The world's tallest building, standing tall at 828 meters in Dubai, has been named Burj Khalifa, by H.H. Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The building was known as Burj Dubai until yesterday.
When unveiling the nameplate, Shaikh Mohammed said "We built the high-rise for people with strong will and determination. The highest point in the world should be linked to big names and I announce today the opening of Burj Khalifa Bin Zayed."
The UAE has put a new spotlight on the world map today, he added.
Just after the opening, about eight skydivers appeared in the sky, carrying UAE flags and pictures, landing in front of Shaikh Mohammed.
The final height of the tower, which was a closely guarded secret until yesterday, was revealed during the spectacular ceremony. The public who gathered in the premises were thrilled by the breathtaking fireworks display that lip up the building to its full height.
The show was broadcast to millions across the world by several local and international media organizations. The opening of the tower also coincides with the fourth anniversary of accession of Shaikh Mohammed as Ruler of Dubai.
Future residents of Burj Khalifa were also among the invited guests to see their future home. An overwhelming sense of patriotism filled the Burj Park Island, as people stood in thousands to witness Dubai Fountains performing the national anthem.
The entire inauguration included a pre-show, and three themed acts - From the Desert Flower to Burj Dubai, Heart Beat, and From Dubai and the UAE to the World, a fireworks finale.
The Speaker of Federal National Council, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, said Burj Khalifa is another milestone in the development and progress, which transformed the emirate into world's fastest growing city and helped transform UAE into a leading regional and international nation.
A host of facilities makes Burj Khalifa, a must-visit attraction for all tourists to the Middle East. Apart from being the only tallest man-made structure ever-built, it is also, a true multi-purpose building, when compared to other super high-rises across the world.
Several other high-rises world-wide, such as the Petronas Towers at Kuala Lumpur, Taipei 101 or Willis Tower in Chicago, are all used only for business purposes, while the Burj Khalifa has it all. It includes residential apartments, hotel, offices and other public amenities.
The main attraction is the Observation Deck, called At The Top, on the 124th floor, at a height of 442 meters above ground-level, offering an indoor panorama floor, with special telescopes, and an outdoor area for real experience.
The deck can be reached by double-decker elevators, carrying 21 people at each deck, traveling at ear-popping speed of 10 meters per second.
The observatory is the highlight of any visit to the Middle East. The journey begins at the lower ground level of Dubai Mall, wherein visitors get to watch the multimedia presentation, before entering the elevator lobby at the concourse of Burj Khalifa.
The deck includes a boutique, offering merchandise items and souvenirs. The Deck will be the highest level that public visitors can reach in the tower. There are several sky lobbies too at the upper part of the building, meant for residents and office workers, which can also be used by guests as a meet-and-greet venue.
The sky lobbies includes fitness amenities, swimming pools, jacuzzi, recreation rooms, fine-dining restaurant, and The Club.
The Club gives priority to residents, but is also open to the public and includes pools, gymnasiums, with a dedicated ladies-only gym and spa facility.
The concourse level of the tower offers shopping amenities, and the Armani hotel lobbies and restaurants. In the residential lobby, the World Voices collection by artist Jaume Plensa can be viewed. There are also other art pieces from prominent international and Middle East artists on the display, which gives the true spirit of global harmony.
Just outside the Burj Khalifa, is a park spreading across eleven hectares of land, featuring outdoor spaces, greenery, leisure and dining, and play areas, the Dubai Fountain and other themed water experiences.
The public are given access to the park from 10am to 10pm, Sunday to Wednesday, and from Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 12pm. The tickets are priced at Dh.100 for adults, Dh.75 for kids less than 12yrs of age, and Dh.210 for urgent access.
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