Burj Khalifa

About Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is a megatall skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Designed by the SOM architectural firm, it is the world's tallest structure, with a total height of 829.8 m and a roof height of 828 m (2,717 ft). It has been the tallest building in the world since its complete inauguration in 2011, surpassing Taipei 101, which had held the record since 2004.

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure ever built, a megatall skyscraper in Downtown Dubai with a total height of 829.8 metres (828 metres excluding the antenna) and 160 floors, more than 300 metres taller than the previous record-holder, Taipei 101. Construction began on 6 January 2004, the exterior was finished in October 2009, and the tower opened on 4 January 2010 as the centrepiece of the Downtown Dubai development and of the emirate's drive to diversify beyond oil and become a global tourist destination. Originally Burj Dubai, it was renamed at its inauguration in honour of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE president, after Abu Dhabi and the federal government provided financial support. It was designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, drawing on Islamic architecture, in particular the spiralling minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra; the Y-shaped plan uses a central core and three wings to carry the enormous height. The primary structure is reinforced concrete, and the tower holds a hotel, residences and offices, with the Dubai Fountain at its feet. Most visitors head for the At the Top observation deck on level 124, at 452 metres, or the higher SKY deck on level 148; the visitors' entrance is on the lower ground floor of the Dubai Mall. The Burj Khalifa is Dubai's foremost symbol and the skyline image by which the city is known worldwide.

Where:

Dubai, United Arab Emirates