Burj Khalifa, the tallest man-made structure in the world, stands at an impressive height of 829.8 meters (2,722 feet) in the deserts of Dubai. This iconic tower, often described as a vertical city, houses luxury apartments, offices, and a hotel. Construction of the tower spanned six years, from January 2004 to its opening in January 2010, requiring approximately 22 million man-hours of labor, showcasing an extraordinary feat of engineering.
Visitors can purchase tickets to experience the breathtaking views from the public observation deck, located at 452 meters, one of the highest in the world. The journey begins with a moving walkway to the tower’s base, where wall displays illustrate Dubai’s rich history. High-speed elevators, traveling at 10 meters per second (36 kilometers per hour) for public access, transport visitors to the deck in under 60 seconds. While some service elevators in the tower may reach speeds up to 18 meters per second, the public elevators maintain the 10 meters per second standard. From the deck, guests enjoy panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, the surrounding desert, and the Persian Gulf, making it a must-visit destination.
Unmatched Records of Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa, an architectural marvel in Dubai, stands at an awe-inspiring height of 829.8 meters (2,722 feet), securing its title as the tallest building in the world. This iconic skyscraper holds multiple world records, making it a must-visit landmark for travelers and architecture enthusiasts alike. Key records include:
- Most Floors in a Building: With 163 usable floors, Burj Khalifa offers an unmatched vertical city experience, housing luxury residences, offices, and a hotel.
- Tallest Free-Standing Structure: As a standalone marvel, it dominates the global skyline.
- Highest Occupied Floors: The tower’s residential and commercial spaces reach unprecedented heights.
- Highest Outdoor Observation Deck: Located at 555 meters on Level 148, it offers breathtaking views of Dubai, the desert, and the Persian Gulf.
- Tallest and Longest-Traveling Elevator: Its high-speed elevators, reaching speeds of 10 meters per second for public access (with some service elevators hitting up to 18 meters per second), cover the longest vertical distance in any building globally.
These records highlight Burj Khalifa’s engineering brilliance, making it a global symbol of innovation and ambition.
Prime Location of Burj Khalifa
Situated at 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Burj Khalifa anchors the vibrant heart of the city. Nestled among iconic attractions like the Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall, and Burj Park Island, it’s a hub of luxury and entertainment. Located approximately 2.1 miles (3.4 kilometers) from the Persian Gulf coast, the tower is surrounded by stunning man-made lakes, including the Burj Khalifa Lake, home to the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain.
Whether you’re exploring the observation deck or soaking in the vibrant Downtown Dubai atmosphere, Burj Khalifa offers an unforgettable experience, blending cutting-edge architecture with cultural and scenic allure. Plan your visit to this world-renowned landmark and witness the pinnacle of human achievement!
The Towering Height of Burj Khalifa
Soaring to an impressive 829.8 meters (2,722 feet), Burj Khalifa in Dubai stands undisputed as the tallest building in the world. This height, measured to the top of its architectural spire, has solidified its place as a global icon since its grand opening in January 2010.
Contrary to earlier speculation, the precise height was revealed by Emaar, the tower’s developer, during the inauguration, dispelling any mystery and cementing its record-breaking status. As of May 2025, Burj Khalifa has held the title of the tallest building for over 15 years, with experts predicting it will maintain this record for another 3 to 5 years, as no other structure has yet surpassed its monumental height.
World-Class Observation Decks
Burj Khalifa offers three spectacular observation decks for visitors, located on floors 124, 125, and 148, providing unmatched views of Dubai’s skyline, desert, and the Persian Gulf. The deck on Level 148, known as “At the Top Sky,” stands at 555 meters, making it the highest outdoor observation deck in the world. These vantage points attract millions of tourists annually, offering a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of Dubai from unparalleled heights.
Plan a visit to Burj Khalifa to witness its architectural brilliance and enjoy breathtaking views from the world’s highest observation deck. This iconic landmark continues to redefine skylines and inspire awe worldwide!
Diverse Uses of Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 829.8 meters (2,722 feet), is a versatile masterpiece in Dubai, serving multiple purposes that make it a true vertical city. This architectural wonder houses:
- Luxury Hotel: Floors 1 to 39 are home to the prestigious Armani Hotel, offering world-class hospitality.
- Residential Spaces: Floors 39 to 108 feature luxurious apartments for residents seeking an elevated lifestyle.
- Corporate Offices: Floors 108 to 154 (excluding floors 124, 125, and 148) provide premium office spaces for businesses.
- At.mosphere Restaurant: Located on floor 122, this iconic dining destination is one of the highest restaurants in the world, offering stunning views and exquisite cuisine.
- Observation Decks: Public observation decks on floors 124, 125, and 148 (with Level 148 at 555 meters, the highest outdoor observation deck globally) attract visitors for panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, desert, and the Persian Gulf.
- Mechanical Floors: Floors 154 to 163 support the tower’s advanced technical and mechanical systems.
- Communication Facilities: The spire enhances the tower’s role in telecommunications.
Structural Highlights
Burj Khalifa officially comprises 163 usable floors, with approximately 2,909 stairs leading from the ground floor to the 160th floor, offering a unique perspective on its scale. The tower’s spire, an architectural marvel, contributes to its total height of 829.8 meters but does not include additional usable floors, contrary to some claims. This engineering feat ensures Burj Khalifa remains a global leader in design and functionality.
Spectacular Events
Burj Khalifa is renowned for its dazzling fireworks and laser shows, held during major events like New Year’s Eve and Eid celebrations. These displays draw thousands of spectators, both on-site and online, making the tower a focal point for festive gatherings and global attention.
Visit Burj Khalifa to experience its multifaceted offerings, from luxury living to unparalleled views, and witness why it remains a symbol of architectural excellence and innovation!
The intention of building Burj Khalifa
When the government of Dubai decided to build the tallest building in the world, it adopted various goals, which are described below:
It started with Dubai’s decision to make tourism the second industry to reduce the reliance on the oil trade. To capture the world’s attention, the ruler of Dubai decided to build a tower of huge size that could significantly lessen the identity and reputation of the city in the world. The idea of building the Burj Khalifa was inspired by the Empire State Building in New York City when the ruler was visiting it. By building the Burj Khalifa, the title of the World’s Tallest Building back in the Middle East, previously Khufu Pyramid was the tallest for more than 4000 years.
Adrian Smith from Chicago designed Burj Khalifa; he is a member of the architecture corporation Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. He has also designed some other notable projects, such as the Jin Mao Tower and the Wuhan Greenland Center in China. The shape of the building is like the letter ‘Y’ from above in the air; it’s actually like a local plant living in the desert, which is called a desert lily. The Y-shape is not only used for the constancy of the building, but this sort of shape is also more suitable for outdoor scenery.
In hotels and residences in which the outdoor scenery is highly important, the Y-shape design can offer them views of the greatest expanse. So, the reason for using lower floors (below the 108th floor) as hotels and residents is because the Y-shape design is more apparent. Offices occupy the upper floors because the building has almost transformed into a circle shape, and people focus on their work, not the scenery.