The Burj Khalifa. The tallest building in the world

The history of the construction of the Burj Khalifa

Architecture features

The design of the Burj Khalifa Tower reflects the features of oriental architecture. The spiral-stepped shape, in addition to being characteristic of the Middle East, serves as protection from powerful winds. Above the heads of visitors on the observation deck on the 125th floor rises the traditional oriental mashrabiya.

Even the picturesque gardens surrounding the majestic building form a classic figure for Islamic culture.

It is also worth noting the thoughtful ventilation mechanism. The building's air conditioning system collects cold air from the very top of the Burj Khalifa and distributes it throughout the building.

When was the Burj Khalifa built

Erection of this tower started in 2004. It is hard to imagine, but the tallest building in the world was built in just 6 years - it's about 1.5 floors per week. Before the start of construction, the soil was analyzed. After that seismic studies and tests for the strength of piles were carried out. Specially for this construction unique cement was developed. Only this type of the cement was is able to withstand more than fifty Celsius.

How many floors are in the Burj Khalifa

In total, this giant has 163 floors, which is 828 meters. That is 2.5 times higher than the Eiffel Tower and 150 meters higher than the second tallest building in the world Merdeka in Malaysia. Area of the tower is 344,000 m2

Who is the owner of the Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is owned by Emaar Properties, a real estate development company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was incorporated in 1997 by the chairman Mohamed Allabar. Since that time, residential and commercial buildings’ development become main aim of this company. Nowadays the firm runs internationally and has 6 business segments as well as sixty active companies, so the Burj Khalifa is just one of its great projects.

Construction of a building

Technical equipment

In addition to the previously described ventilation system, there are other interesting engineering solutions in the tower, many of which are aimed at protecting the environment. For example, a high-tech glazing system that supports a certain microclimate in the premises, which can significantly reduce energy consumption; as well as the replacement of fresh water.

The Burj Khalifa’s Elevators

The Burj Khalifa's elevator is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the elevatjr covering the longest distance. It can rise to the 125 floor at 18 meters per second. There are 57 elevators in the building, including several two-storey ones. In case of an accident, the cab will stop in just 2 seconds, thanks to its innovative emergency braking system.

Heat resistance and energy consumption

On the facade of the tower there are about 30,000 thermal panels that block ultraviolet light, which reduces the cost of cooling the premises. However, even considering many ideas that are aimed at saving resources, the skyscraper consumes about 950,000 liters of water every day. Also, the building requires a lot of electricity – 360,000 light bulbs light the tower per day.

Water collection system

There are 7 technical zones occupying several floors inside the skyscraper. In each of them there are pumps and tanks, which are pumping water to the next zone. The pipes are made of high-strength cast iron, so they can be used for more than one century. Some types of wastes are frozen. In the same technical zones, the movement of water and wastes are slowed down by special jumpers. That is amazing, but the Burj Khalifa was put into operation without being connected to the central city sewage system. Therefore, at first, the wastes were exported in tanks.

The Burj Khalifa’s Floors

Hotels and restaurants

Of course, this great building could not be unnoticed by hoteliers. Dozens of the best representatives of this field lit up with the idea of opening their hotels here. However, by offering the best conditions, Armani won the competition. Giorgio himself took part in the design development. The hotel has 160 rooms of different types and classes:

· luxury class;

· non-smoking;

· for smokers;

· family rooms;

· for people with disabilities.

Also there is the highest restaurant in the world on the territory of Burj Khalifa, which name is Atmosphere. It is located at the altitude of 441.3 meters above sea level, which corresponds to the 122nd floor of the building. The restaurant can accommodate up to 210 people at the same time. From here, visitors can enjoy a picturesque view of the city.

Apartments in the Burj Khalifa

Everybody (if he haves enough money) can become the owner of apartments in the tower. At the same time, buyers, in addition to the usual amenities for this category of residential complexes, receive luxurious views of the city, the famous singing Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall and the Ras al Khor Nature Reserve. Totally, there are about 700 apartments in the building.

At The Top – 124 and 148 floor.

There are 2 viewing platforms in total: "At the Top, Burj Khalifa" (124 floor), where the elevator reaches in a minute, and opened in 2014 "At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY" (148 floor). The platforms offer an overview of the whole Dubai. Stationary binoculars and interactive screens are installed here, and there is also equipment for people with disabilities.

The Lounge

Visitors should pay attention to the lounge area, located on the 152-154 floors of the high-rise. Here they are waiting for amazing cocktails and various dishes. Entertainment events and live music are also provided for guests.

Attractions around the Burj Khalifa

The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the world, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It features over 1,200 retail stores, including high-end fashion brands, luxury boutiques, and department stores. The mall also has a wide range of entertainment options, such as an indoor theme park, an ice rink, a cinema complex, and an aquarium with thousands water creatures inside. In addition, the Dubai Mall has numerous dining options, from fast food to fine dining restaurants. The mall attracts millions of visitors every year and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The Dubai Aquarium 

The aquarium in the Dubai Mall is one of the largest aquariums in the world. It is located in the heart of the Dubai Mall, a giant shopping mall, near the Burj Khalifa.

The aquarium is a huge glass pool, which is home to more than 30,000 marine creatures, including 140 species of fish and other marine life.

The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is a large water feature located outside the Dubai Mall in the heart of Downtown Dubai. It is the world's largest choreographed fountain system, featuring water jets that shoot up to 150 meters in the air, accompanied by music and lights. The fountain performs daily shows, which are free for the public to watch. The Dubai Fountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai, drawing crowds from all over the world.

Best Time to visit the Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa sunset and sunrise

Citizens say that in Dubai it is possible to witness the sunset twice in a day: the first time it can be observed from the ground, and the second time by climbing to the upper floors of the Burj Khalifa.

An interesting fact is connected with this. Since sunset comes later at the top, Muslims have to wait 2-3 minutes longer to start their dinner and pray during the Ramadan.

Anyway, if you visit Dubai you should come to the upper floors of the tower. So you will get unforgettable, picturesque view of the city during the sunset.

At the same time, the Burj Khalifa suggests beautiful views during the sunrise. So it would be great, if you come to one of local restaurants in the morning, take a coffee and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world.

Where is the Burj Khalifa located

Address: Emirate of Dubai, Zaabil, Burj Khalifa, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, 1.

How to get to the Burj Khalifa

• Metro. You can get to the Burj Khalifa by metro on the red line to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. After that, you need to go to the Dubai Mall and follow the signs to the Burj Khalifa ticket offices.
• Taxi or a rented car. Very convenient, but not cheap way.
• Bus. One of the cheapest ways. If you want to get there by bus, you should choose the bus №104.

How much does it coast to visit the Burj Khalifa

At the TOP (124-125 этаж)

At the TOP SKY (148+125+124 этажи):

The Burj Khalifa’s Reviews

• The view was outstanding, we took about a thousand pic's & videos of the sight on top of this phenomenal building.
• Amazing experience enjoyed every second! Really added to our trip. I would 100% recommend to all families looking for a fun day trip!!
• Visited Burj Khalif in July 2023. It cost me about 240 Dirhams. I went to the 123 rd Floor. From the top I look down and saw the desert landscape just like Mission Impossible 4. The best time to visit Dubai is November - March. I went there in July . It was about 44 Degree Celcius. So that was pretty hot weather. About 80% of the visitors were Indian.Burj Khalia does not have a seperate exit. You haveto take Dubai Mall exit and go underground to Burj Khalifa.
• This is a place you should go to see, there is the Shopping Mall attached to this building, in my opinion it is a better place than Dubai Mall to shop in. There is a Ski field that you will not believe until you see it. Make sure you go to the Cheese Cake Factory and sit by the window looking into the ski park.

• It was extremely amazing to be on the highest building in the world .
   Beautiful architecture.must visit while in dubai.highly recommend