We traveled to Dubai recently for a long weekend. It was our first time to the city and our first visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), so we decided we had to begin our visit with a trip to the Burj Khalifa (برج خليفة). At over 828 meters (2,716.5 feet) and more than 160 stories (that's just over a half mile high, folks!), the Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world.
In fact, it holds the world records for:
- 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
Its construction lasted five years (2004-2009), and the lead architect was the same firm that designed the Sears Tower in Chicago, once itself a world record holder for tallest building.
The Burj Khalifa (which translates to the "Tower of Khalifa" in English) was named for the former president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. And the decision to construct the building and its surrounding downtown commercial/entertainment complex was part of the government's decision to begin diversifying away from a primarily oil-based economy, attract tourists, and for Dubai to gain international recognition. The skyscraper houses a 5-star hotel, around 900 high-end apartments, seven restaurants, and much more.
Our visit included access to the building's 148th, 125th, and 124th floors. Like many such attractions, tickets are required and the place is immensely popular. We splurged and paid extra for a "VIP" experience, which provided access to the 148th floor and included a 'fast pass' that whisked us past the throngs of people waiting in line, and quickly up the elevators to the 148th floor's quiet, elegant lounge and observation deck. Once we had our fill, we then descended to the visitor areas on the 125th and 124th floors.
For anyone considering a visit, the extra cost of the VIP experience is TOTALLY worth it, in my opinion...and be sure to buy your tickets in advance. Even with the fast pass, due to going through security and waiting in line for the elevators, it still took about 45 minutes to reach the top, starting from the ticket counter. I'm sure the queue/wait was much longer without it, and that only takes you to the 124th and 125th floors.
Likely a one-time experience for sure, but we enjoyed it. And after finishing a trip to the Burj Khalifa, one can peruse the many acres of shops, restaurants, fountains, and interesting-people watching at the Mall of Dubai, which spreads out from the base of the tower down below. We did!
Likely a one-time experience for sure, but we enjoyed it. And after finishing a trip to the Burj Khalifa, one can peruse the many acres of shops, restaurants, fountains, and interesting-people watching at the Mall of Dubai, which spreads out from the base of the tower down below. We did!
Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa from the window of our hotel room, which was on the 56th floor.
Waiting to be escorted to the elevators and the 148th floor.
A section of the 148th floor visitor lounge.
148th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
Downtown Dubai from the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
Downtown Dubai from the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa. The famous fountains are below. The fountains and water show were modeled after the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.
Looking upward from the 148th floor observation deck.
Downtown Dubai from the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa. The roof of the Mall of Dubai is in the foreground.
Observation deck on the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
Observation deck on the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
Observation deck on the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
View of the 124th floor observation deck, from the 125th floor.
125th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
125th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
View from the 125th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
125th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
Staircase from the 125th floor to the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
People watching on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
People watching on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
View upward from the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
On the way back down.
Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa at night.
Back to United Arab Emirates
