Burj Khalifa in January 2010, days after it opened to the public. Randi Sokoloff / The National
Burj Khalifa in January 2010, days after it opened to the public. Randi Sokoloff / The National
Burj Khalifa in January 2010, days after it opened to the public. Randi Sokoloff / The National
Burj Khalifa in January 2010, days after it opened to the public. Randi Sokoloff / The National

Burj Khalifa's unbeatable design, construction and world records in numbers


Maan Jalal
  • English
  • Arabic

Building the world's tallest building is no mean feat — and retaining that crown is even harder. Yet, for 13 years, Burj Khalifa has remained the pinnacle of the world's architectural ambition; a testament to the scale of the project's, and the UAE's, vision and ambition.

Inaugurated as the world's tallest tower on January 4, 2010, and the centrepiece of Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa immediately imposed itself on the skyline as a beacon of human ingenuity and determination.

The tower has also become an international landmark, which has hosted millions of visitors keen to ascend the observation deck or gather at Burj Park and the Dubai Fountain to witness the record-breaking light show and fireworks displays.

Mirroring the awe inspired by Egypt’s Great Pyramids of Giza, Burj Khalifa captured the world's imagination as a modern architectural marvel, much in the same way as the UAE's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Instantly recognisable for its sleek, timeless and futuristic design, it has been repeatedly featured in pop culture and been part of numerous viral videos and campaigns.

Designed by American architect Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, Burj Khalifa’s aesthetic elements take inspiration from the geometry of the hymenocallis spider lily, a regional desert flower. It also combines the intricate patterning systems of Islamic architecture, marked by a dramatic upward spiral.

Much of its shimmering, sleek exterior is due to its use of aluminium and glass. Almost 24,350 cladding panels and 103,000 square metres of glass were used to give the Burj’s gleaming exterior and to minimise heat transmission and save energy.

Since its unveiling, the Burj has also become synonymous with its record-breaking feats, many of which remain undefeated. At 828 metres, Burj Khalifa, which took more than six years to build at a cost of $1.5 billion, is the tallest building in the world.

Merdeka 118 tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, completed in 2021, is the second-tallest at 678.9m and Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, completed in 2015, comes in third, at 632m. Not only is Burj Khalifa the tallest, but it is the oldest member of the top 10 group.

Although Jeddah tower in Saudi Arabia, also designed by Burj Khalifa’s architect Adrian Smith, is designed to be 1km tall, the project has been on hold since early 2019 owing to the pandemic, and the completion date remains unknown.

Burj Khalifa is also the tallest free-standing structure in the world — a category that includes buildings, whose purpose is to have occupied tenants, as well as towers built for other purposes, such as utilising the height of the tower.

Here, Burj Khalifa is followed again by Merdeka 118 tower in Kuala Lumpur which is also the tallest freestanding structure in South-East Asia. However, the third tallest free-standing structure is the 634m Tokyo Skytree, the broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo.

Burj Khalifa also holds the record for the largest number of storeys in one building. While there are 20 buildings around the world that have more than 100 storeys above ground, Burj Khalifa has the largest number, topping the list with 163 floors, 160 of which are habitable, the most of any building in the world.

Shanghai Tower and Goldin Finance 117 tower in Taijin, China, which both have 128 floors.

Opened to the public on January 4, 2010, Burj Khalifa remains the world’s tallest building. Reuters
Opened to the public on January 4, 2010, Burj Khalifa remains the world’s tallest building. Reuters

Burj Khalifa's highest usable floor is 585m above ground, at the 160th floor, another world record for the highest occupied floor.

Aside from these world records, Burj Khalifa also has the highest observation deck in the world at 555m high on the 148th floor. This surpassed Canton Tower in Guangzhou, China, which held the record for its observation deck at 488m high.

With these records set to remain unchallenged for the foreseeable future, Burj Khalifa remains not only a symbol of Dubai and the UAE but has in a relatively short period become a globally recognised landmark, a destination and a feat of our generation.

Scroll through photos of Burj Khalifa like you’ve never seen it below

  • Afzal is currently showing his work in Gallery 4 in an exhibition titled The Future Past at The Foundry in downtown until October 30.
    Afzal is currently showing his work in Gallery 4 in an exhibition titled The Future Past at The Foundry in downtown until October 30.
  • Baber Afzal's dramatic and surreal photography captures the UAE's epic architecture. All Photos: Baber Afzal
    Baber Afzal's dramatic and surreal photography captures the UAE's epic architecture. All Photos: Baber Afzal
  • 'I always tend to pre-visualise my images and how they would turn out before I set out to shoot,' the photographer says.
    'I always tend to pre-visualise my images and how they would turn out before I set out to shoot,' the photographer says.
  • Afzal combines on-site shooting and post-production techniques to create awe-inspiring images that look real and don't feel overly worked.
    Afzal combines on-site shooting and post-production techniques to create awe-inspiring images that look real and don't feel overly worked.
  • In regards to his process, Afzal says, 'Once I’ve locked what I‘ve envisioned, I scout the location and view the possible vantage points to shoot. Once I have shot it, I spend time countless hours in post-production to bring as close as possible to what I had originally envisioned.'
    In regards to his process, Afzal says, 'Once I’ve locked what I‘ve envisioned, I scout the location and view the possible vantage points to shoot. Once I have shot it, I spend time countless hours in post-production to bring as close as possible to what I had originally envisioned.'
  • Afzal experiments with long-exposure techniques, along with various blending and compositing methods and techniques in post-production.
    Afzal experiments with long-exposure techniques, along with various blending and compositing methods and techniques in post-production.
  • 'In some instances, I capture the perfect moment and enhance it, while in other cases I enhance the surroundings to create the perfect moment,' Afzal says.
    'In some instances, I capture the perfect moment and enhance it, while in other cases I enhance the surroundings to create the perfect moment,' Afzal says.
  • Afzal credits the way in which Dubai and the UAE were designed as to why the city and its landmarks are so photogenic.
    Afzal credits the way in which Dubai and the UAE were designed as to why the city and its landmarks are so photogenic.
  • 'I want people to not only be wowed by how stunning the cityscapes look but to be taken aback by how far Dubai has come,' Afzal says.
    'I want people to not only be wowed by how stunning the cityscapes look but to be taken aback by how far Dubai has come,' Afzal says.
  • Afzal’s work captures a contemporary and futuristic vision of Dubai that is also epic and timeless.
    Afzal’s work captures a contemporary and futuristic vision of Dubai that is also epic and timeless.
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Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.

Based: Riyadh

Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany

Founded: September, 2020

Number of employees: 70

Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions

Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds  

Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices

Profile

Company name: Jaib

Started: January 2018

Co-founders: Fouad Jeryes and Sinan Taifour

Based: Jordan

Sector: FinTech

Total transactions: over $800,000 since January, 2018

Investors in Jaib's mother company Alpha Apps: Aramex and 500 Startups

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

UAE FIXTURES

October 18 – 7.30pm, UAE v Oman, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 19 – 7.30pm, UAE v Ireland, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 21 – 2.10pm, UAE v Hong Kong, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 22 – 2.10pm, UAE v Jersey, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 24 – 10am, UAE v Nigeria, Abu Dhabi Cricket Oval 1
October 27 – 7.30pm, UAE v Canada, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

October 29 – 2.10pm, Playoff 1 – A2 v B3; 7.30pm, Playoff 2 – A3 v B2, at Dubai International Stadium.
October 30 – 2.10pm, Playoff 3 – A4 v Loser of Play-off 1; 7.30pm, Playoff 4 – B4 v Loser of Play-off 2 at Dubai International Stadium

November 1 – 2.10pm, Semifinal 1 – B1 v Winner of Play-off 1; 7.30pm, Semifinal 2 – A1 v Winner of Play-off 2 at Dubai International Stadium
November 2 – 2.10pm, Third place Playoff – B1 v Winner of Play-off 1; 7.30pm, Final, at Dubai International Stadium

Trump v Khan

2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US

2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks

2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

2022:  Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency

July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”

Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.

Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”

Brief scores:

Toss: South Africa, chose to field

Pakistan: 177 & 294

South Africa: 431 & 43-1

Man of the Match: Faf du Plessis (South Africa)

Series: South Africa lead three-match series 2-0

Scores in brief:

Day 1

New Zealand (1st innings) 153 all out (66.3 overs) - Williamson 63, Nicholls 28, Yasir 3-54, Haris 2-11, Abbas 2-13, Hasan 2-38

Pakistan (1st innings) 59-2 (23 overs)

The rules on fostering in the UAE

A foster couple or family must:

  • be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
  • not be younger than 25 years old
  • not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
  • be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
  • have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
  • undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
  • A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

ANATOMY%20OF%20A%20FALL
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJustine%20Triet%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESandra%20Huller%2C%20Swann%20Arlaud%2C%20Milo%20Machado-Graner%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Switch%20Foods%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Edward%20Hamod%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Plant-based%20meat%20production%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2034%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%246.5%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20round%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Based%20in%20US%20and%20across%20Middle%20East%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

The biog

Age: 59

From: Giza Governorate, Egypt

Family: A daughter, two sons and wife

Favourite tree: Ghaf

Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense 

Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”

Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi

“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”

Squads

Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Babar Azam (vc), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz

Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Minod Bhanuka, Angelo Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara

Miss Granny

Director: Joyce Bernal

Starring: Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, Xian Lim, Nova Villa

3/5

(Tagalog with Eng/Ar subtitles)

Updated: January 04, 2023, 8:10 AM