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Rawan Haddad
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Rawan Haddad

ABOUT BURJ KHALIFA

ABOUT BURJ KHALIFA

Dubai is certainly a city like no other; it is rich with culture, buzzing with life, vibrant with business opportunities, and stands proud of some of the most remarkable real estate in the world. One of its most distinctive monuments is probably Burj Khalifa. This man-made structure towers over the city at a height of 2,717 feet. Completed in 2010 after a little under 6 years of construction, Burj Khalifa, which boasts 163 floors, was developed by Emaar Properties. This multi-use building comprises residential apartments, an observation deck with a 360-degree view of Dubai, a restaurant, and even a hotel. This article delves deeper into this architectural wonder.

Burj Khalifa Height

Dubbed “the tallest building in the world”, Burj Khalifa isn’t just an architectural marvel. It has broken so many world records as it stands at 828m (2,716.5 ft) above ground. Due to its height, a 6-degree temperature difference is recorded between its ground floor and its top floor. To understand the sheer size of this building, one can look at some numbers: the Empire State Building in the US is half the height of Burj Khalifa and the Eiffel Tower in Paris is one-third its height. This iconic tower, visited yearly by countless tourists, cost USD 1.5 billion, which was paid off within the first year of inauguration.

Height Against Other Iconic Skyscrapers

Burj Khalifa is world-renowned for being the tallest building on the planet, but how does it compare to other towers? Here’s a table with some numbers to shed more light on Burj Khalifa vs other skyscrapers.

RankSkyscraperCountryHeight
1Burj KhalifaUnited Arab Emirates2716.54 ft.
2MerdekaMalaysia2227.69 ft.
3Shanghai TowerChina2073.49 ft.
4Makkah Royal Clock TowerKingdom of Saudi Arabia1971.78 ft.
5Ping An Finance CenterChina1965.22 ft.
6Lotte World TowerSouth Korea1820.87 ft.
7One World Trade CenterUSA1774.93 ft.
8Guangzhou CTF Finance CenterChina1738.85 ft.
9Tianjin CTF Finance CenterChina1738.85 ft.
10CITIC TowerChina1732.28 ft.

Burj Khalifa Design and Architecture 

Burj Khalifa was designed by Adrian Smith and the architecture firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in collaboration with Samsung C&T Corporation. This skyscraper, which took six years to complete, was inspired by the desert lily, the tiger lily, and the spider lily, flowers that grow natively in the UAE desert. If you look at it from the top, the tower has a “Y” shape reminiscent of these flowers, which makes Burj Khalifa architecture so distinctive. This shape has also allowed the architects to optimize the structure to accommodate both residential and hospitality spaces.

The building’s floor area amounts to 309,473 sq.m. and requires about 12,000 workers and contractors to work on it daily at its peak construction stage. It is covered in 28,261 panels of glass and you’d need to climb 3000 stairs to get from bottom to top.

How many floors are there in Burj Khalifa?

Burj Khalifa comprises 160 floors which include residential studios, apartments, and suites; as well as an observation deck, a restaurant, and much more. Here’s how these floors are split in details:

  • Concourse Level to Level 8, and Levels 38 and 39 are occupied by the Armani Hotel Dubai. This hotel is the first hotel in the world to be designed and developed by Giorgio Armani.
  • On levels 9 to 16 of Burj Khalifa, you can find luxurious one and two-bedroom Armani Residences boasting truly unique interiors.
  • Levels 45 to 108 offer private and ultra-luxurious residences consisting of studios, and 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments.
  • Levels 112 to 154 are dedicated to Corporate Suites with the exception of Level 122, where you can find At.mosphere, an exclusive fine dining restaurant and lounge
  • Level 124, occupied by At the Top, Burj Khalifa’s public observatory.
  • Levels 43, 76, and 123 host the Sky Lobbies, the tower’s state-of-the-art fitness facilities, featuring Jacuzzis, swimming pools, and recreational rooms.

Burj Khalifa Tickets: Price & Other Details

The ticket prices for Burj Khalifa vary depending on the time of day and whether you want to go to the 124th or 148th floors. The ticket prices are as follows:

  • Sunrise at At the Top, Burj Khalifa
    • Levels 124 and 125
    • 1 beverage and 1 morning bakery item per person
    • Valid from 5:00am – 6:30am
    • Price: AED 159
  • The Lounge, Burj Khalifa
    • Guided tour of levels 124,125 and 148
    • Refreshments including assortments of canapés
    • Children under the age of 3 enter for free
    • Operational hours from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
    • Price: AED 769
  • At the Top SKY, Burj Khalifa
    • Guided tour of level 148 and access to levels 124 and 125
    • Refreshments including Arabic coffee, sweets and soft drinks
    • Children under the age of 3 enter for free
    • Operational hours from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
    • Price: AED 399
  • At the Top, Burj Khalifa
    • Access to levels 124 and 125
    • Children under the age of 3 enter for free.
    • Operational hours from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
    • Price: AED 179

Special events are also organized at Burj Khalifa. You can book your tickets and learn more on their official website.

Burj Khalifa Awards and World Records

Aside from its magnificent architecture and imposing height; Burj Khalifa has been granted many awards and has broken many world records. Here’s a list of the most prominent ones:

  • The tallest building in the world.
  • Tallest free-standing structure in the world.
  • Highest number of floors in the world amounting to 163.
  • The 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 on the 76th floor.
  • World’s tallest art gallery displaying art pieces commissioned from over 85 artists.
  • The world’s three largest self-jacking cranes with lifting capacities of 25 metric tons each used during the construction of Burj Khalifa.

Properties in Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa has broken another record by being the first of the world’s tallest towers to comprise residential spaces. In total, the tower boasts 900 residences located on floors 19 to 108 in the residential section. Property options available for rent include studios, apartments, 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom suites.

On floors 9 to 16, you can find the Armani Residence offering 144 suites of 1 or 2-bedroom apartments. Armani’s elevated style is clearly showcased in the Armani/Casa furnishings of all the suites. In terms of rent, a 1-bed apartment in the Armani Residence costs about AED 150,000, and a 2-bedroom apartment is rented for an average of AED 300,000. All suites come furnished in true Armani/Casa style.

Expats who wish to own a property in Burj Khalifa can still find some freehold options available for purchase. 1-bedroom suites for sale cost about AED 2 million; whereas those boasting Armani furnishings in the Armani Residence, then those are sold within a range of AED 2 million to AED 5.2 million.

Burj Khalifa Facts & Trivia

Here are some interesting Burj Khalifa facts:

  • It was initially named Burj Dubai, then renamed in 2010 in honor of Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and the Emir of Abu Dhabi.
  • Burj Khalifa has broken many records including the world’s highest outdoor observation deck and the world’s highest occupied floor in the world.
  • The exterior of the Burj Khalifa is covered in 28,261 glass panels.
  • Burj Khalifa has a total of 54 elevators traveling 40 miles per hour.
  • A difference of 6 degrees Celsius can be recorded between Burj Khalifa’s base and top.

Conclusion

Burj Khalifa is truly a testament to the will, knowledge, and superiority of mankind. Standing proud and tall in the sky of Dubai, this tower attracts visitors from all around the world, who come to the UAE to get a taste of its magic, wonder, and luxury. Some wish to savor it further by enjoying a stay in its high-end apartments, suites, and hotel rooms; or even enjoy the meal of a lifetime in its restaurants. Others wish to stand at the “top of the world” and drink in Dubai’s mesmerizing skyline. This tower has enriched the architectural heritage of our world and proved once again that when vision, mastery, and a strong will are combined; the outcome is never short of outstanding.

FAQs

1. When did the construction of the Burj Khalifa begin and end?

Construction of the Burj Khalifa commenced on January 6, 2004. The building was officially opened to the public on January 4, 2010.

2. Who is the actual Burj Khalifa owner?

Burj Khalifa is owned by Emaar Properties, the company that developed the tower. Emaar Properties, headed by Mohamed Alabbar, is a public joint stock company listed on the Dubai Financial Market. Headquartered in Dubai, Emaar Properties was founded in 1997 and is currently one of the largest real estate developers in the world.

3. How much did the Burj Khalifa cost?

The construction of Burj Khalifa cost US$ 1.5 billion and it spanned nearly 6 years from 2004 till 2010. This amount that the tallest skyscraper in the world cost to build was recuperated within the year it was opened.

4. How long did it take to build Burj Khalifa?

Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004. The project took six years to complete, and the building was officially completed in 2010. At the time, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, where visitors can take an elevator to the top of the building to get a bird's eye view of Dubai from one of its observation decks.

5. How to rent an apartment in Burj Khalifa?

Burj Khalifa offers many residential options to choose from, whether you wish to rent or buy. These options include studios, apartments of various sizes, and suites. You can also choose to enjoy the luxury of Armani-branded homes within Burj Khalifa.

To rent a flat in the tower, we advise you to work with a reputable real estate agency, such as Driven Properties. A reliable agency will understand your requirements and needs, and then find the right apartment for you. They would guide you through legal technicalities and ensure you have the best experience.

6. How much does a night cost at the Burj Khalifa Hotel?

Staying at Burj Khalifa’s Armani Hotel is certainly a treat. Prices for such a stay will vary based on the time of your visit as well as the room you choose. Below are the average prices for hotel rooms in Burj Khalifa as of 2024.

Room typeSeasonPrice
Armani Deluxe RoomLow seasonAED 2400
Armani Deluxe RoomHigh seasonAED 3000
Armani Premiere RoomLow seasonAED 2550
Armani Premiere RoomHigh seasonAED 3150
Armani Executive Suite Fountain ViewLow seasonAED 3675
Armani Executive Suite Fountain ViewHigh seasonAED 4275
Armani Ambassador SuiteLow seasonAED 6750
Armani Ambassador SuiteHigh seasonAED 8250

7. What was Burj Khalifa built for?

Burj Khalifa was built for different purposes. It is a mixed-use development containing Burj Khalifa residential apartments, offices, hotels, and retail stores. The decision to build the Burj Khalifa was made in 2004, with construction starting in early 2005.

8. What are the activities to do in Burj Khalifa?

Burj Khalifa offers a plethora of experiences beyond its breathtaking views. Here are some of the top activities:

  • At The Top: Located on Level 148 of Burj Khalifa, At The Top is the world's highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace. Using telescopes, you can observe Dubai’s beautiful skyline or enjoy some refreshments in the SKY lounge.
  • Dubai Fountain Shows: Near Burj Khalifa, you can enjoy a beautifully choreographed water show accompanied by various music pieces. For a duration of half an hour, the fountains offer a unique spectacle, especially at night or after sunset.
  • Dining: If you wish to enjoy a succulent meal while visiting Burj Khalifa, you can choose between Atmosphere at Burj Khalifa which is an exclusive fine dining restaurant and lounge, located on Level 122; or Armani Hotel’s 2 restaurants Armani/Ristorante for Italian cuisine and Armani/Amal for Indian flavors.
  • Shopping: For shopping lovers, a visit to Burj Khalifa is also rewarding, as they can step into Dubai Mall, just next to Burj Khalifa, and buy whatever their heart desires. Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in Dubai, and the second largest mall in the world; featuring shops for the most prestigious brands in the world.
  • Armani Hotel Dubai: For those looking to spend the night in Burj Khalifa, Armani Hotel, located in the tower, offers a luxurious stay. You can choose from a myriad of rooms with great views.
  • Sky Lounge: Located on the 148th floor, the Sky Lounge is part of the Burj Khalifa observation deck. There you can drink in the breathtaking view while enjoying some refreshments.

Burj Khalifa Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Inside Burj Khalifa, you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime aquatic experience. The aquarium is home to 485 marine species and it also boasts an underwater tunnel under a huge tank with sharks and rays.

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