On the Market: A slice of the high life in the Burj Khalifa

This four-bedroom, open-plan apartment offers a rare opportunity to own a world-renowned piece of real estate.

Each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom. Amy Leang / The National

A four-bedroom, open-plan apartment on one of the Burj Khalifa's highest residential floors offers an exclusive lifestyle and a rare opportunity to own a world-renowned piece of real estate.

Property

Four-bedroom, 4,493-square-foot apartment in the Burj Khalifa.

Price

Dh20 million

Key features

This spacious, four-bedroom apartment is above the 100th floor in the world's tallest tower, the 828-metre Burj Khalifa. At this height, the apartment occupies one entire wing of the tower and offers panoramic views over the city, from The World to the north, over Sharjah and Ajman, the towers on Sheikh Zayed Road, downtown, Zabeel Palace, Meydan and inland over the desert. The design of the tower means that every room has a floor-to-ceiling glass wall, giving unparalleled views. This is not an apartment for those wary of heights.

The property extends to 4,493 square feet and offers four bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. There is a large, open-plan living and dining area, with an adjacent media room.

The apartment is equipped with audio and video cabling, with control of music and television managed from a central server. High-speed internet is also provided. Power outlets are placed higher than floor level for electrically operated curtains or drapes, though residents can have absolute confidence that they will never be overlooked.

They say

"A fantastic and very rare opportunity in Dubai and in the world. This huge, four-bedroom apartment with stunning views over Dubai is located above the 100th floor. (Residential units in the Burj Khalifa are only up to the 108th floor.)

"From all rooms of the apartment the owner enjoys views over the blue sea, the skyline of Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Creek, Zabeel Palace of Skeikh Mohammed, the Dubai Mall, Old Town with the fountain, the desert and Business Bay.

"The centrepiece of the apartment is the large, open living, dining and entertainment room with floor-to-ceiling windows all around. The kitchen is fully equipped by Miele with the highest standards. The apartment has a large and separate master bedroom suite with a separate home office, large bathroom and walk-in dressers. There are three additional bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and built-in wardrobes and walk-in dressers. From the tower, the future owner will have direct access to The Club, the Armani Hotel, Dubai Mall and the corporate offices. Further, there is a valet parking service for the residents and their guests."

We say

This is a slice of modern history, a splendidly large apartment high in the world's tallest building. The owner will be joining some exalted company indeed, though the concierge was resolutely discrete about naming any actual residents.

The apartment is finished to a very high standard, with elegant, modern simplicity. Dark wood panelling contrasts with creamy marble and plain walls. Bathrooms are similarly modern, and offer both bath tubs and walk-in showers.

Access to the apartment is by card-controlled lift from ground level direct to a residents' lobby, and from there by private lift to the upper levels. Privacy and discretion are assured.

Parking is by valet service, and there are three spaces allocated to the apartment. Owners have access to a full range of facilities including a sky pool and open sun deck, fully equipped gym, massage and yoga rooms exclusively for residents, and a larger facility called The Club, due to open shortly. Residents of the tower have direct access to the Armani Hotel within it, and to the adjoining Dubai Mall. From here, every whim can be catered for.

Minuses

Cleaning the windows is a job for the professionals, who sadly have been efficient and erased a handprint reputedly left on one of the bedroom windows by a certain Mr Cruise. And sometimes, the only view you'll see will be the inside of a cloud.

Verdict

This is a substantial apartment in an iconic building, a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of globally significant real estate. The design of the apartment makes clever use of the space, with a magnificent living area taking maximum advantage of the view, a separate master suite and extensive further accommodation. There is a limited supply of these large apartments near the top of the tower, and they rarely come to market. Viewing is strictly by appointment.

Available to buy from Christoph Engels of exclusive agents Engel & Volkers, 04 800 ENGEL (36435), 04 32 59 411; www.engelvoelkers.com/dubaialmarsa; [e-mail]