Everything you need to know about the largest attraction of Dubai – Burj Khalifa

As you all might already know, Burj Khalifa is the tallest skyscraper in the world featuring 163 floors offering 360-degree views of the skyline of Dubai. Burj Khalifa holds plenty of world records being a 2,716.5 feet tall building with high-speed elevators that travel the longest travel distance, the highest observation deck, the tallest art gallery and so much more. The tower features a total of 54 working elevators that can travel 40 miles per hour. Burj Khalifa tower was constructed by Emaar Properties in 6 years and was opened for the public on January 4^th, 2010. The concept of Burj Khalifa was put forward by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum to enhance the ever-growing status of Dubai as a popular tourist destination. Burj Khalifa is located on the busiest tourism hub, Downtown Dubai which is home to various popular attractions of the city including the Dubai Opera, The Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, and more. Considering all of these factors, your trip to Dubai is incomplete without visiting this record-breaking tallest building of the world.

Unknown Facts about the Burj Khalifa Tower:

• It is said that the temperature from the base to the top of the tower is different, the temperature is 6^oC cooler at the top of the tower.
• Burj Khalifa is thrice as tall as the Eiffel Tower in Palace and twice the height of the Empire State Building in the US.
• It is said that if you lay out each piece of Burj Khalifa from end to end you can cover more than a quarter of the surface of the Earth.
• This tower cost around USD 1.5 billion which was paid within the first year of inauguration.

Design of Burj Khalifa:

The design of Burj Khalifa is inspired by the natural landscape and culture of Dubai. This tower was designed by Adrian Smith and the architecture firm of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. From the bird’s eye view, this tower resembles a “Y shape” because the wide foundation of Burj Khalifa is built to optimize the hospitality and residential space. The tower rises in cross-sections that reduces the area as it goes upward. The neo-futuristic design of Burj Khalifa is inspired by tiger lily, desert lily, and spider lily, a regional flower that grows in the UAE.

To maintain the design of Burj Khalifa, cutting-edge techniques are used. The curtain wall of the tower is the size of 17 football pitches. The cleaning of the tower requires 36 employees and a minimum of 90 days.

Things to do at Burj Khalifa

• Make sure to ride the “travelator” which is a 65-meter long elevator ride that travels at a speed of 10 meters per second. This takes you up to the observation floors. On your way up, you would be able to watch an informative multi-media display through which you will learn about the significant moments and important history of the UAE including how it serves as a significant icon of the Middle East.
• Don’t forget to visit the 125^th floor of Burj Khalifa which is 456 meters above the ground. This spacious deck is decorated with Arabic mushrabiya. You can reach this floor by taking the spiral staircase from the 124^{th floor.} 
• Explore the birds-eye view of the city from the 125^th floor of Burj Khalifa that puts all the major attractions of the city in perspective compared to Burj Khalifa.
• Look through the telescopes present on the 124^th and 125^th floors of this tower featuring high zoom full HD cameras that provide an interactive way to see the lights of the city and learn about different landmarks.
• The dancing fountain show is more remarkable when you hear the sound of water from the top of Burj Khalifa, don’t forget to enjoy this unique experience.
• If you want to experience the luxury of this place, make sure to visit the lobby of Armani Hotel Dubai designed by the famous Giorgio Armani.
• Make sure to check out the lobby of The Residence at Burj Khalifa. A sculpture named “Voices of the World” is present within this lobby designed by Jaume Plensa. This sculpture features 196 cymbal instruments that depict the sound of water dripping from the ceiling. The sounds created through these instruments are meant to sound like the voices of people from around the world.

Tips for visiting Burj Khalifa:

• Do not forget to visit the At The Top observation deck of Burj Khalifa.
• Make sure to enjoy the views from the top of Burj Khalifa because you cannot miss it.
• This place offers you great photo opportunities so make sure to carry your selfie stick and camera.
• The best time to take pictures here is the sunset.

Attractions near Burj Khalifa:

It is located at the hub of Dubai, UAE within Downtown Dubai having the commercial hub of Dubai right next to it. This tallest skyscraper is surrounded by a wide range of attractions and leisure destinations to enhance your travel experience.

• Hysteria Haunted House:

For all the fans of the dark side, Hysteria Haunted House is located right within the Dubai Mall to allow you to experience a haunted experience within a mansion of Hysteria. This attraction is only for visitors who are 18 or above.

• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo:

 It is one of the largest aquariums in the world featuring over 140 species of aquatic animals that allow you to get close to thousands of sea animals including rays’ crocodiles, and more.

• Mattel Play! Town:

 It is an amazing attraction featuring edu-play scenarios where kids can take part in simulated real-life experiences with hands-on activities that require teamwork, problem-solving skills, social skills, and creativity. This attraction is designed for visitors aged 2 to 10.

Restaurants Near Burj Khalifa

After a tiring day at the observation decks, you can grab a meal from the restaurants located nearby to satisfy your hunger.

• Arabian Culinary Experience at Al Hallab:

 Head to this restaurant to experience a unique Lebanese cuisine for an Arabian culinary experience. Here you can enjoy the outdoor terrace views of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera, and the Dancing Fountains.

• Rainforest Café at Dubai Mall:

 Rainforest Café provides visitors with a unique tropical adventure just as the name suggests. Here you can enjoy your unique choice of the meal while enjoying the tranquil ambience of the surrounding.

• Markette:

 This restaurant offers a French menu with an upscale ambience which makes it one of the top-rated places to eat within the Dubai Mall.

NEARBY AREAS:

Burj Khalifa is located in Downtown Dubai which is neighbored by Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), Business Bay, Al Quoz, and Jumeirah. You can easily access the Sheikh Zayed Road and head to Al Safa, Zabeel, Umm Suqeim, and more. Old Dubai and Oud Mehta are also located in close proximity.

NEED TO KNOW:

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates.

Parking: Cinema Parking (Green), P1

Getting your tickets: You can get your tickets upon arriving at the destination, depending on the availability of tickets you will be provided with a ticket at a later time in the day or on a later date.