The Tallest Building in the World

History of Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa was inaugurated on January 4, 2010, after six years of construction. It was designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the same team behind other global landmarks like the Willis Tower in Chicago.

The original plan was to build the tallest structure on Earth, but the exact height was kept secret throughout the construction. By 2008, Burj Khalifa surpassed the previous tallest building, Taipei 101, and became the world’s tallest freestanding structure.

Architecture and Design

Inspired by the shape of a Hymenocallis flower, the Burj Khalifa’s design is a blend of Islamic architecture and modern technology. Its Y-shaped tripartite floor geometry maximizes views of the Arabian Gulf. The building houses:

• Residences: Over 900 private residences, from one to four-bedroom apartments.
• Corporate Suites: Offices spread across 37 floors.
• Armani Hotel: A luxury hotel designed by Giorgio Armani

Interesting Facts about Burj Khalifa

• It holds six world records: Including the tallest building, the tallest free-standing structure, and the highest number of stories in the world.
• The elevator in Burj Khalifa is among the fastest in the world, traveling at 10 meters per second.
• Temperature difference: The top of the Burj Khalifa is about 15°C cooler than the base due to the extreme height.

Planning Your Visit to Burj Khalifa

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening for sunrise or sunset views.
• Ticket Information: You can pre-book tickets online to avoid long queues, and consider purchasing skip-the-line passes for faster access to the top.
• Nearby Attractions: Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium, and Souk Al Bahar are located nearby, making it easy to explore more of Dubai after your visit.