The construction of the skyscraper took place from 2004 to 2010. The Prime Minister of the UAE, who conducted the official opening, decided to dedicate the building to the President of the state, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan. Therefore, the original name of the Burj Dubai structure was changed to Burj Khalifa, which translates to Khalifa Tower.
The building project was developed by the American bureau Skidmore. Its author is Adrian Smith, who previously participated in the creation of the Chinese skyscraper Jin Mao. The general contractor was Samsung from South Korea.
According to the plans of the customers and architects, the tower was to become the tallest building in the world, so its design height was kept secret and changed several times in connection with the opening of other similar objects.
Construction of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper proceeded at a record pace - 1-2 floors per week. About 12,000 workers were involved in the work every day. The total cost of the facility exceeded 4 billion US dollars.
Architecture Features
The height of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, announced at the time of opening, was 828 m (163 floors), although, according to rumors, the developers' plans included 940 m. Externally, the building resembles a giant stalagmite with a spire pointing skyward. The asymmetry of the lines is not only the architect’s idea, but also a technical move designed to reduce the impact of winds on the construction.
Another feature of the skyscraper is the lack of anchorage in the rocky ground. To create the foundation, suspended piles (two hundred units) 45 m long and 1.5 m wide were used. During the construction of the building, a special type of concrete was developed that has the ability to withstand high temperatures and loads.
Internal layout
In addition to technical floors and parking for 3,000 cars, the Burj Khalifa skyscraper contains: a hotel with 304 rooms (from the 1st to the 39th floor), designed by Armani himself; office premises (111-121, 125-135 and 139-154 floors); 900 apartments (44-72 and 77-108 floors); shopping centers, shops, observation decks, cafes, nightclubs, swimming pools, observatory, mosque and so on. For convenience, the building is equipped with three independent entrances.
Floor number 100 is entirely owned by billionaire Shetty from India; there are three apartments on it, the average area of each of them is 500 sq.m. The last tiers are dedicated to telecommunications equipment.
The 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper is occupied by the Atmosphere restaurant, which can accommodate up to 80 visitors. It is considered the highest located on the planet.
On the 148th floor there is the highest (555 m) observation deck in the world. In order to get there and enjoy the panorama of the city, you need to purchase a ticket (cost for an adult is 125 dirhams).
In front of the skyscraper there is an artificial lake with a unique fountain. The area of the reservoir is 12 hectares. More than 6,000 light sources are used to illuminate the fountain, including colored spotlights, and its jets rise 150 m in height. All this is accompanied by national and world musical works.
Book a room in Burj Khalifa (Armani Hotel Dubai)
Technical equipment
Fireworks straight from a skyscraperThe technical equipment of the Khalifa Tower meets all modern standards and even surpasses them.
Passage from the skyscraper shopping center to the Armani HotelWhen glazing the building, special panels (26,000 pieces) were used that can reflect the sun's rays, keep out dust and prevent heating of the interior.
Air conditioning is carried out according to a special scheme: air is driven from the bottom up along the entire height of the structure, using underground cooling modules and sea water. As a result, the internal temperature is maintained at +18 °C. Simultaneously with ventilation, the air is aromatized; for this purpose, membranes in the air conditioning system and an exclusive perfume created for the Burj Khalifa are used.
Inside the elevatorA skyscraper is an energy-independent object. Complete self-sufficiency in electricity is achieved through the operation of solar panels on the walls of the tower and a 61-meter turbine, which rotates thanks to the wind.
The 57 elevators installed in the tower operate at a speed of 10 m/s. But only one of them, the service one, runs the entire height of the building, so residents and visitors have to make transfers.
HallDespite the impressive dimensions of the Burj Khalifa, in case of danger, all people can be evacuated from it in just 32 minutes.
Burj Khalifa is a futuristic skyscraper that combines cutting-edge technology and unprecedented luxury. This building, which is a record holder in many respects, is a must-visit for anyone who comes to Dubai, because from its windows you can see the entire city from a bird's eye view.
Promotional video about the Burj Khalifa skyscraper
Will we ever see a skyscraper taller than the Burj Khalifa? Most likely yes. Although this may not happen due to the next global crisis. Some analysts have found a relationship between the completion of record-breaking skyscrapers and financial crises.
Even before the global economic downturn, several high-rise buildings were planned that could set new records in the coming years. All of them are located in the Persian Gulf.
Burj Khalifa (completed)
Location: Dubai, UAE
Height: 828 m (2,717 ft)
At almost half a mile high, the Burj Khalifa is today the tallest structure in the world ever built by man. The building was designed by the Chicago architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. The cost of the entire structure is 1.5 billion dollars. Office space rents for $4,000 per square foot.
In March 2011, a French climber conquered the Burj.
Royal Clock Tower in Mecca (under construction)
Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Height: 1,972 ft (601 m)
The Abraj al-Bait Towers project began in 2004 and upon completion will be the tallest hotel with the tallest clock tower and the largest clock in the world. The hotel is located opposite the Kaaba, the main shrine of Islam, and will have a prayer room designed for 10 thousand believers. The building will have a “seven-star hotel” just like the Burj Khalifa, to which all new super skyscrapers are now compared. But there is no official classification system yet that could assign a seventh star. Five stars or “luxury class” is the highest official rating of hotel service so far.
Ping'an International Financial Center (under construction)
Location: Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
Height: 2,126 ft (648 m)
When completed in 2015, the Ping'an center will be only the second tallest structure in the world and the tallest in China. This will be the first building to receive LEED (The Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification. rating system certification for so-called “green” buildings - approx. mixednews).
The project was started in 2010.
India Tower (construction to begin soon)
Location: Mumbai, India
Height: 2,362 ft (720 m)
Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2016, making India Tower the second tallest building in the world. The building will have several modules - retail space, hotel, apartments, etc. The skyscraper must also receive a LEED certificate. The building project was developed by the American architectural bureau FXFOWLE. The tower will be located in the north of the historical part of the city.
Tower A One Dubai (project suspended)
Location: Dubai, UAE
Height: 3,281 ft (1,000 m)
Tower A was planned to surpass the Burj Khalifa. This skyscraper was to become part of the Jumeirah Garden City project. But soon after the presentation of the project, a financial crisis occurred. In March 2009, funding for the construction of Tower A was stopped.
Architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill are known as professionals and authors of reliable projects. The entire skyscraper would consist of three buildings, connected to each other by glass and metal bridges that would provide support for the incredibly tall Tower A.
Burj Mubarak al-Kabir (under construction)
Location: Sibiya, Kuwait
Height: 3,284 ft (1,001 m)
Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2016. The skyscraper will become part of the large-scale “City of Silk” project, worth $86 billion, which will have its own airport and several industrial centers. The “City of Silk” will consist of four areas: financial, entertainment, cultural and environmental (a sanctuary for migratory birds). They will be surrounded by an “Emerald Valley” of ponds, lakes and parks, which will be located within walking distance of each area.
Royal Tower (under construction)
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Height: 3,284 ft or higher (1,001 m)
The King's Tower was originally called the "Mile Tower", but a survey of the ground showed that the intended height was unacceptable for the area. The final height of the building has not yet been agreed upon. Helicopters will continue to deliver materials and workers as work resumes. To minimize vibrations from desert winds, the building is equipped with a computer-controlled vibration damper.
Mega City Pyramid (in project)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Height: 2,395 ft (730 m)
The Pyramid Mega City project was designed to take advantage of the only undeveloped land in Tokyo - the cove of Tokyo Bay. The building will be able to become a home for 750 thousand people. The design is planned to be based on building material future: carbon nanotubes. The Discovery Channel suggested that construction would be completed in 2100.
Sky City 1000 (in project)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Height: 4,029 ft (1,228 m))
The skyscraper will be able to accommodate about 35 thousand people, and it will become a place of work for 100 thousand specialists. The implementation of the project will solve the problem of overpopulation in Tokyo. The skyscraper concept was developed by the Takinaka Corporation in 1989. Once the Burj Khalifa is completed, experts estimate that Sky City will be built within twenty years.
Bionic Tower (in project)
Location: Shanghai or Hong Kong, China
Height: 4,029 ft (1,228 m))
The project, proposed by Spanish architects Ella Celia, Maria Rosa Cervera and Javier Gomez, will be a vertical city of 300 floors. Bionic Tower will help solve the housing problem for 100 thousand people. Overpopulated Shanghai and Hong Kong have expressed interest in this project. Proponents of vertical cities use the term "arcology" to describe concepts for buildings that can accommodate the population of a large city.
Al Jaber Tower(in the project)
Location: Kuwait, Kuwait
Height: 6,000 ft (1,830 m)
Architect Homero Marchetti set himself the goal of bringing the Al Jaber skyscraper project to life. Marchetti is inclined to believe that to erect a building a nautical mile high, one must abandon right angles and the use of metal and concrete. The hexagonal shape of the snowflake was the inspiration for this project.
X-Seed 4000(suggested)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Height: 13,123 ft (4,002 m)
In 1995, the Japanese Taisei Corporation presented the X-Seed 4000 skyscraper project, also known as the building that will never be built. The company developed this project in hopes of attracting attention. The 800 floors of the skyscraper could accommodate up to a million residents. The X-Seed 4000 project will require about $1 trillion to implement. In addition to numerous engineering shortcomings, questions related to movement inside the skyscraper remain open. For example, how long it might take to climb to the eight hundredth floor.
The Burj Khalifa is three times taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and twice the height of the Empire State Building in New York. Just imagine: the aluminum used in the construction of the Burj Khalifa would be more than enough for five Airbus A380 aircraft. For reference: the Airbus A380 can accommodate about a thousand passengers and is considered the largest passenger aircraft currently in operation. Of course, the Dubai skyscraper consists not only of metal, but also of concrete, the weight of which is equal to the weight of 100,000 elephants (if we measure the scale of the king of skyscrapers in elephants and airplanes). And the spire of the building is visible from 95 kilometers away - in other words, if you are going to Dubai, the first thing you will see from an approaching plane will be it, the Burj Khalifa, a symbol of luxury and the untold riches of these lands.
Observation deck at sky level
Have you ever thought that you can soar in the clouds not only while in the cabin of an airplane or in your own dreams? Burj Khalifa provides its guests with a unique opportunity to climb to the 125th floor to enjoy views of one of the most modern cities in world history, and if you're lucky, the desert. However, truly clear weather in Dubai does not happen very often. The whole problem is the unbearable heat. When the temperature in the shade is 48 degrees, on the “upper floors” there is a sultry fog around the clock, through which almost nothing is visible.
There is entertainment in the Burj for the most daring, namely: the opportunity to climb to the 148th floor. In 2014, the world's highest open-air observation deck, At the Top SKY, opened here. In addition, the site is literally crammed with the most modern and almost “spy” technology, with the help of which guests can not only admire Dubai, but also look into its most remote corners.
At the speed of light
Dubai is famous not only for its wealth, the scale of which is difficult for mere mortals to imagine, but also for the highest speed of development. Burj Khalifa is more than the tallest building in the world. It is a symbol of the UAE's progress. Construction, which began in 2004, proceeded at a record pace: in the first three years, 150 floors were already completed. The opening ceremony took place in 2010. Today, Burj Khalifa is a whole separate world: there are offices, restaurants, apartments and even the Armani Hotel. So some high-rise residents don’t even have to leave their homes to get to work.
Victory and victory again
The Burj Khalifa has held a leading position for six years now; there is no taller skyscraper on the entire planet. The tower is also included in the Guinness Book of Records as the building with the most floors, the longest elevator distance and the highest private residences. Such scales attract extreme sports enthusiasts from all over the world: for example, rock climber Alain Robert, known as the French “Spider-Man,” conquered the height of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in 2011 - it took him more than six hours. Extreme athletes Fred Fügen and Vincent Reffer, on the contrary, made a journey from top to bottom, jumping from a height of 828 meters and setting a world record in base jumping.
The highest restaurant in the world
The At.mosphere restaurant is located on the first level of the Burj Khalifa observation deck, namely on the 122nd floor, and this was enough to get into the Guinness Book of Records as the highest restaurant in the world. Here you will be treated to the most exquisite dishes, the menu includes foie gras, oysters and Wagyu beef medallions. The wide windows offer views of the stunning panorama of the city in the desert and even the planes that fly very close to the famous high-rise, landing.
Double-decker burger in the 163-story Burj Khalifa
In a multi-story building, there must also be food. Firebird Diner offers Burger Khalifa, which not without reason resembles the tallest building in the world. Quite extravagant, isn't it? A double-decker burger consists of one larger burger on top of a smaller one. A large portion of the bun contains an American lobster tail, a fried egg, and a beef cutlet. premium USDA with black truffle aioli. The mini-burger has a foie gras patty on top, and instead of a spire, the skyscraper burger is decorated with pickled cucumber.
Movie star
Almost more often than other high-rise buildings, the Burj Khalifa ends up on wide screens: every now and then the skyscraper is filmed in films. This is understandable - every director dreams of getting such a location, regardless of what exactly he is filming: a thriller, blockbuster or romantic comedy. Among the most famous films, it is worth noting the film “Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol” with Tom Cruise in the title role, as well as “Independence Day: Resurgence”.
Burj Khalifa (Dubai) is the tallest tower in the world, which is impressive not only for its size, but also for its capabilities. This building is a record holder in many respects; some tourists come to the most large city United Arab Emirates just to visit it.
Height of the Burj Dubai skyscraper
The height of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper reaches 828 meters. The estimated height of the building was kept secret almost until the opening. This is due, first of all, to the fact that technically it was possible to add more and more floors, thereby increasing the amount of usable space.
They stopped building the tower even higher not for technical, but for economic reasons, stopping at 162 floors.
Burj Khalifa Tower: general description, history of appearance
Who built the skyscraper
The initiator of the construction of the mega-tall structure was Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum. Initially, the tower was called Burj Dubai, but then it was renamed in honor of the president and sheikh of neighboring Abu Dhabi, Khalifa, who at one time provided impressive financial assistance in construction. However, local residents often call the building the old-fashioned Burj Dubai.
When was the tower built
Construction of the high-rise began in 2004 and at first proceeded very quickly - 1-2 floors were built per week. In the end, the construction was delayed, this was due to problems in financing, but still in 2010 the high-rise building was officially opened.
As planned by the sheikh, the new building became a symbol of the new area. Moreover, now the Burj Khalifa skyscraper has become the hallmark of not only the area, but also Dubai, the UAE.
The tower is one of the main features of Dubai
The futuristic high-rise building combines the luxury of a rich country and cutting-edge technology. Everyone who comes to Dubai for the first time considers it their duty to visit it and take a photo on one of the observation decks. There is an opinion that if you couldn’t visit Burj Khalifa, then you haven’t been to Dubai.
Interesting facts about Burj Dubai (Khalifa)
- Initially, the construction of a skyscraper 940 m high was planned.
- The high-rise building does not have a foundation; it stands on special hanging piles.
- Since Dubai is very hot, high-tech concrete was developed specifically for the construction of the Burj Khalifa, which can withstand ultra-high temperatures (up to 50C). This concrete mixture was laid only at night, and ice was added to it. Glass panels reflect dust and sunlight, so the room is not as hot as outside and maintains a consistently comfortable temperature.
- Burj Dubai is a completely energy self-sufficient building. The skyscraper operates thanks to a wind turbine and many solar panels.
- Sea water and a carefully designed air conditioning system are used to cool the air inside the building.
- A high-rise building has its own, exclusive smell. This aroma is emitted by specially designed equipment that periodically injects the scent indoors.
- From the base to the top floor there are exactly 3000 steps.
- The elevators of the Burj Khalifa tower are considered record-breaking high-speed.
- On the 76th floor you can swim in the largest swimming pool currently existing.
- The tower has several machines where gold is sold. The device produces precious bars weighing from 2.5 to 30 g.
- In an emergency, all people in the room will be evacuated in just 32 minutes.
Photo of the city from above the Burj Dubai skyscraper
What is inside the Burj Khalifa and who lives at the very top
The high-rise building has 162 floors and was conceived from the very beginning as a city in one building. Here are located:
- hotel (1st - 39th floors);
- offices (111 - 121, 125 - 135, 139 - 154 floors);
- apartments (from 44 to 72, from 77 to 104 floors);
- shops, large shopping centers;
- night clubs, cafes;
- the tallest mosque in the world;
- observation decks at different levels;
- observatory;
- a three-story parking complex where up to 3,000 cars can stay;
- training and sports complexes, swimming pools.
For convenience, the tower has three completely independent entrances.
- On the 122nd floor there is a prestigious restaurant with a capacity of up to 80 people.
- On the 124th floor (452 m) there is one of the panoramic platforms of the Burj Khaliba skyscraper.
- The 148th floor is the famous At the Top observation deck, where the most extensive panorama of the city opens from a height of 555 m above the ground. You can only get there with a pre-purchased ticket. At the Top first opened in 2008. Now this observatory houses various telescopes, with the help of which you can take a closer look at any distant objects of the city.
Photo of the restaurant in the tower
Everyone knows that real estate prices in the United Arab Emirates are more affordable than in other successful countries. In any case, not everyone can afford to buy apartments in Burj Khalifa. Which of the world's millionaires became the happy owner of their own square meters in a famous high-rise building, it is not disclosed to the general public. It is now known that the hundredth floor belongs entirely to billionaire Shetty from India. There are three comfortable apartments with magnificent views, for which Shetty once paid about 25 million dollars.
The most famous musical fountain is located near the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. The stunning dance of water can be seen every day; this enchanting composition requires about 80 thousand liters of water per performance. Moreover, the height of the jet can reach 150 meters, this action is visible at a distance of 30 km.
Musical accompaniment makes the show even more impressive; as a rule, the water “dances” to the songs of Andrea Bocelli, the legendary Whitney Houston or famous Arabic works.
How to book a room at Burj Dubai (Khalifa)
Hotel Armani hotel Dubai 5* traditionally in great demand among city guests. Its design was developed by Armani himself, so there is no doubt that every visitor will plunge into an atmosphere of real luxury and grandeur.
Guests of the Armani Hotel have the opportunity to use the famous SPA center, dine in one of seven restaurants, quickly get to the best shops and shopping centers cities.
For those who want to relax at the Armani hotel Dubai 5, we recommend:
You can check availability and reserve a room in this amazing hotel here at a very interesting discounted price:
Large oil fields were found, and the country's authorities did everything possible to develop the tourism business here. The largest number of amazing buildings and luxury hotels were erected in Dubai. Perhaps the most important attraction of the city is the Burj Khalifa ( Burj Khalifa).
The Burj Khalifa skyscraper is officially recognized as the tallest building in the world. Externally, the tower resembles a huge stalagmite. It has uneven lines, but this was not done for decoration, but to protect the building from the winds. It is also worth noting that the skyscraper is built from high-strength materials that are resistant to any weather conditions.
Initially, it was planned to build a building that would accommodate office space, residential apartments, shops, hotels, restaurants. That is, we can say that Burj Khalifa is a whole city that has absolutely everything you need for life. In addition, the area around is completely landscaped. There is a magnificent park, a shady garden, and even a garden that deserves special attention.
History of skyscraper construction
Construction of the world's tallest tower lasted almost 6 years. Several countries participated in the design and construction. The main architect was the American Adrian Smith, who has repeatedly designed similar skyscrapers. And the general contractor was the South Korean company Samsung. Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004. Information about the height of the building was carefully hidden, and its values were constantly changing. The opening of the skyscraper was planned for 2009, but due to problems with financing it had to be postponed. As a result, the opening of the tower took place a year later, in early January.
photo: Around the tower during construction Burj Khalifa on the map of Dubai
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
How to get to Burj Khalifa
The skyscraper is located in the most prestigious area of Dubai - Downtown. All roads lead to the main attraction of the city. Tourists can get to the tower by metro, or take a taxi. By metro you need to get to the Burj Khalifa station of the same name. Taxi is a more expensive means of transportation, but it is faster transport. Given the excellent road surface and the absence of traffic jams, a taxi ride will give you incredible pleasure. In addition, all taxis in the city are equipped with air conditioning, so you won’t have to worry about extreme heat during your trip.
photo: Burj Khalifa metro station from the observation deck Rules for visiting the skyscraper
Any Dubai tour agency will offer tourists an unforgettable excursion to the tallest skyscraper in the world. There is a separate entrance for tourists. The tower is equipped with 57 elevators, but only one of them passes through all floors. Tourists, in order to get to the observation deck, for which they go to Burj Khalifa, need to make several transfers. Group excursions are conducted from 10.00 to 22.00 from Sunday to Wednesday, and from Thursday to Saturday the observation deck opening hours increase by 2 hours.
photo: All guests and tourists enter the building through this entrance Excursion to the Burj Khalifa tower on video
The cost of the excursion depends on many factors. For example, if you don't want to stand in line, you can pay 400 AED for a ticket and skip the line to the observation deck. In other cases, an adult ticket costs 125 AED, a child ticket (4 - 12 years old) costs 95 AED, and children under three years old do not need to buy a ticket at all.
Technical equipment
The tower is equipped with the latest technology. Its technical equipment uses the most advanced technologies. First of all, we need to mention the unique air conditioning system. Thanks to special glazing, the building does not heat up and does not allow dust to pass through. The temperature in the tower is constantly kept at +18 degrees. At the same time, the air throughout the entire skyscraper is constantly refreshed using specially installed membranes. It is worth noting that Burj Khalifa had its own scent specially developed.
The tower provides itself with electricity. Installed on the façade of the building solar panels, and a huge turbine rotating from gusts of wind. The length of this turbine is more than 60 meters.
photo: Inside the elevator to the Burj Khalifa observation deck The ascent to the Burj Khalifa is provided by 57 elevators. Their speed of movement is 10 m/s. Interestingly, in emergency situations, people are evacuated in just 32 minutes, despite the impressive size of the building.
Burj Khalifa inside
The building has almost everything a person needs for life: shops, restaurants, swimming pools, nightclubs, observation decks, an observatory, and much more. The first 39 floors of the tower are occupied by rooms of a luxurious five-star hotel, which is considered one of the most prestigious hotels in the country. 35 floors of the tower are allocated for offices, and 59 for residential premises. The hundredth floor is owned by a billionaire from India. And on the 122nd floor there is a chic restaurant with the telling name “Atmosphere”, which can accommodate about 80 guests at a time. The main observation deck is located on the 148th floor. Its height amazes the imagination and brings a lot of unforgettable emotions.
photo: Interiors 
photo: Interiors inside the tallest skyscraper in the world 
photo: One of the apartments in Burj Khalifa. You can still buy) Observation platforms
The tower has two observation platforms. One of them is located at the height of the 148th floor, and the other is at the 124th floor. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office at the entrance to the tower, but this is often not possible, since absolutely all tourists want to see Dubai from a bird's eye view. That is why it is better to buy tickets to the observation deck on the Internet online. You can see the city through a huge window, from which the views are incredible. beautiful view to Dubai and its main attractions.
Facts about the skyscraper
- The height of the unique skyscraper is 828 meters
- The building has 163 floors
- Spire height – 180 meters
- 1.5 billion dollars were spent on construction
- The building contains 900 residential apartments
- The height of the observation deck is 555 meters
- Movement between floors is provided by 57 elevators
- 12 thousand workers took part in the construction of the tower.
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