BURJ KHALIFA

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. 

Ready to soar up high, but not sure where to start? Book your experiences with Thrillark, and we’ll handle the rest. 

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.

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. 

Events & Celebrations at Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is the ultimate venue for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Every year, millions of people gather to witness a 20-minute fireworks and LED light show. This event is broadcast worldwide. It remains one of the longest fireworks displays in the world. 

The building is also illuminated throughout the year with themed light displays for national days, festivals, and global events. Make sure to arrive as early as possible, because the fireworks begin at midnight. Take your camera along to capture this stunning sight. 

Ever experienced a blend of dance, music, theater, and acrobatics in one place? If not, book your tickets for La Perle by Dragone. 

Sustainability at Burj Khalifa

Despite its massive scale, the Burj Khalifa is built with sustainability in mind. For cooling and irrigation, a smart condensation system collects over 15 million gallons of water each year. A reflective glass reduces heat absorption. Along with advanced air circulation and water recycling, these features make the world’s tallest tower surprisingly eco-friendly.

Art & Culture at the Burj Khalifa 

At the Burj Khalifa, visitors can admire over 1,000 artworks created by international and Middle Eastern artists. These pieces reflect themes of global harmony and Dubai’s cultural richness. 

This carefully curated collection adds depth to the visitor experience. From contemporary sculptures to traditional calligraphy, the art seamlessly blends with the tower’s modern design. The skyscraper turns into a vertical gallery. 

Want to step into the future? Then, Dubai’s Museum of the Future can be your time machine.