TRAVEL/PHOTOGRAPHY/INSPIRATION
Awe-inspiring Views from Atop the Burj Khalifa
An extraordinary union of art, engineering, and meticulous craftsmanship
“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes, physician and writer
In September 2022, my family and I took a ten-day vacation to Dubai, UAE, fulfilling a long-standing desire to explore this incredible city.
Our initial destination was the renowned Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper.
The Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters (2,722 feet). Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill designed the structure, which was completed in 2010.
The Burj Khalifa is a mixed-use development that includes luxury apartments, office space, and a variety of amenities such as a hotel, restaurants, and observation decks.
The building has become a symbol of Dubai and a popular tourist destination, with its observation deck providing panoramic views of the city.
Our Visit
Upon entering the Dubai Mall and making our way towards the Burj Khalifa visitor center, we were greeted by a remarkable showcase of luxury. Thankfully, having pre-booked and chosen the off-season for tourists, we were spared the lengthy queues.
Our journey commenced at the entrance to the halls leading to the elevators, where exhibits detailed the history of the Burj Khalifa. Before boarding the final elevator, we explored a spacious exhibit room featuring comprehensive displays, including images of the construction process.
The elevator ascent was smooth and swift, taking only 60 seconds to reach the two-story At the Top observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors. While we opted not to explore the pricier uppermost floors (148th and 155th), the lower levels provided exceptional panoramic views that delighted us upon exiting the elevator.
The viewing platform on the 124th and 125th floors had no time restrictions, offering a fantastic view of Dubai. Both observation floors were exceptionally secure, equipped with protective fencing and security glass. Complimentary telescopic viewers were available for a closer look at the cityscape.
Souvenir and snack shops were conveniently located for visitors, and additional exhibits, along with a scale model of the Burj Khalifa, could be found in the exit corridors. Taking the time to explore these displays enhanced our understanding of how this building stands out amidst the densely packed skyscrapers in Dubai.
For your enjoyment, here are some pictures capturing the breathtaking views from the top.
Facts about the Burj Khalifa
- The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and has been recognized as a symbol of modern Dubai.
- It’s so tall that you can see it from 95 kilometers away.
- This magnificent 2,722 feet tall structure with 160 floors is located next to Dubai Mall and has drawn visitors worldwide since it opened in 2010.
- The Burj Khalifa took six years to build, totaling 22 million hours of labor.
- It was named after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates.
- It is still one of the city’s most visited icons and one of the world’s most photographed structures.
The Burj Khalifa holds the following records:
- The tallest building in the world
- Tallest free-standing structure in the world
- The highest number of stories in the world
- Highest occupied floor in the world
- The highest outdoor observation deck in the world
- Elevator with the longest travel distance in the world
- Tallest service elevator in the world
Final Thoughts
Visiting the top of the Burj Khalifa is undoubtedly a must-do while in Dubai.
Website: http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/
What is the tallest structure you have ever visited from the top floor?
Related By B.R. Shenoy:
