Burj Khalifa

Are you wondering what is Burj Khalifa? The answer is simply, the tallest building in the world. Sometimes referred to as Burj Dubai, The Burj Khalifa is crowned as one of the most elite and highly coveted residential places in the world. Quite often, Dubai is recognised as a home to Burj Khalifa and other megastructures. This towering skyscraper lies in the heart of Downtown, a district commonly referred to as the ‘Centre of Now‘. Standing tall as a notable landmark, it is also a top tourist attraction in Dubai. Be it a national holiday or an international event, Burj Khalifa is the centre of attraction. Most importantly, people flock here from around the globe to witness the exciting celebrations, fountain shows and fireworks.

Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai itself are developed by Emaar Properties. With excavation beginning on 6th January 2004, the tower was completed and opened to the public on 4th January 2010, a little under six years later. The world’s tallest skyscraper is home to many extravagant amenities and fun activities for residents and tourists alike.

The concept behind the development by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum was to build on Dubai’s ever-growing status as a popular tourist destination, with this skyscraper adding to that vision. With that goal achieved, Burj Khalifa is located in the city’s busiest tourism hub, Downtown Dubai – also home to The Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Opera and a lot more must-visit places and things to do in Dubai.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai has also broken many world records standing at 828m (2,716.5 ft.) above ground. It has the highest number of storeys in the world (over 160), which includes the world’s highest outdoor observation deck and the highest occupied floor in the world. Moreover, the elevators operating in the tower are the tallest service elevators in the world running at the longest travel distance. There are a total of 54 working elevators traveling 40 miles per hour. The well-thought out design, prime location and terraces that maximise gorgeous views of the skyline make Burj Khalifa one of the best spots to watch sunsets in Dubai. When thinking of a romantic date or an adventure on your trip to Dubai, Burj Khalifa is definitely the place to be.

Burj Khalifa Height

There’s always more to Burj Khalifa and it’s architectural marvel. Another astonishing factor about the tower’s height is the noticeable temperature difference believed to be 6°C cooler at the top from the base. Burj Khalifa is twice the height of the Empire State Building in the United States of America and three times the height of Eiffel Tower in Paris. If you were to lay out each individual piece of the skyscraper from end to end, you would cover more than a quarter of the earth’s surface. Another key point is the cost of the Burj Khalifa, USD $1.5 billion. The entire investment was paid off within the first year of inauguration.

Burj Khalifa was designed by Adrian Smith and the architecture firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in collaboration with Samsung C&T Corporation. The inspiration behind the neo-futuristic look is the desert lily, tiger lily and spider lily, a regional flower that grows in the UAE desert. When viewed from the top, it forms a ‘Y’ shape because of the wide foundation built to optimise residential space and hospitality area. The building then rises in cross-sections which reduces the area upwards.

When it comes to maintaining the design of the Burj Khalifa, cutting edge techniques are used. The tower’s curtain wall alone is the size of 17 football fields and it takes 36 employees a minimum of 90 days to finish cleaning one side of the tower.

• World’s tallest tower in the heart of Dubai
• Centrally located in Downtown
• One of the famous Dubai attractions
• Standing tall at 2,716.5 ft. and 163 storeys above ground
• Record-breaking, highest number of storeys
• Offers studios, apartments and luxurious penthouses
• Home to over 900 apartments in the residential wing
• Houses the world’s first Armani Hotel with 304 rooms
• Accessibility to key areas including DIFC and Business Bay area

Burj Khalifa, Dubai serves as an anchor to Downtown Dubai, creating a tangible link between the tower and the community. Downtown Dubai is a multicultural area that brings the best of the Arab and Western worlds together, offering something for everyone. The neighbourhood is home to quite a few residential apartment buildings and villas surrounding Burj Khalifa’s location.

With over 22 million man-hours clocked in and at the time of construction over 12,000 people working daily at any given time, the ginormous tower is known as a ‘vertical city.’ The name couldn’t be more apt, given its magnitude and extravagant mixed-use facilities. It definitely deserves the status holding at least 10,000 people at any given point in time and supporting up to 35,000 people in the building alone. Burj Khalifa boasts 2,957 parking spaces, 304 hotel rooms and 900 apartments.

• Tallest building in the world
• Tallest free-standing structure in the world
• Highest number of floors in the world – 163
• Highest occupied floor in the world
• Highest outdoor observation deck
• The longest elevator travel distance
• Tallest service elevator in the world
• Second highest swimming pool in the world – 76th floor
• World’s tallest art gallery – displays commissioned works of over 85 artists
• The construction of Burj Khalifa featured the world’s three largest self-jacking cranes with lifting capacities of 25 tonnes each

Burj Khalifa is the first of the world’s tallest towers to include residential space. Its height is unparalleled with 900 residences in total located on levels 19 to 108 in the tower’s residential wing. Property types include studios, 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom suites.

There is Armani Residence with 1 and 2-bedroom apartments located on levels 9 to 16 of Burj Khalifa. The 144 suites showcase Armani’s sleek yet underrated style. Renting a 1-bed flat in Armani Residence costs around AED 150k. Whereas, 2-bedroom apartments in Armani Residence rent for an average of AED 300k. All suites come furnished in true Armani/Casa style. There are a lot of freehold options still on the market for property buyers, 1-bedroom suites for sale start at AED 2M. For those looking for options with the Armani furnishings will find that 1-bedroom flats in Armani Residences for sale range from AED 2.0M to AED 5.2M.

Choosing the right home can be a difficult decision, we will be going over the top 5 bed types to rent and buy in Burj Khalifa.

Whether it’s a business trip, a holiday or a private getaway plan, there is no shortage of exclusive suites within the skyscraper and its surrounding area. It is the epicenter of tourism and hotels have played a major role in attracting tourists from across the world. Take a quick trip across the town and you will find a few of Dubai’s most luxurious hotels within and in proximity to the skyscraper. Here is a list of some hotels in Burj Khalifa and nearby areas.

• Armani Hotel Dubai
• Vida Downtown
• Address Boulevard

Armani Hotel Dubai, a part of the project is one of the popular instagrammable hotels in Dubai. It is the first-ever hotel to be designed by Giorgio Armani himself. The hotel doesn’t have a reception or check-in desk because Giorgio Armani wanted guests to feel like they were walking into their personal space. The hotel occupies 11 floors offering 160 stylish suites. Guests can choose from Armani Classic Room, Armani Deluxe Room and Armani Premium Suite.

Vida Downtown is located on Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Boulevard. It is one of the best boutique hotels in Dubai with convenient access to the mall. There are Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, Premier Suites and 2-bedroom Boulevard Suite. 4 meeting rooms are designed for board meetings. Also, guests can find 4 restaurants in Vida Downtown Dubai including 3in1, Stage 2, La Serre and Vida Food Truck.

Next, The Address Boulevard is one of the top 5-star hotels in Dubai located in the bustling district of Downtown Dubai. This hotel feature 72 floors with 196 rooms and 36 luxury suites and a business centre for conducting meetings and corporate events. The hotel also features 3 swimming pools offering spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa.

There are two levels of basement parking for residents and the number of spaces varies based on the size of your residence. Also, connectivity to major road network and prime location in the city makes it convenient to travel to and from the area. The neighbourhood has been designed to be pedestrian-friendly, so you can easily stroll around the area.

Downtown Dubai is extremely friendly towards public transport users. Dubai Metro, a popular public transport mode in the city stops at Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Metro Station. It further connects to Emaar Square and other popular areas. You can also take the F13 bus from the station which services all of Downtown through stops all along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Boulevard. Since this is the tourist hub of the city, you will easily find taxis in the area at any hour.

A new addition is the Dubai Trolley shuttling along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. It is the world’s first hydrogen-powered trolley taking commuters to and from various hot spots in the area.

Within the colossal Dubai Mall, is the massive Waitrose supermarket. It has the regular offerings of a supermarket, a bakery and pharmacy. Among various shops in Dubai Mall, there are two other stores that stock grocery items and basic utility items. For those who wouldn’t want to venture into the mall, there is an outlet of Spinneys Supermarket located near Emaar Residences and Al Maya Supermarket in Burj Views. There are also other small mini-marts and grocery stores all across the district.

Emaar has confirmed that there is no mosque within the tower. However, Muslim residents can conveniently access a few close by. Al Ghafoor Mosque nearby is built in traditional Emirati style. Around 673 people can offer prayers in its inner hall and 33 worshippers can be accommodated in the outer hall at a time. The dedicated women’s prayer area can accommodate 86 worshippers.

Since Downtown Dubai is centrally located, it makes it easy to reach almost every part of the city including churches in Jebel Ali Village. St Mary’s Catholic Church is at a 20-minute drive and Emirates Baptist Church is only 15 minutes away. The Buddist and Hindu temples are also accessible within 15 minutes by car.

There are many academic options for younger children and toddlers in the area of Burj Khalifa. Blossom Nursery and Babilou Downtown both follow the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Both of these nurseries are a short drive away.

For older children, there are several well-respected schools in Jumeirah and Nad Al Sheba areas easily accessible. Dubai International School (DIS) in Al Quoz is one of the oldest schools in Dubai within proximity to those residing in Downtown. Following the British module of education, DIS offers students learning opportunities from KG1 to Grade 12.

For those seeking higher education, International Horizons College (IHC) in Business Bay is a great option. Adopting the American style of teaching, the institute offers an array of options under the subjects of sciences and liberal arts. IHC is considered one of the best independent private undergraduate institutions accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research. Most of the academic options in Knowledge Park are accredited from various entities in Europe, Australia and the United States of America.

The MediClinic in the Dubai Mall is Dubai’s largest outpatient medical facility dedicated to the most sophisticated diagnosis and treatment methods with expert physicians. There are multiple pharmacies in the mall and around the neighbourhood. Marina pharmacy located in the metro link even offers home delivery.

DIFC Dubai, Al Quoz, Business Bay and Jumeirah are all neighbouring Downtown Dubai. Taking the E11 route, one can easily locate Burj Khalifa from Al Quoz, a popular residential neighbourhood. It is easy to get onto Sheikh Zayed Road and head to Al Safa, Umm Suqeim and more. Oud Mehta and Old Dubai are also fairly close.

When the best mall in Dubai is just a short elevator ride down, do you need to head anywhere else? Home to over 1,300 retail outlets including 2 anchor department stores – Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s, it’s the ultimate solution to all needs of residents and tourists alike. A new Fashion Avenue extension adds up 150 luxury shopping experience to boost Dubai’s premium shopping options. Dubai Mall also offers world-class dining, entertainment and leisure facilities. With upgrades every now and then, there are always a lot to do at the mall and Ekart Zabeel deserves a mention here.

A niche take on the traditional souk is Dubai Mall’s own Souk Al Bahar, an elegantly designed maze, filled with jewellery shops, accessory outlets, traditional Arab clothing and handicraft stores, among others. If you’re looking for a retail space with an outdoorsy feel then there is The Village, it offers a rich collection of denim brands in an outdoor landscape lined with cafes and restaurants. Patiala, Shakespeare and Co. and Karma Kafe are a few of the best restaurants in Souk Al Bahar.

It’s nearly impossible to talk about Burj Khalifa without mentioning elite dining in the most-favourite Dubai restaurants with a view. Firstly, the landmark tower is home to At.mosphere, a new dimension for fine-dining at the tallest restaurant in the world on level 122. The restaurant’s three distinct parts occupy the entire floor, offering panoramic views of Dubai, the desert and sea beyond. It is also one of the exclusive restaurants facing Dubai Fountain. With a range of options in the menu for light lunches, high-tea or dinners, this is definitely one of the most romantic restaurants in Dubai to impress your date. It is equally favourable for business dinners and family get-togethers as well. While there are a few more options within the vicinity for anyone searching for the best high tea places in Dubai to plan a meetup with friends such as Al Bayt and The Lounge.

Guests at Armani Hotel will also find a range of options. The hotel features several award-winning restaurants with a multitude of speciality cuisines from around the world. Armani/Hashi is popular for Japanese delicacies, Armani/Ristorante features authentic fine-dining Italian dishes and Armani/Amal will be your go-to spot for Indian food.

Otherwise, you could always venture down to one of the cafes, bars or world-class restaurants in Dubai Mall. Most of these offer views of the Dubai Fountain. If you want to get an espresso shot, some savouries and sweets with a cup of coffee, check out the amazing range of cafes at Dubai Mall.

The nearest beach is Jumeirah Beach 10-minutes away offering many amenities for visitors. Those looking for a quick swim can do so within the Burj itself at The Burj Club Gym, you can choose between a semi-Olympic size indoor pool or the outdoor pool on the terrace.

Close to many happening destinations and events, residents will always have plenty of things to do in Downtown Dubai. The landmark offers lots of activities of its own and The Burj Khalifa tour is a popular option. Here, At The Top organizes group tours of the tower and its observation decks. A round tour will take you to one of the observation decks where you can look through the viewfinder to transport you back in time and take a peek at what Dubai looked like before.

At the Top offers you breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline. It is a unique experience regardless of the time you choose to visit. The tower’s observation decks are on the 124th, 125th and 148th floor. The price for the tickets depends on which At The Top package you have purchased and which observation deck you want to visit. You can purchase tickets online or at The Dubai Mall.

There are plenty of other things to do in Burj Khalifa. You can relax at the Burj Club and dine at some of the finest restaurants such as Amal and Hashi. Families with children can visit Candylicious to sweeten the experience. Also, those planning to spend some quality time at private dining restaurants in Dubai, can instantly choose At.mosphere. The private space can accommodate up to 16 people.

Besides shopping, there are several other things to do in Dubai Mall. It houses an ice rink, aquarium, theme park and more. The mall is home to many entertainment options. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo features thousands of aquatic animals and a 270-degree walkthrough tunnel. There is the Sega Republic theme park with rides sure to give you an adrenaline rush and a VR park to boot. Kids can enjoy their time at KidZania, an educational entertainment concept. Other activities include the Olympic sized Ice Rink, movie magic at the Reel Cinemas megaplex, and a lake ride across the Dubai Fountain.

You could also visit the Dubai Fountain at the base of the Burj, it features 13 spectacular shows to well-known melodies every day. Or why not visit the world’s highest library as part of Level 123 of the Burj Residences.

In closer proximity, Dubai Opera is the radiant centre of arts and culture in the area. It is a world-class performing arts destination in the heart of Downtown Dubai, just a few minutes away from the iconic Burj Khalifa.

There is The Burj Club Gym offering many unique features including an exclusive level just for ladies with a well-equipped gym and spa. Other amenities include the three Sky Lobbies. Located on levels 43, 76 and 123, these public spaces offer facilities such as spas, pools, outdoor sundecks, gyms, and juice bars, among others.

The landscaped gardens of Burj Khalifa are beautiful to look at from any angle. These are maintained in an environmentally conscious fashion, partly irrigated with water collected through the surrounding humid atmosphere. The tower uses over 250,000 gallons of water each day.

Pet owners can head to the Burj Park, one of the most pet-friendly parks in Dubai. Located on Burj Khalifa Boulevard, it overlooks the beautiful lake and fountain. Besides jogging, there are many things to do in Burj Park like taking a lake ride or cycling down the dedicated track. Here, the Wings of Mexico is the most photographed landmark. Designed by the Mexican artist Jorge Marin, it expresses freedom, flight and exploring the world. Undoubtedly, Burj Park is one of the most family-friendly places in Dubai and a peaceful spot to spend your evenings at. There are dedicated tracks and playgrounds to keep your little ones busy.

Where else would you go for New Years? One of the most highly anticipated events of the year is the New Years Eve celebrations at the Burj Khalifa Dubai. Burj Khalifa fireworks is a national event for the country even broadcasted worldwide. The fireworks are often paired with the dancing fountain show.

A recent addition to the events is the Burj Khalifa light show. Many residents and visitors love to watch the light show. This fantastic laser and light show is also the largest LED screen in the world as the whole building is lit up. Other events include the yearly classic car show and parades for UAE National Day in Downtown Dubai.

Even with so many benefits, you might want to consider a few things before living in Burj Khalifa. As it is one of the most sought-after buildings, in what one would argue is a hot tourist destination, it can get a bit crowded in peak seasons. Not to mention that the properties do come with a higher price tag compared to its neighbours. But no matter where you are in Dubai, even the people living as far as 95 kilometres from the tower can clearly see the tip of the world’s tallest skyscraper.

The non-prime hours (8:30 am to 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm) are recommended to visit Burj Khalifa because the ticket price cost much less compared to the prime hours (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm)

There are 163 floors in Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa is 830 metres from the tip.

Though Burj Khalifa is a marvel to look at even if one stands at its foot and gaze upwards. It also makes an amazing backdrop for your shots, however, the most inviting floors are 124 and 125, which boasts two observation deck offering stunning views of the Dubai’s Skyline and a bird eyes’ view of the most visited emirate in the world. These floors are also rightly referred to as “To The Top”.

1,821 ft. high the 148th floor, rightly referred as “At The Top Sky” is also worth a visit, from where you can marvel at the city and the sky from its premium outdoor lounge.

You can only stay at the 148th floor for about 30 minutes then ride down in the elevator to the 124th and 125th floors to catch a breathtaking glimpse of the sunset. Stay at these floors is not time-bound within the visiting hours.

Right next to Dubai Mall, the skyscraper is situated in Downtown Dubai, which can be easily reached if you are using a metro. After you get off at Burj Khalifa Metro Station, take the F13 bus, which will drop you at the Dubai Mall Bus Stop. Stroll down to the malls’ ticket office on the ground floor and buy the entry tickets for your destination.

It was built in January 2004.

• Home to the stunning beach, Jumeirah is 14 minutes away
• Accessible in 16 minutes from Umm Suqeim
• A 5-minute drive to access Sheikh Muhammed Bin Zayed Road
• Dubai International Airport is 20 minutes away
• Dubai Opera, Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain surround Burj Dubai