The imperious sight of the world’s tallest building is unmistakable. Towering above the Dubai landscape at 829.8 meters (2,722 feet), the Burj Khalifa is a breathtaking sight and can be seen up to 95 kilometers (59 miles) away. But if you are a modern-day architecture lover like I am, there will be only one thing on your mind – getting to the summit to admire the amazing view from the top of Burj Khalifa!
When you consider the height of the Burj Khalifa, it certainly makes many of the world’s other leading structures look pretty small. We have been fortunate to experience many in the Western Hemisphere, such as the Willis Tower in Chicago and of course, the Empire State Building in New York City which was once the world’s tallest building (I know that may surprise you but it held this accolade until 1972).
History of Burj Khalifa
Let’s take a look at the history behind the world’s tallest building in comparison to other leading landmarks around the world so hopefully, it will provide a better perspective about the views that you will see once you climb to either the 125th or 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
The video immediately gives a clear indication as to the size of Burj Khalifa in comparison to other iconic structures around the world. It is over twice the size of the Empire State Building and literally dwarfs this skyscraper along with many of the world’s other “super skyscrapers”.
I think it’s fair to say though that in the present day super skyscraper talk, the Burj Khalifa is on a completely different level to other structures.
Until the completion of the Jeddah Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which was expected in 2020, there is going to be nothing else close to this structure that is well acclaimed as the pride of Dubai.
Construction on the world’s tallest tower was scheduled to finish this year but there is no end in sight for the ambitious project. Work on the Jeddah Tower stalled in 2018, less than one quarter of the way through the 1,000 metre high Saudi Arabian project.
The history of the Burj Khalifa dates back to 2004 when construction first started on this mega skyscraper. The structure was finalized in 2009, at least in terms of the exterior and is made primarily of reinforced concrete.
In terms of architectural design, this has a unique ‘neo-futuristic’ design, stereotypically associated with the modern day era and an idealistic belief in the need to embrace technology. What was once deemed to be impossible, is now the future of architecture.
What You Need to Know
It’s critical that you are well prepared before heading to the Burj Khalifa. We suffered the experience of having to wait for quite a long time to collect our tickets at ‘will call’ but if you are purchasing tickets on the day rather than online, we encourage you to get there as early as possible. However, before purchasing tickets, it’s worthwhile knowing exactly how to reach the entrance to the Burj Khalifa.
Directions to the Burj Khalifa
If you are utilizing the Dubai Metro system (it’s a great service and we strongly encourage you to use this!), you will alight at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. The entrance to the Burj Khalifa to visit the ‘At The Top’ viewing platform(s) is located on the lower ground floor of the Dubai Mall.
What you won’t realize after deboarding the metro is that you will be required to walk at least 10-15 minutes along above ground skywalks/tunnels until you reach the Mall. Head to the Lower Ground floor and hopefully you won’t have too long to wait!
The View from the Top of Burj Khalifa
As with all tall structures, patience is a virtue when it comes to heading through security and waiting for the elevator to take you to the top. There is plenty of information to keep you occupied, providing an in-depth history of the Burj Khalifa construction and exactly what it takes to build a structure over 2,700 feet tall.
After about 20 minutes, our journey to the top started. We had tickets to levels 124 and 125 and the elevator takes you all the way to level 125 after which you can take the spiral staircase to level 124. The moment we left the elevator a staff member greeted us and said, “Enjoy the views!” She wasn’t lying!
Superlatives like awe-inspiring, breathtaking, panoramic and stunning spring to mind. I could go on but none of these will ever do the 360-degree views around Dubai justice from the top of Burj Khalifa.
Whether you are keen to find your favorite Dubai landmark or simply want to admire the scenery, you could easily spend hours at the top. Time literally gets away from you but that’s ok because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to admire beauty from the world’s tallest building.
Dubai is an incredible city at street level but from a birds-eye perspective, it’s even more mesmerizing. The gorgeous Burj Al Arab hotel stands proudly in the distance while in the other direction you can appreciate the gold/spice souks that provide a more authentic feel to Dubai.
I love the inclusion of various telescopes that offer full HD displays and high zoom capabilities. From such a high vantage point, it’s imperative that visitors have the opportunity to pinpoint certain landmarks at ground level and these new telescopes offer this with ease.
Six of these telescopes are on level 125 and another six one level down. The beauty of these telescopes is that they are FREE to use! All too often when you are in viewing observatories, there is an additional charge to zoom in on your favorite attractions around the city.
Summary
Words will never do enough justice to the view from the top of Burj Khalifa. Hopefully, some of our pictures will inspire you to visit Dubai because the Burj Khalifa alone is enough of an attraction to make this a city you need to add to your bucket list.
The design may be quirky and not necessarily to everyone’s taste but no one can take away the fact that it is an architectural marvel.
Admission Prices
The first choice you will need to make is to decide whether you want to visit level 124/125 or go all the way to the highest viewing platform at level 148. There is a dramatic difference in the ticket prices so ultimately it will be down to personal preference. I think either option you choose, you can certainly claim that you have been “on top of the world” at least in Dubai anyway!
Slay concierge special offer
Avoid the crowds and treat yourself to a premium experience on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors of the Burj Khalifa, including access to the outdoor terrace of the world’s highest observation deck.
Select the sunset option to enjoy the city at golden hour as the sun sets and casts a beautiful glow over the skyline.
Feel on top of the world as you ascend the 555-meter-tall Burj Khalifa, starting at the SKY Lounge, where you will be personally escorted to a dedicated elevator. Watch in amazement as specially designed projections let you “fly” over city landmarks en route.
Finally, take a special elevator to the crowning glory: access to the world’s highest outdoor observation deck. Enjoy breathtaking views as your bask in the luxury lounges, and explore different aspects of the United Arab Emirates via the interactive stations. Guest Ambassadors will be on hand to tell you fun trivia about the Burj Khalifa and city skyline.
Watch the Dubai Fountain show from the world’s highest building with synchronized music that can be heard in the Burj Khalifa observation decks. Marvel at the world’s largest dancing fountain, set on the Burj Khalifa Lake, from your panoramic viewpoint.
Descend gently to ground level, where a new exhibition allows you to relive the construction of the Burj Khalifa through dedicated stations that take you behind the scenes. Hear testimonials from the people behind every aspect of the building, from the interiors to the landscaping, architecture and more.
Experience Includes
* Admission fees
* Skip-the-line access for security and elevator
* Interactive stations
* Access to world’s highest observation deck
* Dates and Arabic coffee
* Wi-Fi throughout the attraction
* An introductory tour with a guest ambassador
* Visit to level 148, 124 and 125
Important information
Know before you go
• Your booking will be confirmed up to three months before your visit
• A maximum of 50 people are allowed on the observation deck at any given time
• There may be a queue for the observation deck exhibits
• During the month of Ramadan, food and beverages will not be served as part of the experience until Iftar (the evening meal at sunset)
• If you would like to see the spectacular fountain show, you are advised to book for approximately 30 minutes before the fountain show you would like to watch in order to get a good spot
• Dubai Fountain schedule:
Daily except Friday: 1:00 & 1:30 PM
Friday: 1:30 & 2:00 PM
Evening Shows
Daily: 6:00 to 11:00 PM
(Every 30 minutes)
• You can stay for approximately 1.5 hours at the attraction
Price From $381
Click here to book or contact via WhatsApp on the no’s below
* English
+49 151 23457858
* Deutsch
+49 151 21051696
* Français
+49 151 14570675
* Italiano
+49 151 21034783
* Español
+49 151 21050591
At the top of the sky
Evolution of the worlds tallest buildings 1901 to 2022
Source A Brit and a Southerner