Everything You Need to Know About Burj Khalifa

March 19, 2023March 19, 2023 Ellen 18 Views 0 Comments

Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and a prominent landmark of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is an architectural masterpiece that stands tall and proud in the skyline of the city. In this article, we will explore everything about Burj Khalifa, from its history to its construction, design, and features.

History of Burj Khalifa

The idea of constructing Burj Khalifa was first conceived in the 1990s when Dubai started to become a global business and tourism hub. In 2004, the construction of Burj Khalifa began, and it took six years to complete the building. The building was officially inaugurated on January 4, 2010, by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Design and Construction of Burj Khalifa

The design of Burj Khalifa was inspired by the shape of a desert flower called Hymenocallis. The architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed the building. It is a mixed-use building that includes residential, commercial, and hotel spaces. The building has a total of 163 floors, including a public observation deck on the 124th floor.

The construction of Burj Khalifa was a complex and challenging process that required innovative engineering solutions. The foundation of the building was laid 50 meters below ground level, and the building’s concrete core rises up to 828 meters, with a steel spire reaching even higher.

Interesting Facts about Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is not only the tallest building in the world, but it also has several unique and interesting facts that make it a one-of-a-kind structure. Some of the most notable facts about Burj Khalifa are:

Height

Burj Khalifa stands at a height of 828 meters (2,716 feet) and has 163 floors. It is currently the tallest building in the world.

Elevators

Burj Khalifa has the world’s fastest elevators, which can travel at a speed of 10 meters per second.

Observation Decks and Views

Burj Khalifa has two observation decks that offer stunning views of Dubai and its surroundings. The first observation deck, called At The Top, is located on the 124th floor and offers a 360-degree view of the city. The second observation deck, called At The Top Sky, is located on the 148th floor and is the highest observation deck in the world.

Residential and Commercial Spaces

Burj Khalifa is not just a tourist attraction, but it is also a place where people live and work. The building has 900 luxury residential apartments and 304 hotel rooms. It also has several commercial spaces, including offices, restaurants, and retail stores.

Iconic LED Light Shows

Burj Khalifa is known for its spectacular LED light shows that take place every night. The building has a total of 70,000 LED bulbs that can be programmed to display various patterns and designs.

Water System

Burj Khalifa has a unique water system that uses recycled water for irrigation and cleaning. The building also has a condensate recovery system that collects moisture from the air conditioning system and uses it for irrigation.

Sustainability of Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is also a symbol of sustainability and eco-friendliness. The building has several green features, such as a condensate collection system that collects water from the building’s air conditioning system and uses it for irrigation. The building also uses a smart cooling system that reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain

Burj Khalifa is located next to the Dubai Fountain, which is a captivating water fountain system that features a stunning choreographed water and light show. The fountain system is located in the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake and is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The fountain is accompanied by music, and the water shoots up to heights of up to 500 feet.

Records and Achievements of Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa holds several records and achievements, including:

Tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters (2,716 feet).
Tallest freestanding structure in the world.
Highest observation deck in the world, located on the 148th floor.
Highest occupied floor in the world, located on the 160th floor.
Fastest elevator in the world, traveling at a speed of 36 km/h (22 mph).
Largest LED-illuminated façade in the world.

Burj Khalifa in Pop Culture

Burj Khalifa has been featured in several movies, TV shows, and video games. It has also served as a backdrop for several events and performances. Some of the most notable appearances of Burj Khalifa in pop culture are:

The building served as the inspiration for the Burj Khalifa Tower in the movie Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.
Burj Khalifa appeared in the video game Assassin’s Creed: Revelations.
The building was featured in the music video of the song “At the Top” by Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram.

Visiting Burj Khalifa

Visitors can visit Burj Khalifa and experience the stunning views from its observation decks. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket counters located at the building’s entrance. Visitors can also book a table at one of the building’s restaurants or visit its retail stores.

Conclusion

Burj Khalifa is a true engineering marvel that has become an iconic symbol of Dubai. Its unique design, construction techniques, and features have made it a must-visit destination for tourists and architecture enthusiasts alike. Although it has faced criticism and controversy, Burj Khalifa remains a remarkable achievement of human ingenuity and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How tall is Burj Khalifa?

Burj Khalifa stands at a height of 828 meters (2,716 feet).

2. How many floors does Burj Khalifa have?

Burj Khalifa has 163 floors.

3. How long did it take to construct Burj Khalifa?

It took six years to construct Burj Khalifa, from 2004 to 2010.

4. What is the design inspiration behind Burj Khalifa?

The initial design of Burj Khalifa was inspired by the Hymenocallis flower, a native plant of the Arabian Peninsula.

5. What is the world’s highest outdoor observation deck?

The world’s highest outdoor observation deck is located on the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa and is called At The Top.

6. How many LED bulbs does Burj Khalifa have?

Burj Khalifa has a total of 70,000 LED bulbs.

7. What is the water system in Burj Khalifa?

8. Can visitors go to the top of Burj Khalifa?

Yes, visitors can go to the top of Burj Khalifa and experience the breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline. There are two observation decks located on the 124th and 148th floors of the building. Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the ticket counter located in the lower ground level of the Dubai Mall.

9. What is the cost of visiting Burj Khalifa?

The cost of visiting Burj Khalifa depends on the type of ticket you purchase. Tickets for the 124th floor observation deck start at 149 AED ($40 USD) for adults and 114 AED ($31 USD) for children. Tickets for the 148th floor observation deck, called At The Top SKY, start at 378 AED ($103 USD) for adults and 378 AED ($103 USD) for children.

10. How long does it take to visit Burj Khalifa?

The duration of the visit to Burj Khalifa depends on the type of ticket you purchase. Visitors with regular tickets for the 124th floor observation deck can stay for a maximum of 1.5 hours. Visitors with At The Top SKY tickets for the 148th floor observation deck can stay for a maximum of 30 minutes.

11. What other attractions are located near Burj Khalifa?

Burj Khalifa is located in Downtown Dubai, which is home to several other popular tourist attractions. Some of these attractions include The Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Opera, and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

12. How was Burj Khalifa’s construction funded?

The construction of Burj Khalifa was funded by the government of Dubai and the developer Emaar Properties. The estimated cost of construction was $1.5 billion USD.

IST Times