BURJ KHALIFA

Dubai

About Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the world’s tallest man-made structure, standing as an iconic symbol of modern engineering and Dubai’s vision for innovation. Rising to a striking 2,717 feet with 163 floors, it redefines architectural boundaries and dominates the city’s skyline.

Originally named Burj Dubai, it was renamed in honor of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, in recognition of his support in completing the project. Another iconic vision by him is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, which stands as a symbol of peace and architectural brilliance.

Designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the tower’s design was inspired by the Hymenocallis flower. Its Y-shaped floor plan maximizes views and provides structural stability.

Burj Khalifa holds multiple records. With its construction beginning in 2004, it became the world’s tallest structure in just 1,325 days.
It was envisioned not just as a building but as the centerpiece of a vast mixed-use development. It is surrounded by a total of 9 hotels, 30,000 homes, about 19 residential skyscrapers, 7.4 acres of parkland, 12 hectares of artificial Burj Khalifa Lake, the Dubai Mall, and The Address Downtown Dubai hotel.
Fun Fact: It took 330,000 truckloads of concrete, 39,000 tons of steel, over 100,000 square meters of glass, and 22 million hours of work to build this masterpiece.

Burj Khalifa offers three major observation levels:

At The Top (124th & 125th floors) – Opened in 2010 at 1,483 feet, it offers 360° views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
At The Top SKY (148th floor, 555 m / 1,821 ft) – Opened in 2014, it briefly held the record for the world’s highest observation deck.
The Lounge (152nd–154th floors) – One of the highest lounges in the world, offering luxury high tea and sunset views.

To enhance the experience, guests can also use augmented reality telescopes, which not only display live views of Dubai but also allow them to explore historic images of how the city has evolved over time.
The Burj Khalifa isn’t just about record-breaking heights; it's a hub for luxury. Inside, you’ll find the stylish Armani Hotel Dubai and sky-high dining at At.mosphere on the 122nd floor. From fine dining to relaxing in pools and wellness lounges, the tower takes luxury to new heights.
Planning a trip to Dubai? Then check out: Top Things to Do in Dubai.

Burj Khalifa Highlights

The tower offers world-class leisure facilities, including luxurious swimming pools, stylish lounges, serene spas, and wellness centers designed for ultimate relaxation.
Its high-speed elevators zoom at 36 km/h, making them among the fastest in the world and giving visitors a thrilling ride to the top in just seconds.
Guests can experience the world’s highest observation decks and lounges, where panoramic views stretch endlessly across Dubai’s skyline.
Watching the sunset over the Arabian Desert from the Burj Khalifa is a truly breathtaking moment that blends natural beauty with architectural wonder.
Right outside the tower at the Burj Khalifa Lake, you’ll be amazed by the Dubai Fountain show, one of the largest synchronized water displays on Earth, combining lights, music, and dancing water.

Best Time to Visit Burj Khalifa

The best time to visit Burj Khalifa is during sunset hours, from 4 PM to 6 PM, when the city is bathed in golden light. Evening visits are also popular, as they offer stunning views of Dubai’s sparkling night lights.

Note: Sunset slots may be more expensive due to high demand.
Entry Rules:

Children under the age of 4 can enter free of cost, but if you’re above the age of 12, you will have to pay the full amount.
Large pieces of luggage are not allowed inside the tower. You can store your baggage securely in an allotted area.
Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is mandatory.
You can download the official “At the Top” app to get relevant information regarding tickets, guides, and AR features.