The Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, a striking needle of glass and steel soaring 828 metres over Dubai, more than half a kilometre high. Its observation decks, At the Top on the 124th and 148th floors, offer dizzying views over the city, the desert and the Gulf, and at its foot the vast dancing Dubai Fountain shoots jets of water in nightly shows before the world's tallest tower.

History

Construction began on 12 January 2004, the exterior was completed on 1 October 2009, and the tower officially opened on 4 January 2010. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed it, with Adrian Smith as chief architect and Bill Baker as chief structural engineer, and Samsung C&T built it with BESIX and Arabtec, using 330,000 m3 of concrete and 55,000 tonnes of steel rebar on a foundation of 192 piles (Wikipedia, Burj Khalifa).

Highlights

• The observation decks - the dizzying views from At the Top.
• The tower at night - the illuminated needle and LED light shows.
• The Dubai Fountain - the dancing water shows at its foot.
• The Downtown views - the city, desert and Gulf far below.

When to go

November to March for the pleasant cool season, as summer is fiercely hot; go up near sunset for both daylight and the city lights, though this is the busiest and priciest slot. Book timed tickets ahead. The fountain shows run every evening.

Good to know

It is very popular, so book a timed ticket ahead; the sunset slot is the most coveted and expensive, and the decks get crowded. The view is spectacular but hazy on dusty days. The higher, pricier deck adds little for the cost. The free fountain show at the base is a highlight in itself.

Nearby

The Dubai Mall and Fountain are at its base; the old town and souks are across the creek.

Key facts