Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, also known as the Burj Dubai prior to its inauguration in 2010. The Burj Khalifa has been the tallest structure and building in the world since its completion in 2009, with a total height of 829.8 m (2,722 ft, just over half a mile) and a roof height of 828 m (excluding antenna, but including a 244 m spire) since its completion in 2009. (preceded by Taipei 101).

The construction of Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world, started in 2004, with the exterior being finished in 2009, five years later. The core of structure is reinforced concrete. The building was launched as part of Downtown Dubai project in 2010, in order to promote different approach of United Arab Emirates in re branding a country from oil based industry to more diverse and modern tourist destination.

Quick facts

• Name: Burj Khalifa
• Location: Dubai, UAE
• Built 2010
• Type of attraction: Architectural/Building
• Ticket price: From $40

The decision to construct the building is based on the decision of the government to diversify from an oil-based economy and to win international recognition for Dubai.

The building was originally named Burj Dubai, but was renamed in honor of Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates; Abu Dhabi and the government of the UAE lent Dubai money to pay their debts. Numerous height records were broken by the building, including its designation as the world’s highest building.

The building currently holds these records:

• Tallest building in the world
• Tallest free-standing structure in the world
• Highest number of stories in the world
• Highest occupied floor in the world
• Highest outdoor observation deck in the world
• Elevator with the longest travel distance in the world
• Tallest service elevator in the world

The building provides guided tours to observation decks, lounge with breakfast and drinks and hosts various events. The building consists of private residencies, hotel residencies and corporate offcies.

Today, this is one of Dubai’s man attraction, with observation deck, bar and a restaurant at the top.

Interesting facts about Burj Khalifa

Here are some interesting facts about this amazing landmark:

• The Burj Khalifa height is amazing 828 meters (2716.5 feet). For comparison, it’s three times taller than Eiffel Tower and nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building.
• At the peak of its construction, 12,000 workers worked on the building daily.
• The top of the building can be seen as far as 95 kilometers.
• Read more: Interesting facts about Burj Khalifa