The Burj Khalifa is more than just a skyscraper. The world’s tallest building captivates visitors from all over the world. The Burj Khalifa soars 828 meters into the sky and features two observation decks offering spectacular views. Opened in 2010, the building is the tallest man-made structure in the world. Learn more about the captivating story of modern architecture and visions that push the boundaries of human imagination.
The World’s Tallest Building: Planned and Designed
The construction of the Burj Khalifa is one of the most ambitious building projects in history, carried out by architects, engineers, and construction workers from around the world. The Dubai government sought to bring a futuristic vision to life and create an architectural icon.
Mexican-American architect Adrian D. Smith is the designer behind the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. However, the original plans bore little resemblance to the final result. Initially, the Burj Khalifa was to be called “Grollo Tower.” It was to be 560 meters tall, and the world’s tallest building was to be located in Australia. The shape also differed significantly from the current structure. Originally, the building was planned to be shaped like a prism with an illuminated tip.
Step by step, the height and design were adjusted, resulting in the model we see today. The shape is inspired by Arabic arches and the Hymenocallis, a plant that is specifically cultivated in the United Arab Emirates and India. Over 26 levels, the tower’s cross-section gradually decreases as it spirals upward.
The architects at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, who were experienced in designing skyscrapers, were entrusted with the planning. The Chicago-based architectural firm won a competition for the project in 2002. At the time, Adrian Smith headed the Chicago headquarters. A year later, the architect struck out on his own and started his own firm. William F. Baker was appointed as the lead structural engineer.
The jury was impressed by the design’s connection to Islamic architectural tradition. The tower bore a resemblance to the central-plan architecture of mosques. In fact, a Y-shaped floor plan forms the base. The three wings are arranged radially and taper evenly toward the top. This gives the building a dome-like silhouette. The recesses, which resemble terraces, are reminiscent of the onion-domed construction of classical mosques.
Constructing a building of this height required sophisticated structural engineering. The “backbone” of the Burj Khalifa—the world’s tallest building—is a hexagonal concrete core that is more than 600 meters high and extends to just below the steel structure at the top. The skyscraper’s core is supported by the tower’s flanks. This provides a level of stability against horizontal forces that was previously unmatched. The maximum deflection of the spire is just 1.5 meters. William F. Baker, chief structural engineer at SOM, summed it up by describing the design as a “buttressed core.”
The World’s Tallest Building Under Construction
In 2004, thousands of skilled workers from around the world began bringing a vision to life using giant cranes and state-of-the-art machinery. At that time, the construction site was located in the middle of the desert. Downtown Dubai was about three kilometers to the north. The Persian Gulf lay to the west, at roughly the same distance.
The Burj Khalifa stands on a foundation slab measuring 7,000 square meters and just under four meters thick. The slab rests on 850 concrete piles of various sizes. The largest piles are 50 meters long and up to 1.5 meters thick. The compressive forces from the structure are transferred to these concrete piles rather than to the foundation slab.
Laying a solid foundation was considered a particular challenge in this desert region. The engineers turned to an innovative technique called “Notschild.” To stabilize the ground, a frost barrier was created around the construction site. The tower is made of specially hardened concrete and Y-shaped steel. To reduce its weight without compromising the structure’s stability, some parts of the tower are made of aluminum and a titanium alloy.
Construction work began in 2005. Work was carried out in three shifts, with approximately 2,400 people on the construction site at any given time. The extreme heat made it impossible to drill during the day. The work had to be moved to nighttime. It took about four days to complete the structural work for one floor. Since the structure tapers toward the top, the upper floors could be completed more quickly.
Up to the 160th floor, the structure is made of reinforced concrete; above that, it is made of steel. The concrete shell was completed in the fall of 2007. A total of 330,000 cubic meters of concrete was used. After the shell was completed, the climbing formwork was dismantled, and work on the exterior cladding could begin.
By fall 2009, 24,380 aluminum panels had been installed. The last panel was installed at a height of 632 meters. The total surface area of the facade is 235,190 square meters. Of this, 103,000 square meters consist of glass. A total of 26,000 glass panes were installed. Because the facade is curved, the panes had to be custom-fitted. To protect the facade from moisture and dust buildup, sealing strips with a total length of 2,052 kilometers were installed.
Inauguration and Vision
The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was inaugurated on January 4, 2010. Architects and engineers were inspired to push the boundaries of their own capabilities and creativity. The building is intended to serve as a reminder of what people are capable of when they work together and achieve extraordinary things through modern technology and ambitious visions.
Burj Khalifa – Records Then and Now
The Burj Khalifa is known as the world’s tallest building. But its construction set a whole list of other records—some of them even long before it was inaugurated.
Records set before construction was completed (2007):
Tallest structure from the ground to the top:
- Burj Khalifa – 555.30 meters
- Taipei 101 – 509.2 meters
Buildings with the most floors:
- Burj Khalifa – 150
- Sears Tower – 110
Tallest wireless structure:
- Burj Khalifa – 555.30 meters
- CN Tower – 553 meters
Maximum distance for vertical concrete pumping:
- Burj Khalifa – 555.30 meters
- Taipei 101 – 439.2 meters
Records set after completion of construction:
- tallest building up to the roof
- tallest building measured to the structural top
- the tallest building, occupied up to the top floor
- tallest building with antennas
- tallest building supported without cables
- the tallest structure ever built by humans
The World’s Tallest Buildings (as of 2025):
- Burj Khalifa, Dubai = 828 meters
- Merdeka 188, Kuala Lumpur = 679 meters
- Shanghai Tower, China = 632 meters
- Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Mecca = 601 meters
- Ping An Finance Center, Shenzhen = 599 meters
- Guangzhou CTF Finance Center, China = 530 meters
Burj Khalifa, Dubai: The World’s Tallest Building and Its Uses
You won’t find a traditional main entrance at the Burj Khalifa. This is not uncommon among modern buildings in Dubai. You enter the building through the attached underground parking garage. The parking garage is fully air-conditioned, has no separate pedestrian entrance, and also serves the massive shopping mall directly connected to the tower.
The world’s first Armani Hotel has opened on floors one through eight and on the 38th and 39th floors of the Burj Khalifa. The luxury hotel can be accessed via a separate driveway, which is often mistaken for an entrance to the Burj Khalifa.
Floors 40 through 108 house 779 private apartments. The Burj Khalifa contains office floors up to the 154th floor. The owner has reserved his own private floors just below the very top. There is also a private mosque located there.
The tower spire itself contains 40 levels dedicated to technical and communications systems. Six technical floors were installed to support the tower’s operations. These are interspersed every 20 to 30 floors. Centralizing these systems in the spire would not have been feasible, as approximately 946 cubic meters of water are used daily and a power supply of up to 50 megawatts must be ensured.
Did you know that?
By now, you’ve learned quite a bit about the Burj Khalifa, and perhaps you already knew some of these facts yourself. Very few people are aware of the Burj Khalifa’s connection to Germany. The spire is made of steel. Several thousand metric tons of it are recycled and came from the demolished Palace of the Republic in Berlin. Thus, “Erich’s Lamp Store” has not been completely forgotten and has found new glory on the other side of the world.
Staying Overnight at the Burj Khalifa
In 2010, the world’s first Armani Hotel opened in the lower section of the Burj Khalifa. The design is the work of the fashion icon himself. At the opening, the fashion designer stated that it was important to him that guests feel as comfortable as they would in his own home. Armani left nothing to chance. The furniture, wallpaper, and lamps all come from his own collection. Giorgio Armani also took a hands-on approach to service, overseeing everything from the amenities in the hotel rooms to the restaurant menus.
The 160 rooms and suites occupy the first eight floors. Additional rooms are located on the 38th and 39th floors.
The Armani Hotel Dubai also features:
- seven restaurants
- Nightclub
- Spa
- Outdoor Pool
- three stores
The Armani Residence occupies floors 9 through 16. These luxurious, fully furnished condominiums were also designed and furnished by Giorgio Armani. Of interest to investors: The studios, ranging from one to three bedrooms, cost between 1,600,000 and 7,600,000 AED (373,894 to 1,775,996 euros).
At.mosphere – Dinner with a Stunning View
On the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, foodies are in for a treat. The world’s highest restaurant is located 442 meters above ground, just below the observation deck. The restaurant’s outdoor area stands in stark contrast to the building’s modern and futuristic design. Guests are transported into the world of Art Deco and welcomed with gold, mosaic floors, and mirrored glass.
At.mosphere serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The elaborate breakfast and dinner menus are particularly popular with guests. At.mosphere features a restaurant and a lounge. The restaurant has a formal atmosphere. The lounge has a more casual vibe. A hidden gem is Secret Ladies’ Night, held every Tuesday. Well-known DJs get the party started. Women can enjoy unlimited drinks at the bar.
At.mosphere offers upscale international cuisine. For breakfast, guests can choose from waffles, French toast, or fresh fruit. The menu features caviar and oysters, as well as a 1.5-kilogram steak made from Wagyu beef. If you’d like to try a little of everything, treat yourself to the 6-course “At.mosphere Experience” tasting menu.
A special highlight is Afternoon Tea, served daily from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.:
- Mini Baked Goods
- Finger sandwiches
- Fresh English scones
- Main course of your choice
- Unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee
- a glass of sparkling wine or prosecco
Viewing platforms
The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, offers visitors a spectacular view. There are several observation decks to visit. The deck on the 124th floor is 450 meters high, making it higher than the Empire State Building in New York. Visitors reach the deck faster than they might expect. The world’s fastest double-decker elevators travel ten meters in one second. From the observation deck, and through various telescopes, the view stretches across the Dubai skyline and the Persian Gulf all the way to the nearby desert regions. Pure thrills: The virtual glass floor on the 125th floor suddenly appears to have cracked.
If you want to go even higher, you can have yourself driven up to “At the Top, Sky.” The world’s highest publicly accessible observation deck is located on the 148th floor, 555 meters above the ground. A visit to the observation deck comes with a VIP experience. Tickets cost more than admission to the lower observation decks. In return, you get a comfortable lounge, drinks, snacks, and personalized service. Bookings for the 148th floor also include access to the observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors.
A detailed explanation of the two tour options:
Burj Khalifa, Levels 124 and 125
- Accessible through the main entrance. The exit on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall leads to the Burj Khalifa elevator.
- The elevator goes up to “At The Top,” the two observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors.
- Level 124 is located 453 meters above ground level. High-powered telescopes enhance the view.
- An interactive experience awaits on Level 125. When you walk across the glass floor, it looks as if cracks are forming in the glass.
Burj Khalifa, Level 148
- To reach Level 148 (At The Top SKY), visitors must first reach Level 124, as described. On Level 124, they can ride the world’s fastest elevator.
- Separate tickets must be purchased to visit Level 148. Standard tickets only grant access to the observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors.
- At The Top SKY is the world’s highest observation deck, at 555 meters.
- There are fewer visitors on Level 148. The tour includes access to a luxurious lounge, drinks and snacks, a motion-sensing screen, and a personalized tour.
Directions to the Burj Khalifa
You can reach the Burj Khalifa by public transportation as follows:
- Bus: Bus routes 27, 28, 29, 50, and 81 stop at the Dubai Mall, which is right next to the Burj Khalifa. Buses 104, C26, and C28 run from Global Village to the Burj Khalifa.
- Metro: The metro is a popular and affordable way to get around Dubai. Get off the Dubai Metro’s Red Line at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. From there, it’s just a short walk to the building.
If you’re traveling by rental car, you can park at the Dubai Mall. The parking lots are accessible via Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Boulevard or Financial Center Road. The Dubai Opera and the Address Dubai Mall hotel are also good landmarks.
Burj Khalifa: Admission and Reservations
Tickets to visit the Burj Khalifa start at 179 AED/41.86 euros for adults. For children between the ages of three and eight, the price is 145 AED/33.96 euros. The building is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you get hungry, you can enjoy a three-course meal on the rooftop terrace at The Burj Club. The building can also be toured at night as part of a “Fountain Tour.”
The best view of the city, the sea, and the desert is in the late afternoon. That’s when visitors have a good chance of experiencing the impressive play of light before sunset from this fantastic vantage point. A tour lasts about 90 minutes.
Burj Khalifa – Visitor Guide
If you’re visiting Dubai, a tour of the Burj Khalifa is a must. We’ve put together some important facts about visiting the building.
When should I visit the Burj Khalifa?
Visiting the Burj Khalifa about an hour before sunset offers a breathtaking experience. You can enjoy the view in daylight, and visitors won’t want to miss the sunset, accompanied by a brilliant play of colors. Visitor traffic is heavy during the late afternoon and early evening hours. If you’re looking for a quiet visit and plenty of space on the observation decks, early morning or late evening is the best time to visit the Burj Khalifa.
When is the Burj Khalifa open?
The Burj Khalifa is open 24 hours a day. The opening hours for the various observation decks vary. The observation decks on levels 124 and 125 are open from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. Last admission is at 11:00 p.m. The observation deck on the 148th floor closes one hour earlier. The last visitors are admitted at 10:00 p.m.
How long does the tour last?
One hour is enough time to look around the observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors, enjoy the view, and take some photos. If you’d like to visit the observation deck on the 148th floor and watch the sunset, you should plan on spending at least two hours there.
Where can I find the Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa is impossible to miss and is also centrally located. The skyscraper is right next to the Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain. You enter the building through the ground floor of the Dubai Mall, where the elevators to the Burj Khalifa are located.
Can I book tickets for the Burj Khalifa in advance?
It is recommended that you book your tickets for the Burj Khalifa in advance. If you’re traveling to Dubai between November and March, expect large crowds. Tickets can be easily booked online.
Is the Burj Khalifa wheelchair-accessible?
People in wheelchairs can visit the building. The main entrance is wheelchair-accessible. Accessible elevators and restrooms are available.
An Overview of Dubai’s Tallest Skyscrapers
We don’t want to let the Burj Khalifa stand alone as the world’s tallest building. Dubai has a whole series of skyscrapers that are taller than 300 meters. Find out when they were built and what they’re currently used for.
Dream Dubai Marjna
- Height: 427 meters
- Floors: 101
- Year built: 2016
- Use: Hotel, Apartments
Princess Tower
- Height: 414 meters
- Floors: 101
- Year of manufacture: 2012
- Use: Apartments
23 Marina
- Height: 393 meters
- Floors: 90
- Year of manufacture: 2012
- Use: Apartments
Elite Residence
- Elevation: 380 meters
- Floors: 91
- Year of manufacture: 2012
- Use: Apartments
The World’s New Tallest Building
The Burj Khalifa is simply enormous. Is this an achievement that can’t be topped? Saudi Arabia isn’t willing to admit defeat, and plans for an even taller skyscraper began shortly after the Burj Khalifa’s inauguration. Will the Burj Khalifa soon be considered the second-tallest building in the world?
The vision for the Jeddah Tower was conceived based on plans by Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal. The skyscraper was intended to reach a height of at least 1,000 meters. This would have stripped the Burj Khalifa of its title as the world’s tallest structure.
Construction began in 2013. None other than Adrian Smith was brought on board for the project. As we recall, this American architect had previously designed the Burj Khalifa. At first, everything went according to plan at the construction site in the port city of Jeddah. About one-third of the gigantic structure had been completed. Then, in 2018, construction suddenly came to a halt.
The project was put on hold. According to “Arabian Gulf Business Insight,” this was due to corruption. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held key figures associated with the project accountable.
For a long time, the project seemed to have been forgotten. Then, in early 2025, things took a turn. Prince Alwaleed announced that construction on the Jeddah Tower was resuming. It seems the tip of the iceberg has not yet been reached. In northern Riyadh, a skyscraper nearly 2,000 meters tall is reportedly in the planning stages. The Japanese have proposed the “Tokyo 2045” project and aim to build a 1,700-meter-tall tower capable of accommodating 55,000 people.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.com – fokkebok (Fokke Baarssen)
