The Burj Khalifa, known as the Burj Dubai before it opened in 2010, is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. With an overall height of 829.8 m and a roof height (excluding the antenna, but including a 244 m tower) of 828 m, the Burj Khalifa is considered to be the tallest structure and building in the world.
The decision to build the building was based on the government’s decision to diversify away from an oil-based economy and for Dubai to gain international recognition. The Burj Khalifa is named after the ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as Abu Dhabi and the UAE government lent money to Dubai to pay off their debts.
Where is and how to go to Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is located in the Downtown Dubai neighborhood, located next to Dubai’s two main avenues, Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Center Road.
The best way to get to the building is via metro, on the red line (the MRed), and get off at Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Metro Station. From the station it is just 600 meters on foot.
There are also other transport options in Dubai, such as Taxi, and you can also hire a guide or tour for the visit.
Burj Khalifa tourist attractions
The top tourist attractions to do in the Burj Khalifa that attract thousands of visitors annually are:
The Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is a choreographed fountain system located on the artificial lake in front of the building. It was designed by WET Design, a California-based company also responsible for the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel Lake in Las Vegas. Illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 colored projectors, it is 275 m long and shoots water up to 152.4 m into the air accompanied by a variety of classical, contemporary Arabic and world music.
Viewpoints at the top of the Burj Khalifa
There are two observation decks on the Burj Khalifa:
- At the Top
- An open-air observation deck on the 124th floor, 452 m high, which was the tallest open-air observation deck in the world when it opened (it was surpassed by Cloud Top 488 at Canton Tower in Guangzhou).
- SKY level
- In 2014, another observation deck was opened on the 148th floor at a height of 555 meters (which was once again surpassed in the ranking, this time by the Shanghai Tower with an observation deck at a height of 561 meters).
At the Burj Khalifa there is still a restaurant considered the highest in the world.
Burj Khalifa park
Around the Burj Khalifa there is a park with gardens of flowers and plants, as well as swimming pools and fountains with water jets, which can be visited by tourists who walk there to get a closer view of the building.
Tips for visiting the Burj Khalifa attractions
The main tip for visiting the Burj Khalifa observation decks is to buy tickets in advance. Discounts can reach more than 50%, in addition to the possibility of jumping in line.
And to see the fountain show, the best way is to check the timetable in the building itself or with a local professional and arrive a little earlier.
Dubai Tours and Excursions to the Burj Khalifa
Here are some paid tours that are worth knowing:
- Dubai: Burj Khalifa 124th and 125th Floor Ticket
- Marvel at views of Dubai from the viewpoint of the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Climb 125 floors to enjoy a 360-degree panorama over the Arabian Gulf.
- Burj Khalifa Dubai: Ticket and Tour Floors 124th, 125th and 148th
- Skip the elevator and security lines for incredible views of Dubai from the 124th, 125th and 148th floors of the Burj Khalifa. Access exclusive observation decks and enjoy personalized service.
- 124th Floor of the Burj Khalifa and Dinner/Lunch at The Burj Club
- Board the world’s fastest elevator and admire the panoramic view from the Burj Khalifa’s 124th-floor observation deck. Then, indulge in a 3-course lunch or dinner at the Burj Club, located on the 3rd floor.
- Dubai: Fountain Show and Boat Tour on Lake Burj
- See the Dubai Mall Fountain water and light show on a 30-minute ride in the typical “abra” water taxi. Climb aboard the wooden boat on Lake Burj. See sights like the Burj Khalifa before enjoying privileged views of the show.
Other post to help with your planning: