Burj Khalifa coronavirus closures: what is still open in the world's tallest building?

Emaar has announced measures to help amid the Covid-19 pandemic

The viewing deck of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, will be closed for the rest of March as a precautionary measure. Reuters

As more UAE destinations and events are closed or cancelled amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Burj Khalifa has announced that At The Top, the public observatory, will remain closed until the end of March 2020.

"Nothing is more important to us than the well-being of our guests and staff," a statement on the At the Top website reads. "For that reason and following a mandate from the UAE Department of Economic Development, At the Top, Burj Khalifa, will remain closed until the end of March 2020.

"This includes At the Top, Burj Khalifa Levels 124, 125; Burj Khalifa Sky Level 148; The Lounge, Burj Khalifa Levels 154, 153, 152."

Guests who have already purchased tickets can apply for a full refund by emailing [e-mail].

Burj Khalifa's At the Top has temporarily closed to the public, but At.mosphere restaurant remains open. Courtesy At.mosphere

Staff at At.mosphere say the 122nd floor restaurant will remain open, offering guests similar views as At the Top, two floors below. Guests can visit the restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner; with high tea, a la carte and set menus available.

Armani Hotel Dubai’s restaurants, which include Armani / Hashi, Armani / Ristorante and Armani / Amal, were open as usual at the time of writing.

Further closures in the UAE

The closure of Dubai Ice Rink and Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, both at The Dubai Mall, have also been announced.

The Government of Dubai and Dubai Tourism has also announced that all bars, pubs and lounges in the emirate will be closed until the end of March.

A notice sent to businesses reads: “In line with Dubai Government Precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of its residents and visitors; Dubai Tourism notifies all bars, pub and lounges (including bars within restaurants) to close with immediate effect from today (Monday, March 16, 2020) [until] the end of March.

“Dubai Tourism will continuously evaluate the situation in coordination with the health authorities.”

A series of high-profile events have been cancelled or postponed in recent weeks, including K-pop concerts Music Bank and the Super Concert, Ultra Abu Dhabi music festival and Dubai International Boat Show. A shisha ban has also been enforced and Dubai has closed theme parks, cinemas and gyms, while Abu Dhabi has closed all cinemas, beaches and parks, as well as Louvre and other major attractions.