Burj Khalifa
If you plan to visit Dubai, you cannot miss the opportunity to see the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. This amazing skyscraper is a marvel of engineering and architecture and a symbol of Dubai’s ambition and vision. In this blog post, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Burj Khalifa, from its history and design to its attractions and facts.
History
The Burj Khalifa was conceived as part of a development project called Downtown Dubai, which aimed to create a new city center and a global destination. The project was launched in 2004 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and the prime minister of the United Arab Emirates.
The construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004 and was completed in 2009. The building was officially inaugurated on January 4, 2010, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of Sheikh. Mohammed’s accession to power. The building was originally named Burj Dubai but was renamed Burj Khalifa in honor of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE and the ruler of Abu Dhabi, who supported Dubai during the global financial crisis 2008.
The Great Skyscraper
The Burj Khalifa stands at a staggering height of 828 meters (2,717 feet), making it the tallest building in the world by far. It has more than 160 floors, which include residences, offices, hotels, restaurants, observation decks, and a mosque.
The design of the Burj Khalifa was inspired by the shape of a desert flower called Hymenocallis, which has six petals that form a star. The building has three wings arranged around a central core, creating a Y-shaped plan that maximizes the views and reduces the wind load. The building also features a spire that adds 200 meters (656 feet) to its height and a cladding system comprising more than 26,000 glass panels that reflect the sunlight and create a shimmering effect.
Points of Interest
The Burj Khalifa offers many attractions for visitors who want to experience its beauty and grandeur. Some of the most popular ones are:
At The Top
This is the name of the observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Dubai and beyond, as well as interactive exhibits and virtual reality experiences. You can also access the Sky Lounge, relaxing and enjoying refreshments.
At The Top SKY
This is the name of the world’s highest observation deck, located on the 148th floor of the building. Here, you can enjoy an exclusive and personalized experience, with access to a luxury lounge and a guided tour by a guest ambassador. You can also see breathtaking views from an outdoor terrace 555 meters (1,821 feet) above ground level.
The Lounge
is the name of the world’s highest lounge, located on the 152nd to 154th floors of the building. Here, you can enjoy live entertainment, fine dining, and cocktails while admiring stunning views of Dubai.
Burj Club
This premium fitness and wellness club is on the 18th to 20th floors. Here, you can enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, such as a gym, a spa, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop restaurant.
Armani Hotel
This luxury hotel occupies 11 building floors, from the concourse level to the 8th floor and from the 38th to the 39th floor. Here, you can enjoy elegant rooms and suites, exquisite dining options, and exclusive services designed by Giorgio Armani.
Some interesting facts
Here are some interesting facts about the Burj Khalifa that you may not know:
- It took more than 22 million person-hours to build it.
- It used more than 330,000 cubic meters (11.6 million cubic feet) of concrete, which is equivalent to the weight of 100,000 elephants.
- It used more than 39,000 tons of steel rebar, which is laid end to end and would extend over a quarter of the way around the world.
- It has more than 24,000 windows cleaned by specially designed robots.
- It has more than 160 elevators that can travel at speeds of up to 10 meters (33 feet) per second.
- It has more than 3,000 stairs that span over 2 kilometers (1.2 miles).
- It has the world’s highest swimming pool on the 76th floor, the world’s highest restaurant on the 122nd floor, and the world’s highest nightclub on the 144th floor.
Need a tip before the visit?
If you want to visit the Burj Khalifa, here are some tips that may help you:
When is it open?
The Burj Khalifa is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The observation decks have different opening hours depending on the season and the day of the week. You can check the official website for more details.
What to wear?
There is no dress code for visiting the Burj Khalifa, but you should dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather and the occasion. You may also want to bring a jacket or a sweater, as it can get chilly at higher altitudes.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, the Burj Khalifa suits visitors of all ages and interests. Special facilities and activities exist for children, such as a kids’ zone, a play area, and a virtual reality game. There are also discounts and offers for families and groups.
When is it best to visit?
The best time to visit the Burj Khalifa depends on your preference and budget. If you want to see the city during the day, you may want to visit in the morning or afternoon, when the visibility is good and the crowds are less.
If you want to see the city at night, you may want to visit in the evening or at night, when the lights are dazzling and the atmosphere is lively. You may also want to time your visit with the Dubai Fountain show, which takes place every 30 minutes from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. However, keep in mind that these times are also the most popular and expensive, so you may need to book your tickets in advance and pay a premium price.
Landmarks in Dubai
Dubai driving trip from Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to Sallet Al Sayad Seafood Restaurant
Direction 1: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Get on Al Khail Rd/D68 from Dubai Mall service road (3 min, 2.4 km)
a. Head southeast on Acces to Dubai Mall Main Entrance (51 m)
b. Keep left to continue toward Dubai Mall service road (80 m)
c. Continue onto Dubai Mall service road (900 m)
d. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Bur Dubai/City Center/Deira/E66/Business Bay Cr/D71/DXB Airport, and merge onto Al Khail Rd/D68 (1.3 km)
2. Get on Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (2 min, 2.8 km)
a. Merge onto Al Khail Rd/D68 (650 m)
b. Take the E66 W/2nd Zaa’beel St/D73 ramp to Oud Maitha Rd (300 m)
c. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (1.0 km)
d. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Oud Maitha Rd/E66 W/Bur Dubai/Latifa Hospital (450 m)
e. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (190 m)
f. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for E66 W/Oud Maitha Rd/Bur Dubai/Latifa Hospital, and merge onto Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (220 m)
3. Continue on Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 to Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75. Take exit 1A from Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (3 min, 3.4 km)
a. Merge onto Al Ain – Dubai Rd/Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/E66 (850 m)
b. Take exit 1A for Al Sa’ada St/D86/Sheikh Rashid St/D75/E11 S/Sheikh Zayed Rd toward PR Port/Latifa Hospital/Abu Dhabi (180 m)
c. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (650 m)
d. Keep right at the fork and follow signs for D75 W/PR Port/Sheikh Rashid St (1.1 km)
e. Keep right to continue toward Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (290 m)
f. Keep left at the fork and merge onto Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (350 m)
4. Drive along D92 (7 min, 5.1 km)
a. Merge onto Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (210 m)
b. Slight left (1.0 km)
c. Merge onto Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (700 m)
d. Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout and stay on Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75, heading to Port Rashid (280 m)
e. Turn right onto Al Mina St/D92 (600 m)
f. Continue straight onto Al Khaleej Rd/Al Mina St/D92, and follow Al Khaleej Rd/D92 (500 m)
g. Keep left to stay on al Khaleej Rd/D92 (1.2 km)
h. Slight right (210 m)
i. Merge onto Al Khaleej St/D92 (350 m)
5. Drive to your destination (3 min, 1.2 km)
a. Slight right (350 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (150 m)
c. Turn right, and the destination will be on the right (700 m).
Direction 2: House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum
779R+72F – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Continue to Dubai (3 min, 1.0 km)
a. Head northeast (700 m)
b. Turn left (87 m)
c. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit (200 m)
2. Drive along D92, Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75, 36th St, 2nd Za’abeel Rd/D73, and Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (13 min, 6.9 km)
a. Keep left (1.4 km)
b. Keep right to continue toward Al Khaleej St (160 m)
c. Merge onto Al Khaleej St (260 m)
d. Continue onto Khalid Bin Al Waleed Rd (180 m)
e. Continue straight onto al Khaleej Rd/D92, and follow D92 (450 m)
f. Continue straight onto Al Mina St/D92 (290 m)
g. Keep left to stay on Al Mina St/D92 (22 m)
h. Slight left toward Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (100 m)
i. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 (550 m)
j. Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout and stay on Sheikh Rashid Rd/D75 heading to Za’abeel/E11 (450 m)
k. Turn right toward 36th St (150 m)
l. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto 36th St, go through 3 roundabouts (1.3 km)
m. Continue straight onto Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St/D88 (280 m)
n. At Trade Centre Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto 2nd Za’abeel Rd/D73 heading to Za’abeel/D.X.B. Airport/DIFC/Trade Center/Jumeirah Emirates Towers (650 m)
o. Turn right onto Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (400 m)
p. Keep left to stay on Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (18 m)
q. Keep left to stay on Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (270 m)
3. Turn right (28 sec, 180 m)
Direction 3: Dubai World Trade Centre
67FP+8QM – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Continue to Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (3 min, 750 m)
a. Head northwest (260 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit (400 m)
c. Slight right toward Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (76 m)
2. Take Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 and Al Safa St/D71 to Al Multaqa St (5 min, 3.9 km)
a. Turn right onto Al Mustaqbal St/D86 (250 m)
b. Turn right (signs for Dubai/Abu Dhabi/E11) (1.2 km)
c. Merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (750 m)
d. Take exit 50A for D71 W/Al Safa St toward Jumeira (Toll road, 240 m)
e. Keep right at the fork and merge onto Al Safa St/D71 (750 m)
f. Keep right to stay on Al Safa St/D71 (600 m)
g. Turn left toward Al Multaqa St (76 m)
3. Continue on Al Multaqa St. Drive to Al Madina St (2 min, 550 m)
a. Turn left onto Al Multaqa St (350 m)
a. Turn left onto Al Madina St, The destination will be on the right (180 m).
Direction 4: The Green Planet
City Walk – Al Wasl – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Take Al Madina St to Al Safa St/D71 (2 min, 600 m)
a. Head southeast on Al Madina St toward Happiness St (300 m)
b. Turn left onto Happiness St (300 m)
2. Get on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (2 min, 1.8 km)
a. Turn right onto Al Safa St/D71 (400 m)
b. Take the E11 N ramp to Al Sharjah (1.4 km)
3. Continue on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 to your destination (9 min, 7.3 km)
a. Merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (450 m)
b. Keep left to stay on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (3.0 km)
c. Take exit 54A-55 for D79/E66/Oud Maitha Rd toward Al Ain (140 m)
d. Keep right at the fork to continue toward Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/D79/E66 (300 m)
e. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for E11 N/DXB Airport/Sheikh Rashid Rd/Al Sharjah (500 m)
f. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for D79 W/Bur Dubai, and merge onto Oud Maitha Rd/Oud Metha Rd/D79/E66 (1.5 km)
g. Take the exit toward Umm Hurair 2/Floating Bridge (350 m)
h. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Creek Park/Dr Sulaiman Al Habib/Children’s City/Wonder Land, and merge onto 20th St (Partial restricted usage road, 1.0 km)
4. Turn right (Restricted usage road, destination will be on the right, 34 sec, 86 m)
Direction 5: Dubai Dolphinarium
Riyadh Street, Inside the Creek Park Gate 1 – Dubai Dolphinarium Building – Umm Hurair 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Get on E11 from Riyadh St (4 min, 1.5 km)
a. Head northwest (Restricted usage road, 86 m)
b. Turn left toward 20th St (Partial restricted usage road, 87 m)
c. Continue straight onto 20th St (57 m)
d. Turn left onto Riyadh St/D81 (450 m)
e. Continue straight to stay on Riyadh St/D81 (290 m)
f. Keep right to stay on Riyadh St/D81, and follow Riyadh St (400 m)
g. Take the ramp on the left onto E11 (170 m)
2. Take exit 54 from E11 (3 min, 4.0 km)
a. Merge onto E11 (3.2 km)
b. Take exit 54 toward Zaa’beel St (750 m)
3. Drive to your destination (1 min, 600 m)
a. Continue straight (110 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit (230 m)
c. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Al Majlis St, heading to Za’abeel Park/Trade Centre/Al-Satwa/Area B (91 m)
d. Take the exit (180 m)
e. Enter the roundabout (13 m)
Direction 6: Dubai Garden Glow
Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7 Area – B – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Get on Al Majlis St (1 min, 160 m)
a. Head south (8 m)
b. Exit the roundabout onto the Al Majlis St ramp (160 m)
2. Drive along D78 and Baniyas Rd/D85. Take the exit toward Dhow Wharfage from Baniyas Rd/D85 (9 min, 7.2 km)
a. Merge onto Al Majlis St (500 m)
b. At the Trade Centre Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the E11 N ramp to General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs/Al Sharjah/DXB Airport (550 m)
c. Merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (240 m)
d. Take exit 54A-55 for D79/E66/Oud Maitha Rd toward Al Ain (140 m)
e. Keep left at the fork to continue on Exit 54B (210 m)
f. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for D78/Umm Hurair St/Deira/D84 N/Zaa’beel St/Bur Dubai (550 m)
g. Keep at the fork to continue toward Umm Hurair Rd/D78 (85 m)
h. Continue onto Umm Hurair Rd/D78 and follow D78 (1.2 km)
i. Keep left to continue on Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78 (Toll road, 1.8 km)
j. Keep right to stay on Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78 (28 m)
k. Take the D85 ramp to City Center/Deira/Al Ras (140 m)
l. Keep at the fork to continue toward Baniyas Rd/D85 (49 m)
m. Keep right at the fork and merge onto Baniyas Rd/D85 (450 m)
n. Keep left to stay on Baniyas Rd/D85 (650 m)
o. Slight left toward Baniyas Rd/D85 (150 m)
p. Sharp left onto Baniyas Rd/D85 (450 m)
q. Take the exit toward Dhow Wharfage (56 m)
3. Drive to your destination (1 min, 290 m)
a. At the roundabout, take the 4th exit (250 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit, and the destination will be on the right (43 m)
Direction 7: Dhow Wharfage
7859+85Q – 90 Baniyas Rd – Port Saeed – Riggat Al Buteen – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Get on Baniyas Rd/D85 (4 min, 950 m)
a. Head southwest (650 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (250 m)
c. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the Baniyas Rd/D85 ramp (45 m)
2. Take D78 and Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 to your destination (11 min, 10.1 km)
a. Merge onto Baniyas Rd/D85 (110 m)
b. Take the Al Maktoum Br/D78 ramp to City Center/Bur Dubai (Toll road, 350 m)
c. Merge onto Al Maktoum Bridge/Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78 (Toll road, 400 m)
d. Keep left to continue on Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78 (Toll road, 400 m)
e. Keep left to stay on Tariq Bin Ziyad Rd/D78, and continue to follow D78 (1.9 km)
f. Keep left to continue on Umm Hurair Rd/D78 (260 m)
g. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for E11 S/Sheikh Zayed Rd/Abu Dhabi, and merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (1.0 km)
h. Keep left to stay on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (3.3 km)
i. Take exit 50A for D71 W/Al Safa St toward Jumeira (Toll road, 240 m)
j. Keep left at the fork to continue on Exit 50B (650 m)
k. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Financial Center Rd/D71 (180 m)
l. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for The Dubai Mall/Za’abeel/Burj Khalifa/D71, and merge onto Financial Center Rd/D71 (600 m)
m. Turn right onto Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd (signs for D921/Burj Khalifa) (650 m)
3. Turn left (26 sec, 71 m).
Direction 8: Burj Khalifa
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
1. Continue to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd (49 sec, 140 m)
a. Head southeast (18 m)
b. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit (120 m)
2. Get on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (5 min, 2.1 km)
a. Turn right onto Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd (650 m)
b. Turn left onto Financial Center Rd/D71 (450 m)
c. Take the E11 N/Sheikh Zayed Rd ramp (1.0 km)
3. Continue on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 to 16th St. Take exit 54A-55 from Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (4 min, 5.2 km)
a. Merge onto Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (450 m)
b. Keep left to stay on Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 (3.0 km)
c. Take exit 54A-55 for D79/E66/Oud Maitha Rd toward Al Ain (140 m)
d. Keep left at the fork to continue on Exit 54B (210 m)
e. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Bur Dubai (500 m)
f. Keep right at the fork to continue toward 16th St (500 m)
g. Keep at the fork to continue toward 16th St (300 m)
4. Continue on 16th St. Take 45B St to 47C Street (2 min, 450 m)
a. Continue onto 16th St (110 m)
b. Turn right onto 45B St (190 m)
c. Turn right onto 20B St (66 m)
d. Turn left to stay on 20B St (21 m)
e. Turn right onto 47C Street, destination will be on the right (70 m)
Direction 9: Sallet Al Sayad Seafood Restaurant
Bin Abdulah, AL Shafar building – 46 47C Street – Al Karama – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
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