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High, higher, highest: Burj Khalifa

Nobody knows for how long the Burj Khalifa will continue to be the highest tower in the world. For now, the impressive 829.84-metre-high building in Dubai still holds this record. To get an idea of just how tall the Burj Khalifa is, it is twice as high as the imposing Empire State Building in New York.

Since its inauguration on 4 January 2010, the Burj Khalifa has become one of Dubai’s most popular attractions. This is hardly surprising as the top of this incredible structure can be seen from 95 kilometres away. Its prominent shape, inspired by the Hymenocallis desert flower, has transformed the Burj Khalifa into an architectural masterpiece. During the construction, the final height of the building was a closely guarded secret to prevent any other building in Dubai from beating its record.

Burj Khalifa: singular altitude
Burj Khalifa: singular altitude

Dubai

Abound in records

The Burj Khalifa can only be described in superlatives. The total construction bill came to an incredible 1.3 billion euro. A square metre of office space costs more than US$43,000. The building has also earned numerous records: it is home to the world’s highest mosque (on the 158th floor) and the highest restaurant (122nd floor). It also boasts more floors than any other building in the world (160 floors).
A building full of superlatives
Evening view from Burj Khalifa

360 degree panorama

The building’s construction is a photographer’s dream, both inside and outside. There are 2 distinct times that are ideal for photographing the Burj Khalifa: in the daytime when the structure is framed by the bright blue sky, and at night after sunset, during the so-called ‘blue hour’. These times of the day, right after sunrise or just before sunset, are when the sky turns a striking colour of blue. The best vantage point for taking some spectacular photographs is from the Observation Deck on the 124th floor, which boasts an unimpeded view over the entire city.
A blue glow frames the Burj Khalifa

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