There is no doubt that the UAE is home to some spectacular properties. From penthouse apartments to plush villas with sprawling gardens and incredible pools, it’s a real estate haven.
Each week, The National showcases some of the best homes on offer in its Property of the Week. This week, we take a look at a penthouse in the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
The key details
This four-bedroom penthouse is located on the 99th floor of the famed tower. It stretches across a built-up area of 6,457 square feet and has a terrace that covers 2,178 sq ft – meaning the outdoor space is bigger than many three or four-bedroom apartments in the city.
It is priced at Dh25 million, and there are no service charges on the terrace area.
What's the story?
There are two aspects of this property which really stand out.
Firstly (and quite obviously), there's the terrace. Where else in the world can you find such an outdoor extravaganza at such a height that is entirely your own?
There's no need to go to the gym or park for some exercise – a few laps of the terrace should suffice.
It gives you views of pretty much half of Dubai, as it takes in the sea, the Dubai Fountains directly below, and areas such as Business Bay and Meydan.
Of course, living at such a height might not be for everyone, and for those who wish to stay indoors, it is quite an eye-opener in there, too.
Being only 10 years old, and with its dark glass exterior, you'd expect the interior of the tower's apartments to be sleek and modern.
What you might not expect is dazzling white walls throughout and white marble tiling with streaks of colour in the bathrooms, which wouldn't look out of place in a 1980s music video.
The built-in closets are white, the kitchen cabinets are white and there's even white Miele appliances. Plus, if it's high-end brand names you're after, look no further, for the penthouse contains Bagno Design sanitary-ware, wood cabinetry from Egger, sound systems by Sonos and home automation by Philips.
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UAE's 10 tallest buildings
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The 356m high Gevora Hotel is now the world's tallest hotel, just edging out JW Marriot Marquis -
Princess tower ( centre ) in Dubai Marina stands an impressive 413m high. Pawan Singh / The National -
Marina 101 in Dubai Marina at sunset. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The 392-metre tall 23 Marina in Dubai. Alan Millin -
Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid (centre) is the tallest building in the capital. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National -
The Elite Residence building in Dubai Marina. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Burj Khalifa has held the record as the world's tallest building since its opening 10 years ago. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Address Boulevard is one of the UAE's tallest buildings. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Almas Tower, right, stands above other skyscrapers at Jumeirah Lakes Towers in Dubai. Bloomberg -
JW Marriott Marquis is one of the most impressive sights in Dubai's skyline. Courtesy: JW Marriott Marquis
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What the brokers say ...
Do buyers gravitate towards certain floors within the tower, such as the higher ones for the view?
Yes, that is one of the main attractions when it comes to living in the Burj Khalifa. And what a view it is, encompassing everything from the city's majestic skyline to its outer reaches and the shimmering blue waters of the Arabian Sea.
Is this the highest terrace in Dubai?
Without a doubt. While the city has no shortage of excellent high-rise towers that feature spacious terraces, you will not find anything higher than this anywhere. Simply put, this is the world's most unique penthouse on the basis of its height alone.
For those with a head for heights, is there anything comparable in the city?
There is no true comparison to a property such as this. You can find other units with terraces along some of the lower floors of the tower that still give you a great view.
And Downtown [Dubai] certainly gives you a great selection of options when it comes to high terraces, such as The Address Sky Collection, Burj Vista and The Address Fountain Views. However, if we were to compare directly, then the Burj Khalifa stands unmatched.
How much would this apartment go on the rental market for?
This is one of the most prestigious penthouses on the sale market at present. For the lucky investor who may choose to rent it out, the penthouse could easily command a price of Dh1.5m per annum.
How is demand holding up for sales in the Burj Khalifa?
Like other super prime locations in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa offers a unique living experience. You are a short internal stroll from the world's largest shopping mall and should you venture outside, you can enjoy all of the amenities and cultural attractions of what is one of the most expensive and highly sought after square kilometres in the world.
In terms of demand for apartments and penthouses in the Burj Khalifa, we have in recent months seen unprecedented levels of digital enquiries and both our sales and rental teams are quite busy dealing with clients from all across the globe. Luxury living will always have a steady demand in Dubai, and this is one of the best options there is.
Riccardo Scala, head of luxury sales & leasing at LuxuryProperty.com
