 |
| Burj Khalifa: The World’s Tallest Building and Dubai Icon |
Burj Khalifa, the magnificent building that is listed as the tallest building in the world, is an icon of architectural grandeur and luxury in Dubai, one of the world's metropolitan cities. This 829.8-meter-tall skyscraper surpassed Taipei 101 in Taipei, Taiwan, in 2009 as the world's tallest structure and building. Located in the heart of Dubai, the building features an observation deck, luxury residences, a hotel, and world-class facilities.
Why Burj Khalifa Was Named After Sheikh Khalifa?
Initially, Burj Khalifa, which means Khalifa Tower in Arabic, was to be named Burj Dubai or Dubai Tower. However, the leader of Dubai, Muhammad bin Rashid, changed its name to Burj Khalifa when it was inaugurated. The name change was made in honor of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the leader of Abu Dhabi, who was instrumental in helping complete the construction of Burj Khalifa.
Emaar Properties, the developer of Burj Khalifa, experienced financial problems while constructing this megatall skyscraper. Fortunately, the financial problems were overcome with the help of funds from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The flow of this aid was inseparable from the efforts of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was then President of the United Arab Emirates.
Structure and Technical Spesifications of Burj Khalifa
 |
| Burj Khalifa, The Tallest Building of The World |
Actually, the height of Burj Khalifa without the spire is 585.4 m, but when the 242.6 m spire is added, the height of the building becomes 828 m. And when measured to the top of the antenna, the total height of Khalifa Tower reaches 829.8 m. Burj Khalifa is not only the tallest building in the world, but it is also recorded as the tallest structure in the world. The total weight of this tower is estimated to reach 450,000 tons, with a floor area of 309,473 m². Burj Khalifa consists of 163 floors and is recorded as the building with the most floors in the world.
Burj Khalifa Equipped with High-Speed Elevators
Burj Khalifa is equipped with 57 elevators and 8 escalators. The elevators can carry 12 to 14 people and move up or down at a speed of 10 meters per second. They are the fastest double-deck elevators in the world. These elevators are also recorded as the world's longest-distance elevators, covering 504 meters. In addition to elevators and escalators, the building also has regular stairs, consisting of 2,909 steps, up to the 160th floor.
Burj Khalifa Parks and Sustainable Landscape
Burj Khalifa is surrounded by an 11-hectare park called Burj Park. With a landscape design inspired by Hymenocallis flowers, this park features reflective pools, fountains, walking paths, and green lawns that are ideal for relaxing. The park is often the venue for various events, such as music concerts, cultural festivals, weddings, fashion shows, and art exhibitions. On New Year's Eve, Burj Park is a favorite spot to watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks display.
To maintain all the plants in the park, a significant amount of water is required. However, this is addressed by utilizing water collected from the Burj Khalifa's cooling system. A total of 68,000,000 liters of water per year can be obtained from the cooling system of this megatall skyscraper.
 |
| Burj Park, Burj Khalifa |
Burj Khalifa Lake and Dubai Fountain
Located at the foot of the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa Lake is a 12-hectare artificial lake that is one of the main attractions in Downtown Dubai. The lake was designed not only to beautify the Burj Khalifa environment, but also to house the Dubai Fountain, which captivates visitors with its beautiful water, light, and music shows. Every night, the fountain shoots water up to 150 meters high, moving harmoniously to the rhythm of international and traditional Arabic music.
 |
| Burj Khalifa surrounded by artificial lake |
Glass Facade of Burj Khalifa: Beauty and Durability
Burj Khalifa has 24,348 glass windows, with a total glass area of 120,000 m². In addition to windows, glass panels are also used to cover the Burj Khalifa tower. This megatall skyscraper uses a total of more than 26,000 glass panels, covering an area of more than 174,000 m². Each glass panel weighs 362 kg. The glass is equipped with an anti-glare coating and is resistant to strong winds and extreme desert heat. All the glass covering the Burj Khalifa is cleaned four times a year, which takes three months for one cleaning session. This means that the glass is cleaned continuously every year.
 |
| Glass panels of Burj Khalifa |
Complete Facilities at Burj Khalifa: Luxury and Excellence on Every Floor
Burj Khalifa is a multifunctional building. It contains 900 private residential apartments, hotels, offices, restaurants, nightclubs, libraries, swimming pools, and shopping centers. The building is designed to meet a variety of needs, from residential and business to recreational. The following are the complete facilities available at Burj Khalifa:
1. Luxury Apartments in Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa has more than 900 luxury apartments spread across floors 19-37, floors 44-72, and floors 77-108. These units offer a variety of types, ranging from studios to 4-bedroom apartments, all equipped with breathtaking views of the city of Dubai. Residents also have access to a swimming pool, fitness center, and exclusive lounge. The apartment located on the 108th floor at a height of 385 m is listed as the highest residence or dwelling in the world.
Burj Khalifa has more than 900 luxury apartments spread across floors 19-37, floors 44-72, and floors 77-108. These units offer a variety of types, ranging from studios to 4-bedroom apartments, all equipped with breathtaking views of the city of Dubai. Residents also have access to a swimming pool, fitness center, and exclusive lounge. The apartment located on the 108th floor at a height of 385 m is listed as the highest residence or dwelling in the world.
2. Armani Hotel Burj Khalifa
Giorgio Armani designed this luxury hotel with an elegant and minimalist style. The hotel has 304 rooms and suites. The Armani Hotel, with its super-luxurious rooms, is located on floors 1-8 of the Burj Khalifa. The suites are located separately on floors 38-39. The Armani Hotel also offers luxurious restaurants, a world-class spa, and personalized service for guests. In addition to the hotel, there are also Armani Residences, luxurious residences located on floors 9-16.
3. Office Spaces in Burj Khalifa
The office space in Burj Khalifa is designed for companies that require world-class facilities. With cutting-edge technology, luxurious interior design, and breathtaking views, this floor is perfect for creating a productive work environment. Floors 111-121, 125-135, 139-147, and 149-151 are specifically leased for offices for various companies.
4. Burj Khalifa Observation Deck: At The Top and SKY
The observation deck is one of the main attractions of Burj Khalifa. Visitors can enjoy views of the city of Dubai, the desert, and the Arabian Gulf from a height of 452 meters on the 124th floor. At the Top was once the highest outdoor observation deck in the world when it opened on January 5, 2010, before being surpassed by the Canton Tower's Cloud Top 488 observation deck in December 2011.
On October 15, 2014, Burj Khalifa opened a new observation deck called SKY. Located on the 148th floor, at a height of 555 meters, SKY set a world record as the highest observation deck in the world, before being surpassed by the Shanghai Tower observation deck in June 2020, with a height of 562 meters.
 |
| At The Top Sky, Burj Khalifa's Deck Observation |
5. At.Mosphere, The World’s Highest Restaurant
At.Mosphere is a luxurious restaurant located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai, at a height of 442 meters above ground level. As one of the highest restaurants in the world, At.Mosphere offers an unparalleled dining experience with breathtaking views of the city of Dubai. At.Mosphere features an international menu with dishes made from the finest ingredients. Here, visitors can enjoy appetizing breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The restaurant is designed with a modern and elegant touch. High-quality furniture, warm lighting, and minimalist decor create a comfortable and classy atmosphere. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the restaurant offers a breathtaking panorama of the city of Dubai, the Arabian Gulf, and the surrounding desert. This view is the main attraction, especially at sunset or at night when the city lights begin to glow.
6. The Lounge, Burj Khalifa
The Lounge is a lounge or bar located on the 152nd, 153rd, and 154th floors of Burj Khalifa. The bar, located on the 154th floor at a height of 585.36 m, was recorded as the highest lounge or bar in the world when it opened on February 13, 2019. The Lounge offers a relaxing experience at one of the highest points in the world. Here, visitors can enjoy afternoon tea, exclusive cocktails, and live music entertainment while taking in the stunning views of the Dubai skyline.
7. Exclusive Library Inside Burj Khalifa
Located on the 123rd floor, this library provides a quiet and comfortable space for reading or working. With a diverse collection of books and elegant interior design, this place is a favorite for literature lovers.
8. Underground Parking at Burj Khalifa and Direct Access to Dubai Mal
Burj Khalifa provides a spacious underground parking lot with high security. This 89,000-square-meter parking lot can accommodate more than 3,000 cars. Despite its spacious parking facilities, not everyone can use it, as Burj Khalifa's parking lot is only accessible to building residents or guests from the Armani Hotel and At. Mosphere.
9. Relaxation Facilities at Burj Khalifa, Luxurious Gym, Spa, and Swimming Pool
Burj Khalifa offers a variety of relaxation facilities designed to support a healthy and luxurious lifestyle. From a modern fitness center to an exclusive spa and swimming pool. The gym at Burj Khalifa is equipped with the latest exercise equipment for various types of fitness training. The spa at Burj Khalifa provides a range of relaxation treatments, such as massages, facials, and body therapies. These facilities also include a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi designed to provide the ultimate relaxing experience.
The relaxation facilities at Burj Khalifa also include several swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor. The indoor pool is suitable for leisurely swimming in a more private atmosphere, especially when the weather is hot or unsuitable for swimming outside. The outdoor swimming pool of the world's tallest building offers a different experience for guests. Swimming in the open air with views of skyscrapers and the Dubai Fountain is truly an unforgettable swimming experience. For those who want to relax, there are special chairs by the pool for sunbathing.
These facilities make Burj Khalifa more than just a skyscraper. In addition, the building has direct access to the Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping center, which offers shopping, entertainment, and culinary experiences. With a combination of residential, business, and lifestyle, Burj Khalifa is a symbol of luxury and innovation in the modern world.
Construction of Burj Khalifa
This skyscraper owned by Emaar Properties was designed by American architect Adrian Smith from the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merril. Construction of Burj Khalifa began on January 6, 2004, and was completed on October 1, 2009, with Bill Baker as the chief structural engineer. Samsung C&T from South Korea was selected as the main contractor for the tower's construction. The construction of the Burj Khalifa took 5 years and cost US$1.5 billion. The world's tallest building and structure was officially opened on January 4, 2010.
How to Visit Burj Khalifa
 |
| Aerial View of Burj Khalifa |
Burj Khalifa is located in Downtown Dubai, the city center known as the heart of business and entertainment activities. The exact address is "1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai, UAE." The building stands majestically among other popular attractions such as the Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Opera. The world's tallest building is not only stunning in its architecture but also easily accessible from various locations in Dubai. Here's how to get to Burj Khalifa:
1. By Metro
The metro is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get to Burj Khalifa. Take the Dubai Metro Red Line from Dubai International Airport and get off at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. From the station, you can walk through a covered, air-conditioned walkway that connects directly to the Dubai Mall. The journey from the station to the building takes about 10-15 minutes.
2. By Bus
Dubai has an extensive bus network, and several routes stop near Burj Khalifa. Choose a bus with a route to Dubai Mall. From there, it's just a short walk to Burj Khalifa.
3. By Taxi or Ride-Sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Dubai Taxi, Uber, or Careem are other practical options. Simply set your destination to Burj Khalifa, and the driver will take you directly to the entrance. This journey is ideal if you are carrying luggage or traveling with family. Dubai Taxi, managed by RTA, also offers a special taxi service for women.
4. By Private Car
If you are traveling by private car, Burj Khalifa has a large parking area at Dubai Mall. Use a navigation app such as Google Maps with Burj Khalifa as your destination to get the best route.
Many tour operators in Dubai offer tour packages that include a visit to Burj Khalifa. Usually, these tours include transportation and admission tickets to the observation deck.
Burj Khalifa as A Global Symbol of Dubai
As a global icon, Burj Khalifa is not only the tallest building in the world, but also a symbol of ambition, innovation, and modern civilization. Every architectural detail reflects a blend of cutting-edge technology and magnificent design, making it one of the most awe-inspiring architectural wonders of our time. Offering not only residential, business, and recreational functions, this Dubai icon also provides an unforgettable experience for every visitor who wants to witness the panorama of Dubai from a breathtaking height. Its presence reinforces Dubai's position as a center of the modern world, where luxury and grandeur are embodied in an unparalleled masterpiece.
(Latest Update in 2026)
0 Comments