Fourteen years ago, on January 4, 2010, the world marveled at the grand debut of the Burj Khalifa, a monumental architectural masterpiece that forever changed Dubai’s skyline and set new global standards for skyscrapers. Designed by architect Adrian Smith, the Burj Khalifa seamlessly merges traditional Islamic design elements with state-of-the-art technology. Its distinctive Y-shaped floor plan, inspired by the Hymenocallis flower, not only provides structural stability but also adds to the building’s captivating aesthetic. The exterior, adorned with reflective glazing, sparkles in daylight and transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle as night falls.
The Burj Khalifa’s legacy extends far beyond its remarkable height. This architectural marvel boasts an impressive array of world records that highlight its unparalleled stature:
Tallest building on the planet: As the reigning tallest building globally, the Burj Khalifa remains unmatched in height. Standing at 828 meters (2,717 feet), with 163 floors, the iconic structure is a sight to behold for hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit Dubai every year. Interestingly, the skyscraper is three times as tall as the Eiffel Tower and nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building.
World’s highest outdoor observation deck: Perched at an astonishing 1,821 feet (555 meters) on the 148th floor, the Burj Khalifa offers visitors a breathtaking experience from the world’s highest outdoor observation deck.
Most stories in a building: With an astounding 163 floors, the Burj Khalifa surpasses all competitors, solidifying its position as the building with the highest number of stories.
Elevator records: The Burj Khalifa’s elevators boast world records for the longest travel distance and the tallest service elevator, ensuring swift and seamless vertical transport within the skyscraper. The elevators at Burj Khalifa race at a speed of 10 meters per second, ranking among the fastest globally. Impressively, it takes just one minute for the elevators to whisk visitors to the observation deck on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
Tallest restaurant, highest occupied floor & more: Hosting the world’s tallest restaurant, ‘At.Mosphere’ on level 122, and occupying the highest habitable floor at level 160, the Burj Khalifa continues to break records.
Eco-friendly initiatives: Beyond its architectural feats, the Burj Khalifa showcases a commitment to sustainability by utilising condensation water from its cooling system to irrigate its surrounding gardens.
Visible from afar: Even from a distance of 59 miles (95 km) away, the Burj Khalifa’s pinnacle stands out visibly on a clear day, rendering a visit to its observatory one of the foremost attractions in Dubai.