Burj Khalifa

At the Top of the Tallest Building in the World

Six years of blood, sweat and tears and now Dubai has the tallest building in the world.  The elegant mega structure stands at 828 feet and has broken a multitude of world records such as the highest and fastest elevator installation, the highest outdoor observation deck, the highest mosque and the highest fixed lavatory in the world! 

Initially named as the Burj Dubai during its development, the government of Dubai changed its name to the Burj Khalifa paying homage to the President of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan.

The tallest building in the world is made up of 900 luxury apartments, over 40 floors dedicated to office space and the first ever Armani Hotel with 160 luxury suites, studios and classic rooms.  For eating and entertainment, the highest restaurant and bar in the world is Atmosphere at the 122nd floor where just a steak can set you back $100 (USD).  Armani also boasts five of its own restaurants and a funky nightclub – the Armani Privé, turning up here in your day clothes just wont do. 

The world’s tallest observation deck known as ‘At the Top’ is on the 124th floor and is a smooth 60 second ride.  If you visit Dubai, the ‘At the Top’ viewing experience in the Burj Khalifa is one of our top things to do in Dubai - even for all you acrophobics!

Plan your visit in advance to achieve the viewing slot of your choice and pay a reduced rate.  1700 – 1830 are probably the most popular time slots to go due to sunset views and during the popular seasonal holiday periods (Oct – May) you may have to book up to 5 days in advance to grab these popular time slots, so best to make the trip to the booking office in Dubai Mall pretty much as soon as you arrive in Dubai and the likelihood of getting the day and timeslot of your choice will be better, if you don’t mind waiting a few days. However, you don’t have to visit during sunset, we’ve been during the early afternoon and had a lovely experience.  So long as you have a somewhat clear day you will enjoy the At the Top experience to the fullest.  Unfortunately, Dubai does have its overcast and cloudy days and if you happen to visit the At The Top experience on one of these unclear days you may be initially disappointed, but fear not.  The designers behind the observation gallery have invented a clever virtual telescope in which the position you are observing through the telescope can be shown as it is on a clear day and by night/day.  There are several of these telescopes available around the observation deck and cover every viewing angle.

Once on top of the world, take in some of the world’s most amazing views, the palm, the world islands, the emirates towers and the rapid continuous growth of Dubai.  If you are lucky enough to grab a slot after 5pm – stay and watch the Dubai musical fountain show – it’s great to view it from a different angle!

As a guide the admission prices as at May 2011 in Dirhams:

Adults – 100 AED for general admission (booking in advance).  AED 400 for immediate entry

Children - (4-12 yrs) 75 for general admission (booking in advance).  AED 400 for immediate entry.

Children under 3 are free.

To purchase tickets in advance visit www.burjkhalifa.ae