The record-breaking building you’re looking at is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. It’s the tallest tower in the world, at 829 meters, and has the highest number of floors, totaling 163, as well as the fastest elevators and the highest observation decks.
This unique construction is located in the heart of the city, in the center of Downtown Dubai, near the main business district.
The name means Khalifa Tower, and it is named in honor of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan.
It took almost six years to build, costing a massive billion and a half dollars. Thirty companies from various countries and people of 196 different nationalities were involved in the construction work, offering an unprecedented example of international collaboration.
From the outside, it looks as if it’s composed of a number of different elements that rise gradually up to form a spiral, which sparkles in the daylight and glows spectacularly when lit up at night.
The ultra-luxurious interior justifies the sky-high prices of the offices and apartments: at around $40,000 dollars per square meter, they’re not exactly for every budget…
In the Burj Khalifa, you can find the Armani Hotel, designed and developed by the renowned Italian designer Giorgio, who also took care personally of even the smallest details in the hotel’s rooms and suites. There are also apartments for a privileged few, complete with all kinds of facilities, such as gyms and indoor and outdoor pools.
Although it doesn’t exactly come cheap, you might like to visit the lookout point on the 124th floor, called “At the top”, or the even more spectacular one on the 148th floor, “At the top SKY”, 555 meters high and with an outdoor terrace.
Let me leave you with an interesting fact: on the 122th floor of the Burj Khalifa, 442 meters from the ground, you’ll find the world’s highest restaurant, with the fitting name of At.Mosphere! The views over the Persian Gulf and the sophisticated cuisine will leave you speechless – but bear in mind the bill probably will too!
