In this article, we describe the wonders of the Burj Khalifa, the towering masterpiece that defines the Dubai skyline. With its breathtaking heights and technological innovations, this skyscraper symbolizes human ambition and ingenuity. From the design inspired by nature to the unprecedented heights it reaches, every corner of the Burj Khalifa tells a story of progress and refinement.
Tallest building in the world
With a staggering height of 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa towers high above Dubai. It stands about twice as high as the world-famous Empire State Building and three times as high as the iconic Eiffel Tower. When its elements are laid end to end, they would almost span a quarter of the world. The occupied height of the Burj Khalifa is 584.5 meters, while the building’s observation deck is at a significant height of about 452 meters above the ground.
Highest number of floors in the world
The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure, ranks third with a maximum elevator speed of 36 km/h. The engineers working on the project initially considered adding triple-decker elevators, which would have been a first. Instead, double-decker elevators with a capacity of 12 to 14 passengers per cabin were built. The Burj Khalifa features the world’s fastest double-decker elevators, allowing passengers to travel the greatest possible distance in an elevator, starting after a ride of 504 meters at the highest stop – 638 meters up in the building.
Elevator with the longest travel distance in the world
The elevators of the Burj Khalifa are remarkable for having the world’s longest elevator travel distance, over 140 floors. The elevators of the Burj Khalifa travel at a speed of 10 meters per second, making them among the fastest in the world. The observation deck on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa can be reached in less than a minute via the building’s elevator.
Fastest elevator in the world
The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest construction, ranks third with a maximum elevator speed of 36 km/h. Engineers initially considered adding triple-decker elevators, which would have been a world first. Instead, double-decker elevators with a capacity of 12 to 14 passengers per cabin were built.
The exterior of the Burj Khalifa is covered with 26,000 glass panels
The facade of the Burj Khalifa consists of 26,000 hand-cut glass panels. These glass panels are designed to save energy and reduce heat transfer. During construction, sustainability was a priority: the exterior cladding was silver-coated to improve insulation, and solar panels were installed to heat up to 530,000 liters of water daily. This ensures that the skyscraper is the most environmentally friendly, despite its significant energy and resource consumption as the world’s largest building.
The design of the tower is inspired by the shape of a Hymenocallis flower or a spider lily
The Burj Khalifa symbolizes human creativity with deep roots in nature. The tower’s triple-lobed footprint—three circular structures spreading from the central core—is inspired by the hymenocallis, a native desert flower known as the spider lily. This design maximizes the view of the Arabian Gulf from the Burj Khalifa, allowing as many guests as possible to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and the sea. From a distance, it resembles the crescent-shaped domes found in Islamic art and architecture – a modern ode to the region’s history.
Highest free-standing structure in the world
Since its completion in 2009, the Burj Khalifa has become synonymous with towering height. It is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters tall. For comparison, it is three times the height of the Eiffel Tower and nearly twice the height of the Empire State Building. The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest free-standing structure, with the most floors, the highest occupied level, the highest outdoor observation deck, the elevator with the longest travel distance, and the highest service lift. The construction took just six years.
Highest restaurant in the world – Atmosphere on level 122
On level 122 of the Burj Khalifa is Atmosphere, the highest restaurant/lounge bar in the world, covering an area of 1030 square meters. With spectacular views of Dubai’s futuristic skyline and the Arabian Gulf from just two levels below the At The Top observation deck, there’s plenty to admire while enjoying drinks and light refreshments. Whether you’re a connoisseur of gourmet dining or just looking to relax, Atmosphere provides an unforgettable experience.
The world’s highest outdoor observationdeck
At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY on level 148, at a height of 555 meters, offers visitors unparalleled views of the city and beyond from an outdoor terrace and a luxury lounge. Before proceeding to levels 125 and 124, you are given a tour to level 148.
Construction facts about the Burj Khalifa
A total of 330,000 cubic meters of concrete was used in the construction, equivalent to the weight of 100,000 elephants.
The aluminum required to build the Burj Khalifa is equivalent to the weight of five Airbus A380 aircraft.
During construction, so many reinforced steel bars were used that, if laid end to end, they would stretch a quarter of the way around the world.
The facade of the Burj Khalifa consists of 26,000 hand-cut glass panels.
During construction, sustainability was a priority: the exterior cladding was silver-coated to improve insulation, and solar panels were installed to heat up to 530,000 liters of water daily.
Condensation from the air conditioning system is used to water the vegetation.
