panoramic views of the city. Floor 124 features an outdoor terrace, while floor 125 offers an immersive virtual reality experience.

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

Savor a delightful meal on the 122nd floor, where you can choose between a seven- or 13-course tasting menu featuring seasonal and traditional French delicacies.

Experience the Tallest Elevator Ride

For elevator enthusiasts, the Burj Khalifa offers the world’s tallest lift, which elevates you to a height of 504 meters. The building itself has a total of 57 elevators, with the tallest lift surpassing the height of New York’s Empire State Building (381 meters).

Sky Views Edge Walk

For the adventurous, you can take a stroll on the building’s exterior. Yes, you read that right! This thrilling experience is the city’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk, taking you along a ledge that’s over 219 meters above ground. The views from this vantage point are unbeatable, but be sure to only attempt this if you have a strong affinity for heights!

Looking for Things to Do in Dubai?

Check out the best concerts and gigs coming to Dubai next month and beyond!
There’s a show for every taste.
Discover 50 things to do for under Dhs50 in Dubai!
Enjoy record-breaking attractions, cheap drinks, and bargain days out.
Explore 21 brilliant activities to experience in Dubai after sunset!
What plans do you have for the evening?