Emirates Airline magazine off to flying start in bid for record

Conor Purcell, the editor of the magazine. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

The sky's the limit could be Dubai's catchphrase with its big, bold and brash city-scape. But now it has turned a new page in record breaking.

The city that brought us the world's tallest building and largest mall is at it again - this time with the world's highest-altitude publication.

Open Skies, Emirates Airline's in-flight magazine, is this week being produced on the 153rd floor of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on the planet.

The magazine, which is produced by Motivate Publishing, is currently inhabiting three floors near the top of the 828-metre tower.

Its five editorial staff say they enjoy the view - although have to allow an extra five minutes to get to work.

"There are three different lifts to get up here - so it takes a bit of time," said Conor Purcell, the editor of the magazine. The view also proves distracting, he said.

"Probably 30 per cent of the time is spent looking out the window," joked Mr Purcell.

The corporate suite being used by Open Skies is far above the viewing platform at the Burj Khalifa, located on the relatively low 124th floor.

The suite spans three floors, with the middle floor home to the magazine's temporary work space.

A balcony looks out over Dubai - as does the top-floor bathroom, which is said to feature another record-beating feature: the world's highest static toilet.

Mr Purcell acknowledged the magazine's temporary relocation was a "publicity stunt" but it could help earn it a serious record.

"We're in the highest working space in the world, which is apt given the magazine's name is Open Skies," he said. "We will be contacting Guinness [World Records]."

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