View source for Burj Khalifa

{{Short description|Skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates}}
{{Pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox building
| name             = Burj Khalifa
| native_name      = {{big|{{native name|ar|paren=omit|برج خليفة}}}}
| logo             = Burj Khalifa logo.svg
| logo_size        = 200px
| logo_alt         = Wordmark and logo based on official website and Facebook page
| image            = Burj Khalifa.jpg
| image_size       = 250px
| caption          = The Burj Khalifa viewed across the [[Dubai Fountain]] in October 2012
| highest_prev     = [[Taipei 101]]
| highest_next     = <!-- [[Jeddah Tower]] -->
| highest_start    = 2009
| highest_end      = 
| status           = {{green|Completed}}
| building_type    = Mixed-use
| architectural_style = [[Neo-futurism]]
| address          = 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
| location_country = United Arab Emirates
| location         = [[Dubai]], United Arab Emirates
| namesake         = [[Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan|Sheikh Khalifa]]
| start_date       = {{start date and age|2004|1|6|df=y}}
| topped_out_date  = {{start date and age|2009|01|17|df=y}}
| completion_date  = {{start date and age|2009|10|1|df=y}}
| opened           = {{start date and age|2010|01|04|df=y}}
| cost             = US$1.5 billion
| owner            = [[Emaar Properties]]
| height           = 
| architectural    = {{convert|828|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| tip              = {{convert|829.8|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| top_floor        = {{convert|585.4|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| roof             = {{cvt|739.4|m}}
| antenna_spire    = {{convert|242.5|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| observatory      = {{convert|555.7|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| structural_system = Reinforced concrete, steel, and aluminium
| floor_count      = [[#Floor plan|154 + 9 maintenance]]
| floor_area       = {{convert|309473|m2|sqft|-2|abbr=on}}
| elevator_count   = 57 (mall included)
| architect        = [[Adrian Smith (architect)|Adrian Smith]]
| architecture_firm = {{nowrap|[[Skidmore, Owings & Merrill]]}}
| structural_engineer = [[William F. Baker (engineer)|Bill Baker]]
| main_contractor  = [[Samsung C&T Corporation|Samsung C&T]]<br> [[Besix|BESIX]]<br> [[Arabtec Holding PJSC|Arabtec]]
| parking          = 2 subterranean levels
| public_transit   = {{rint|metro}} {{rint|dubai|M1}} At [[Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (Dubai Metro)|Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall]]
| website          = {{URL|burjkhalifa.ae}}
| references       = <ref>{{Ctbuh}}</ref>
| mapframe-marker  = observation-tower
| mapframe-zoom    = 10
}}
[[File:Burj Khalifa (worlds tallest building) and the Dubai skyline (25781049892).jpg|thumb|Photographic [[silhouette]] of the [[Dubai]] [[skyline]]; the Burj Khalifa is visible at the center]]

The '''Burj Khalifa'''{{Efn|{{Langx|ar|بُرْج خَلِيفَة}}, ''Burj Khalīfah'', {{IPA|ar|bʊrd͡ʒ xaˈliːfa|pron}}, {{lit|[[Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan|Khalifa]] tower}}}} (known as the '''Burj Dubai''' before its inauguration) is a [[list of megatall skyscrapers|megatall]] [[skyscraper]] in [[Dubai]], United Arab Emirates. Designed by [[Skidmore, Owings & Merrill]], it is the [[list of tallest structures in the world|world's tallest structure]], with a total height of 829.8 m (2,722&nbsp;ft, or just over half a mile) and a roof height (excluding the antenna, but including a 242.6 m spire)<ref name="Vanity" /> of 828&nbsp;m (2,717&nbsp;ft). It has also been the [[List of tallest buildings and structures|tallest building]] in the world since its [[topping out]] in 2009, surpassing [[Taipei 101]], which had held the record for a half-decade.<ref name="CTBUHdb">{{cite web |url=http://skyscrapercenter.com/building/burj-khalifa/3 |title=Burj Khalifa – The Skyscraper Center |publisher=Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat |access-date=15 November 2014 |archive-date=24 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224151319/http://skyscrapercenter.com/building/burj-khalifa/3 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="DubaiOneInauguration" />

Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004; the exterior was completed five years later. The primary structure is [[reinforced concrete]]. Some of the [[structural steel]] for the building was salvaged from the demolished [[Palace of the Republic, Berlin|Palace of the Republic]] in East Berlin.<ref name="dw">{{cite news |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3554502,00.html |title=Berlin's Demolished Socialist Palace is Revived in Dubai |access-date=13 August 2008 |publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]] |date=11 August 2008 |archive-date=9 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509024015/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3554502,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The building was opened in 2010 as part of a new development called [[Downtown Dubai]]. It was designed to be the centerpiece of large-scale, mixed-use development.

The building is named after the former president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh [[Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan]].<ref name="USAtoday">{{Cite news |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/01/dubai-opens-world-tallest-building/1 |title=Dubai opens world's tallest building |date=2 January 2010 |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |access-date=4 January 2010 |first=Douglas |last=Stanglin |archive-date=5 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105034122/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/01/dubai-opens-world-tallest-building/1|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[United Arab Emirates government]] provided Dubai with financial support as the developer, [[Emaar Properties]], experienced financial problems during the [[Great Recession]]. Then-president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed, organized federal financial support. For his support, [[Mohammad bin Rashid]], [[Ruler of Dubai]], changed the name from "Burj Dubai" to "Burj Khalifa" during inauguration.

The design is derived from the [[Islamic architecture]] of the region, such as in the [[Great Mosque of Samarra]]. The Y-shaped tripartite floor geometry is designed to optimise residential and hotel space. A [[buttressed core|buttressed central core and wings]] are used to support the height of the building. The Burj Khalifa's central core houses all vertical transportation except egress stairs within each of the wings.<ref name="academic.csuohio.edu">{{cite web|last1=Baker|first1=William|last2=Pawlikowski|first2=James|title=Higher and Higher: The Evolution of the Buttressed Core|url=http://academic.csuohio.edu/duffy_s/CVE_601_Struct_1.pdf|website=academic.csuohio.edu|access-date=4 April 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810080936/http://academic.csuohio.edu/duffy_s/CVE_601_Struct_1.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The structure also features a [[cladding (construction)|cladding]] system which is designed to withstand Dubai's hot summer temperatures.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/the-tower/structures/ |title=State-of-the-Art & Structural Design Elements |publisher=Burj Khalifa }}</ref> It contains a total of 57 elevators and 8 escalators.

== Development ==
Construction began on 12 January 2004, with the exterior of the structure completed on 1 October 2009. The building officially opened on 4 January 2010<ref name="opening">{{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/business/property/uae/official-opening-of-iconic-burj-dubai-announced-1.523471 |title=Official Opening of Iconic Burj Dubai Announced |newspaper=Gulfnews |date=4 November 2009 |access-date=4 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091106052129/http://gulfnews.com/business/property/uae/official-opening-of-iconic-burj-dubai-announced-1.523471 |archive-date=6 November 2009 }}</ref><ref name="news.bbc.co.uk">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8439618.stm|title=World's tallest building opens in Dubai|date=4 January 2010|work=BBC News|access-date=4 January 2010|archive-date=5 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105054239/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8439618.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> and is part of the 2&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> (490 acres) [[Downtown Dubai]] development at the 'First Interchange' along [[Sheikh Zayed Road]], near Dubai's main business district.{{citation needed|date=December 2025}}

The tower's architecture and engineering were performed by [[Skidmore, Owings & Merrill]] of Chicago, with [[Adrian Smith (architect)|Adrian Smith]] as chief architect, and [[William F. Baker (engineer)|Bill Baker]] as a chief structural engineer.<ref name="Record High">{{cite news|url=http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=361|title=Burj Dubai reaches a record high|publisher=[[Emaar Properties]]|date=21 July 2007|access-date=24 November 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710184915/http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=361|archive-date=10 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.architectmagazine.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=1006&articleID=385534|title=Adrian Smith Leaves SOM, Longtime Skidmore partner bucks retirement to start new firm|last=Keegan|first=Edward|publisher=ArchitectOnline|date=15 October 2006|access-date=23 March 2009|archive-date=27 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227011127/http://www.architectmagazine.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=1006&articleID=385534|url-status=live}}</ref> The firm had designed the [[Willis Tower|Sears Tower]] in Chicago, a previous record holder for the world's tallest building.<ref>{{cite web|title=Willis Tower – The Skyscraper Center|url=http://skyscrapercenter.com/building/willis-tower/169|work=Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat|date=June 13, 2015|access-date=June 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223043034/http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/willis-tower/169|archive-date=December 23, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Hyder Consulting]] was supervising engineer and NORR Group Consultants supervised the architecture. The primary contractor was [[Samsung C&T]] of [[South Korea]], together with the Belgian group [[Besix|BESIX]] and the local company [[Arabtec Holding PJSC|Arabtec]].<ref name="SkyscraperPage">{{cite web|url=http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=7787|title=Burj Dubai, Dubai&nbsp;– SkyscraperPage.com|publisher=SkyscraperPage|access-date=23 March 2009|archive-date=11 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011071204/http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=7787|url-status=live}}</ref>

Numerous complaints concerned migrant workers from [[South Asia]], the primary building labour force, who were paid low wages and sometimes had their passports confiscated.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archi-Ninja &#124; Burj Khalifa (Dubai) – The Truth Behind the Bling |url=https://www.archi-ninja.com/burj-khalifa-dubai-the-truth-behind-the-bling/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628030943/https://www.archi-ninja.com/burj-khalifa-dubai-the-truth-behind-the-bling/ |archive-date=28 June 2022 |access-date=18 August 2023}}</ref>

== Conception ==
Burj Khalifa was designed to be the centerpiece of a large-scale, mixed-use development to include 30,000 homes,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Buildings that elevated cities: Dubai's Burj Khalifa |url=https://ww3.rics.org/uk/en/modus/built-environment/urbanisation/buildings-that-elevated-cities--dubai-s-burj-khalifa.html |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=ww3.rics.org |language=en}}</ref> nine hotels (including [[The Address Downtown Dubai]]), {{convert|3|ha|acre|1}} of parkland, at least 19 residential skyscrapers, the [[Dubai Mall]], and the {{convert|12|ha|acre|adj=on}} artificial Burj Khalifa Lake. The decision to build Burj Khalifa was reportedly based on the government's decision to diversify from an oil-based economy to one that is service and tourism based. According to officials, projects like Burj Khalifa needed to be built to garner more international recognition and hence investment. "He (Sheikh [[Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum]]) wanted to put Dubai on the map with something really sensational," said Jacqui Josephson, a tourism and VIP delegations executive at [[Nakheel Properties]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-oct-13-fg-dubai13-story.html|title=In Dubai, the Sky's No Limit|last=Stack|first=Megan|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=13 October 2005|access-date=26 March 2006|archive-date=21 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021032112/http://articles.latimes.com/2005/oct/13/world/fg-dubai13|url-status=live}}</ref>

The tower was known as Burj Dubai ("Dubai Tower") until its official opening in January 2010.<ref name="name change" /> It was renamed in honour of the ruler of [[Emirate of Abu Dhabi|Abu Dhabi]], [[Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan]]; [[Abu Dhabi]] and the federal government of UAE lent Dubai tens of billions of US dollars so that Dubai could pay its debts – Dubai borrowed at least $80&nbsp;billion for construction projects.<ref name="name change">{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/jan2010/gb2010015_736675.htm |title=Dubai Tower's Name Reflects U.A.E. Shift |work=Businessweek.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530182733/http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/jan2010/gb2010015_736675.htm |archive-date=30 May 2015}}</ref> In the 2000s, Dubai started diversifying its economy but it suffered from the [[2008 financial crisis]] and the [[Great Recession]], leaving large-scale projects already in construction abandoned.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Dubai's six-year building boom grinds to a halt as financial crisis takes hold | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/feb/13/dubai-boom-halt  |last=Lewis |first=Paul |date=13 February 2009 |work=[[The Guardian]]  |issn=0261-3077|archive-date=23 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123121036/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/feb/13/dubai-boom-halt |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Records ==
The Burj Khalifa set several world records, including:
* Tallest existing structure: {{convert|829.8|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} (previously [[KVLY-TV mast]]&nbsp;– {{convert|628.8|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}})
* Tallest structure ever built: {{convert|829.8|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} (previously [[Warsaw radio mast]]&nbsp;– {{convert|646.38|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}})
* Tallest freestanding structure: {{convert|829.8|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} (previously [[CN Tower]]&nbsp;– {{convert|553.3|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}})
* Tallest skyscraper (to top of [[spire]]): {{convert|828|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} (previously [[Taipei 101]]&nbsp;– {{convert|509.2|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}})<ref name="dupre">{{cite book|author-link=Judith Dupré|last=Dupré|first=Judith|date=2013|title=Skyscrapers: A History of the World's Most Extraordinary Buildings-Revised and Updated|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8-bXwAEACAAJ|location=New York|publisher=Hachette/Black Dog & Leventhal|pages=140–141|isbn=978-1-57912-942-2|access-date=20 March 2023|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326164801/https://books.google.com/books?id=8-bXwAEACAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Tallest skyscraper to top of antenna: {{convert|829.8|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} (previously the [[Willis Tower|Willis (formerly Sears) Tower]]&nbsp;– {{convert|527|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}})
* Building with most floors: 163 (previously [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]]&nbsp;– 110)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtc.com/about/wtchistory-wtc-timeline|title=WTC Timeline|publisher=[[Silverstein Properties]]|access-date=28 March 2013|archive-date=28 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528154654/http://www.wtc.com/about/wtchistory-wtc-timeline|url-status=live}}</ref>
* World's highest [[elevator]] installation (situated inside a rod at the very top of the building)<ref name="gn">{{cite news |url=http://gulfnews.com/business/property/burj-khalifa-towering-challenge-for-builders-1.561802 |title=Burj Khalifa: Towering challenge for builders |date=4 January 2010 |publisher=GulfNews.com |access-date=10 February 2010 |archive-date=25 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125112740/http://gulfnews.com/business/property/burj-khalifa-towering-challenge-for-builders-1.561802 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* World's longest travel distance elevators: {{convert|504|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="gn" /><ref name="Otis">{{cite web|url=http://www.otisworldwide.com/b4-newsarchdet.html?item=20100106|title=Burj Khalifa|publisher=Otis Elevator|access-date=15 April 2013|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006111348/http://www.otisworldwide.com/b4-newsarchdet.html?item=20100106|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Highest vertical [[concrete pump]]ing (for a building): {{convert|606|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="Putzmeister">{{cite web|url=http://www.forconstructionpros.com/article/10293208/burj-khalifa-conquering-the-worlds-tallest-building|title=Burj Khalifa – Conquering the World's Tallest Building|work=ForConstructionPros.com|date=12 May 2010 |access-date=2 November 2012|archive-date=28 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128224811/http://www.forconstructionpros.com/article/10293208/burj-khalifa-conquering-the-worlds-tallest-building|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[World's tallest structures|World's tallest structure]] that includes residential space<ref name="Emporis">{{cite web|url=http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=burjdubai-dubai-unitedarabemirates|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070120063252/http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=burjdubai-dubai-unitedarabemirates|url-status=usurped|archive-date=20 January 2007|title=Burj Dubai, Dubai, at Emporis.com|publisher=[[Emporis]]|access-date=1 March 2007}}</ref>
* World's highest installation of an aluminium and glass façade: {{convert|512|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="timeline" />
* World's highest restaurant (''[[At.mosphere]]''): 122nd&nbsp;floor at {{convert|442|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} (previously 360, at a height of {{convert|350|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} in CN Tower)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emirates247.com/lifestyle/dubai-opens-world-s-highest-restaurant-2011-01-20-1.343732 |title=And the world's highest restaurant is ready to serve |publisher=Emirates 24/7 |date=20 January 2011 |access-date=21 January 2011 |archive-date=22 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722124738/http://www.emirates247.com/lifestyle/and-the-world-s-highest-restaurant-is-ready-to-serve-2011-01-20-1.343732 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* World's highest New Year display of [[fireworks]].<ref name="gulfnews.com">{{cite web |url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/jaw-dropping-fireworks-at-burj-khalifa-enthrall-thousands-1.739088 |title=Jaw-Dropping Fireworks at Burj Khalifa Enthrall Thousands |publisher=Gulfnews.com |date=31 December 2010 |access-date=29 May 2011 |archive-date=20 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120013501/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/jaw-dropping-fireworks-at-burj-khalifa-enthrall-thousands-1.739088 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* World's largest light and sound show staged on a single building.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/dubai/new-year-fireworks-at-burj-khalifa-to-return-this-year-|title=New Year fireworks at Burj Khalifa to return this year|author=<!--Not stated-->|work=Khaleej Times|access-date=28 November 2018|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727061617/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/dubai/new-year-fireworks-at-burj-khalifa-to-return-this-year-|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/dubai//burj-khalifa-to-have-special-light-show-this-new-years-eve-but-what-about-the-fireworks|title=Burj Khalifa to have special light show this New Year's Eve, but what about the fireworks?t|work=Khaleej Times|access-date=28 November 2018|archive-date=28 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128075524/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/dubai//burj-khalifa-to-have-special-light-show-this-new-years-eve-but-what-about-the-fireworks|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/525571/BUSINESS/Emaar-bags-Guinness-World-Record-title-for-largest-light-and-sound-show-on-a-single-building|title=Emaar bags Guinness World Record title for largest light and sound show on a single building|date=6 January 2018|work=Saudigazette|access-date=28 November 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=28 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128075642/http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/525571/BUSINESS/Emaar-bags-Guinness-World-Record-title-for-largest-light-and-sound-show-on-a-single-building|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Architecture and design ==
[[File:Comparisonfinal001fx7.png|thumb|300px|A cross-section of comparisons of various towers, from ground level from top to bottom: Burj Khalifa, [[Taipei 101]], [[Willis Tower]], and [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|the original World Trade Center]]]]
The tower was designed by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM), which also designed the [[Willis Tower]] (formerly the Sears Tower) in [[Chicago]] and the [[One World Trade Center]] in New York City. Burj Khalifa uses the bundled [[tube (structure)|tube]] design of the Willis Tower, invented by [[Fazlur Rahman Khan]].<ref name="constructionweekonline.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-9180-top-10-worlds-tallest-steel-buildings/1/ |title=Top 10 world's tallest steel buildings |publisher=Constructionweekonline.com |access-date=14 June 2013 |archive-date=3 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203033624/http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-9180-top-10-worlds-tallest-steel-buildings/1/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaboutskyscrapers.com/property/burj-khalifa-2 |title=Burj Khalifa |publisher=AllAboutSkyscrapers.com |date=19 November 2012 |access-date=14 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712011132/http://www.allaboutskyscrapers.com/property/burj-khalifa-2 |archive-date=12 July 2012 }}</ref> Due to its tubular system, proportionally only half the amount of steel was used in the construction, compared to the [[Empire State Building]].<ref name="constructionweekonline.com" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Bayley|first=Stephen|title=Burj Dubai: The new pinnacle of vanity|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/dubai/6934603/Burj-Dubai-The-new-pinnacle-of-vanity.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/dubai/6934603/Burj-Dubai-The-new-pinnacle-of-vanity.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|newspaper=Telegraph|date=5 January 2010|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Khan's contributions to the design of tall buildings have had a profound impact on architecture and engineering. It would be difficult to find any worldwide practices in the design of tall buildings that have not been directly or indirectly influenced by his work.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ialcce2012.boku.ac.at/keynote_details.php?profile=5|title=IALCCE 2012: Keynote Speakers Details|website=ialcce2012.boku.ac.at|access-date=5 June 2017|archive-date=26 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426000301/https://ialcce2012.boku.ac.at/keynote_details.php?profile=5|url-status=dead}}</ref> The design is reminiscent of [[Frank Lloyd Wright]]'s vision for [[The Illinois]], a mile-high skyscraper designed for Chicago, as well as Chicago's [[Lake Point Tower]]. When [[Adrian Smith (architect)|Adrian Smith]] was conceiving the project at SOM, he looked out his office window toward [[Lake Point Tower]]'s curved three-wing layout and thought, "There's the prototype".<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kamin/ct-ae-lake-point-tower-anniversary-0923-story.html |title=50 years later, Lake Point Tower is a singular achievement — and let's hope it stays that way |last=Kamin |first=Blair |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=23 September 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=11 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211122235/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kamin/ct-ae-lake-point-tower-anniversary-0923-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Strabala, Burj Khalifa was designed based on the 73&nbsp;floor [[Tower Palace Three Tower|Tower Palace Three]], an all-residential building in [[Seoul]]. In its early planning, Burj Khalifa was intended to be entirely residential.<ref name="Height Revealed">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/540205-secret-of-burj-dubai-height-revealed|title=Architect reveals Burj Dubai height|magazine=[[Arabian Business]]|date=3 December 2008|access-date=3 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204001714/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/540205-secret-of-burj-dubai-height-revealed|archive-date=4 December 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After the original design by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, Emaar Properties chose Hyder Consulting to be the supervising engineer and NORR Group Consultants International Ltd to supervise the architecture of the project.<ref name="Hyder1">{{cite web|url=http://www.hyderconsulting.com/EN/AboutUs/News/Pages/content.aspx?pageID=83 |title=Burj Dubai becomes tallest manmade structure |publisher=Hyder Consulting |access-date=10 January 2010}}{{dead link|date=May 2011}}</ref> Hyder was selected for their expertise in structural and [[Architectural engineering#Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP)|MEP]] (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) engineering.<ref name="Hyder2">{{cite web|url=http://www.hyderconsulting.com/EN/AboutUs/News/Pages/content.aspx?pageID=190 |title=Hyder reinforces its reputation for unrivaled engineering ability with the opening of the Burj Khalifa&nbsp;– the world's tallest building |publisher=Hyder Consulting |access-date=10 January 2010}}{{dead link|date=May 2011}}</ref> Hyder Consulting's role was to supervise construction, certify the architect's design, and be the engineer and architect of record to the UAE authorities.<ref name="Hyder1" /> NORR's role was the supervision of all architectural components including on-site supervision during the construction and design of a 6-storey addition to the office annex building for architectural documentation. NORR was also responsible for the architectural integration drawings for the Armani Hotel included in the Tower. Emaar Properties also engaged [[GHD Group|GHD]],<ref name="GHD Projects">{{cite web |url=http://www.ghd.com.au/aptrixpublishing.nsf/Content/BurjDubaiTower_prj |title=GHD is playing a vital role in managing the long term structural integrity of the world's tallest building, the Burj Dubai Tower |publisher=[[GHD Group|GHD]] |access-date=11 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202052648/http://www.ghd.com.au/aptrixpublishing.nsf/Content/BurjDubaiTower_prj |archive-date=2 December 2008 }}</ref> an international multidisciplinary consulting firm, to act as an independent verification and testing authority for concrete and steelwork.

The design is derived from Islamic architecture.<ref name="gn" /> As the tower rises from the flat desert base, there are 27 [[setback (architecture)|setbacks]] in a spiral pattern, decreasing the cross-section of the tower as it rises and creating convenient outdoor terraces. These setbacks are arranged and aligned in a way that minimizes vibration wind loading from eddy currents and vortices.<ref name="academic.csuohio.edu" /> At the top, the central core emerges and is sculpted to form a finishing spire. At its tallest point, the tower sways a total of {{convert|1.5|m|ft|1|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/housing-property/burj-dubai-is-the-height-of-success-1.55605|title=Burj Dubai is the height of success|last=Saberi|first=Mahmood|date=19 April 2008|newspaper=[[Gulf News]]|access-date=31 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107060153/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/housing-property/burj-dubai-is-the-height-of-success-1.55605|archive-date=7 January 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Samara spiralovity minaret rijen1973.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The spiral minaret at the [[Great Mosque of Samarra]]]]
The spire of Burj Khalifa is composed of more than {{convert|4000|t|ST LT}} of structural steel. The central pinnacle pipe weighs {{convert|350|t|ST LT}} and has a height of {{convert|200|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The spire also houses communications equipment.<ref name="structure" /> This {{convert|244|m|adj=on}} spire is widely considered [[vanity height]], since very little of its space is usable. Without the spire, Burj Khalifa would be {{convert|585|m}} tall. This was reported in a [[Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat]] study, which notes that the empty spire "could be a skyscraper on its own".<ref name="Vanity">{{cite news|url=http://www.ctbuh.org/Publications/Journal/InNumbers/TBINVanityHeight/tabid/5837/language/en-US/Default.aspx|title=the world's vainest skyscrapers|access-date=23 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117120309/http://www.ctbuh.org/Publications/Journal/InNumbers/TBINVanityHeight/tabid/5837/language/en-US/Default.aspx|archive-date=17 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Such a skyscraper, if located in Europe, would be the 11th tallest building on that continent.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vanity height: how much space in skyscrapers is unoccupiable?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/feb/03/skyscrapers-vanity-height-graphics-numbers|website=The Guardian|date=3 February 2017|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220141458/https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/feb/03/skyscrapers-vanity-height-graphics-numbers|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2009 architects announced that more than 1,000 pieces of art would adorn the interiors of Burj Khalifa, while the residential lobby of Burj Khalifa would display the work of [[Jaume Plensa]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.som.com/content.cfm/burj_dubai_pr_20090528 |title=Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Leads Process for Art Program at Burj Dubai |date=28 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424082811/http://www.som.com/content.cfm/burj_dubai_pr_20090528 |archive-date=24 April 2010 }}</ref>

The cladding system consists of {{convert|142000|m2|sqft|-3|abbr=on}} of more than 26,000 reflective glass panels and aluminium and textured [[stainless steel]] [[spandrel]] panels with vertical tubular fins.<ref name="structure" /> The [[architectural glass]] provides solar and thermal performance as well as an anti-glare shield for the intense desert sun, extreme desert temperatures and strong winds. The glass covers more than {{convert|174000|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} in area.{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}} The Burj's typical curtain wall panels measure {{convert|4|ft|6|in|abbr=on|1}} wide by {{convert|10|ft|8|in|abbr=on|1}} high and weigh about {{convert|800|lb}} each, with wider panels near the building's edges and taller ones near the top.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/detail/detail-burj-khalifa-curtain-wall_o|title=Detail: Burj Khalifa Curtain Wall (Architect Magazine)|last=Shapiro|first=Gideon Fink|date=11 March 2010|website=www.architectmagazine.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809014429/http://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/detail/detail-burj-khalifa-curtain-wall_o|archive-date=9 August 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=21 March 2018}}</ref>

<!-- Note to editors:
We know that 6°C corresponds to 43°F. The sentence below IS NOT a mistake because it refers to a temperature differential, and not to an absolute temperature. For example, going from 0°C to 6°C is a difference of 6°C which in Fahrenheit translates to going from 32°F to 43°F, which is a difference of 11°F. That is why the convert template is not used here. -->
The exterior temperature at the top of the building is thought to be 6&nbsp;°C (11&nbsp;°F) cooler than at its base.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/wea00/wea00131.htm |title=Temperature and Elevation |publisher=[[United States Department of Energy]] |date=21 May 2002 |access-date=11 April 2009 |archive-date=15 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415003502/http://newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/wea00/wea00131.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>{{update inline|date=September 2018}}

A 304-room Armani Hotel, the first of 4 by [[Armani]], occupies 15 of the lower 39&nbsp;floors.<ref name="CTBUHdb" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotelmanagement-network.com/projects/Armani/ |title=Armani Hotel Burj Dubai, United Arab Emirates |publisher=hotelmanagement-network.com |access-date=11 April 2009 |archive-date=29 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129225558/http://www.hotelmanagement-network.com/projects/Armani/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The hotel was supposed to open on 18 March 2010,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eyeofdubai.com/v1/news/newsdetail-37992.htm |title=Worlds first Armani Hotel to open on 18 March 2010 in Dubai |date=4 January 2010 |publisher=EyeOfDubai.com |access-date=8 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004212629/http://www.eyeofdubai.com/v1/news/newsdetail-37992.htm |archive-date=4 October 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/577810-burj-dubais-armani-hotel-to-open-on-mar-18 |title=Burj Dubai's Armani hotel to open on Mar 18 |last=Sambidge |first=Andy |date=4 January 2010 |magazine=[[Arabian Business]] |access-date=8 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108033444/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/577810-burj-dubais-armani-hotel-to-open-on-mar-18 |archive-date=8 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> but after several delays, it finally opened to the public on 27 April 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=174074 |title=Armani hotel opens in Dubai's Khalifa tower |date=27 April 2010 |newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |access-date=27 April 2010 |archive-date=1 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501135938/http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=174074 |url-status=live }}</ref> The corporate suites and offices were also supposed to open from March onwards,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eyeofdubai.com/v1/news/newsdetail-37982.htm |title=Burj Dubai: Fact Sheet |publisher=Eyeofdubai.com |access-date=11 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106172642/http://www.eyeofdubai.com/v1/news/newsdetail-37982.htm |archive-date=6 January 2010 }}</ref> yet the hotel and observation deck remained the only parts of the building which were open in April 2010.

The [[sky lobby|sky lobbies]] on the 43rd and 76th&nbsp;floors house swimming pools.<ref name="residents">{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/burj-dubai-to-welcome-residents-in-feb-2010/82037/on|title=Burj Dubai to welcome residents in Feb 2010|date=1 January 2010|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|access-date=9 January 2010|archive-date=8 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108011920/http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/burj-dubai-to-welcome-residents-in-feb-2010/82037/on|url-status=live}}</ref> Floors&nbsp;20 through 108 have 900 private residential apartments (which, according to the developer, sold out within eight hours of being on the market). An outdoor [[Swimming pool#Zero-entry swimming pools|zero-entry swimming pool]] is located on the 76th&nbsp;floor of the tower. Corporate offices and suites fill most of the remaining floors, except for the 122nd, 123rd, and 124th, where the [[At.mosphere]] restaurant, sky lobby, and an indoor and outdoor observation deck are located respectively. In January 2010, it was planned that Burj Khalifa would receive its first residents in February 2010.<ref name="residents" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dubaicityguide.com/site/news/news-details.asp?newsid=27511 |title=Burj Dubai To Welcome First Residents From February 2010 Onwards |date=31 December 2009 |publisher=DubaiCityGuide |access-date=9 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722021833/http://www.dubaicityguide.com/site/news/news-details.asp?newsid=27511 |archive-date=22 July 2011 }}</ref>

The building has 57 elevators and 8 escalators.<ref name="structure" /> The elevators have a capacity of 12 to 14 people per cabin, and include the world's fastest [[double-deck elevator]]s, rising and descending at up to {{convert|10|m/s|abbr=on}}. Engineers initially considered installing the world's first triple-deck elevators.<ref name="Emporis" /> The double-deckers are equipped with LCD displays to amuse visitors during their travel to the observation deck.<ref>{{cite web |author=CW Staff |url=http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-7400-how-the-burj-was-built/5/ |title=How the Burj was built |date=16 January 2010 |publisher=ConstructionWeekOnline.com |access-date=11 May 2010 |archive-date=24 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324120102/http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-7400-how-the-burj-was-built/5/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The building has 2,909&nbsp;stairs from the ground floor to the 160th&nbsp;floor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-7343-top-10-burj-khalifa-facts-part-3/2/|title=Top 10 Burj Khalifa facts: Part 3|publisher=ConstructionWeekOnline.com|access-date=8 January 2010|archive-date=6 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006073906/http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-7343-top-10-burj-khalifa-facts-part-3/2/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Plumbing systems ===
The Burj Khalifa's water system supplies an average of {{convert|946000|liters|usgal|abbr=on}} of water per day through {{convert|100|km|mi|abbr=on}} of pipes.<ref name="gn" /><ref name="Wharton">{{cite web |url=http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/arabic/article.cfm?articleid=2437 |title=Escaping the Dubai Downturn: Voltas's Latest Engineering Feat |date=20 April 2010 |publisher=Wharton, [[University of Pennsylvania]] |access-date=21 May 2011 |archive-date=18 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118001946/http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/arabic/article.cfm?articleid=2437 |url-status=live }}</ref> An additional {{convert|213|km|mi|abbr=on}} of piping serves the fire emergency system, and {{convert|34|km|mi|abbr=on}} supplies chilled water for the air conditioning system.<ref name="Wharton" />

=== Air conditioning ===
The air conditioning system draws air from the upper floors where the air is cooler and cleaner than on the ground.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.timeoutdubai.com/knowledge/features/12706-khalifa-creators |title=Air Conditioning in Burj Khalifa |date=11 January 2010 |publisher=Timeoutdubai.com |access-date=17 April 2011 |archive-date=5 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605105340/http://www.timeoutdubai.com/knowledge/features/12706-khalifa-creators |url-status=live }}</ref> At peak cooling times, the tower's cooling is {{cvt|46|MW}}, equivalent to that provided by {{convert|13000|ST|lb kg|abbr=out}} of melting ice in one day.<ref name="Wharton" /> Water is collected via a condensate collection system and is used to irrigate the nearby park.<ref name="gn" />

=== Window cleaning ===
To wash the 24,348 windows, totaling {{convert|120000|m2|ft2|-4|abbr=on}} of glass, the building has three horizontal tracks, each holding a {{convert|1500|kg|lb|abbr=on}} bucket machine. Above level&nbsp;109, and up to tier&nbsp;27, traditional cradles from [[davit]]s are used. The top of the building is cleaned by a crew that uses ropes to descend from the top to gain access.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/a-tall-order-burj-dubai-all-set-to-come-clean-1.546504|title=A tall order: Burj Dubai all set to come clean|date=25 August 2009|newspaper=[[Gulf News]]|access-date=7 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811080544/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/a-tall-order-burj-dubai-all-set-to-come-clean-1.546504|archive-date=11 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{YouTube | wcRuXrduj6Q | Window cleaning the world's tallest building }} from [http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0115wg9 Supersized Earth – Episode 1 – BBC One] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404042215/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0115wg9 |date=4 April 2015 }}</ref> Under normal conditions, when all [[building maintenance unit]]s are operational, it takes 36 workers three to four months to clean the entire exterior.<ref name="structure">{{cite web|url=http://www.burjdubai.com/the-tower/structure.aspx |title=Structural Elements&nbsp;– Elevator, Spire, and More |publisher=BurjDubai.com |access-date=31 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215060449/http://www.burjdubai.com/the-tower/structure.aspx |archive-date=15 December 2009 }}</ref><ref name="cleaning">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/travel/so-you-think-your-windows-are-hard-to-keep-clean-20100104-lq5x.html|title=So you think your windows are hard to keep clean?|last=Dobbin|first=Marika|date=5 January 2010|newspaper=The Age|access-date=6 January 2010|location=Melbourne, Australia|archive-date=7 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107045236/http://www.theage.com.au/travel/so-you-think-your-windows-are-hard-to-keep-clean-20100104-lq5x.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Unmanned machines clean the top 27 additional tiers and the glass spire. The cleaning system was developed in [[Melbourne]], Australia, by CoxGomyl, a manufacturer of building maintenance units,<ref name="telegraphwindowcleaning">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/dubai/6936250/Burj-Khalifa-window-cleaners-to-spend-months-on-worlds-tallest-building.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/dubai/6936250/Burj-Khalifa-window-cleaners-to-spend-months-on-worlds-tallest-building.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Burj Khalifa: window cleaners to spend months on world's tallest building|author=Malkin, Bonnie|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=15 August 2011|location=London|date=5 January 2010}}{{cbignore}},</ref> at a cost of [[Australian dollar|A$]]8&nbsp;million.<ref name="cleaning" />

== Features ==
=== Fountain ===
[[File:Dubai Fountain 7.JPG|thumb|[[The Dubai Fountain]]]]
{{Main|The Dubai Fountain}}
Outside the Burj Khalifa, [[WET Enterprises]] designed a fountain system at a cost of [[United Arab Emirates dirham|Dh]]&nbsp;800&nbsp;million (US$217&nbsp;million). Illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 coloured projectors, it is {{convert|900|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} long and shoots water {{convert|500|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} into the air while accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and other music. It is the world's largest choreographed fountain.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tolbert|first=Jason|date=6 February 2015|title=The Dubai Fountain|url=https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/the-dubai-fountain-6510|url-status=live|access-date=13 July 2021|website=Architect Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908000452/http://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/the-dubai-fountain-6510 |archive-date=8 September 2015 }}</ref> On 26 October 2008, Emaar announced that based on results of a naming contest the fountain would be called the Dubai Fountain.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=725|title='Dubai Fountain' is winning name of Emaar's water spectacle in Downtown Burj Dubai|publisher=[[Emaar Properties]]|date=26 October 2008|access-date=26 October 2008|archive-date=10 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110085409/http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=725|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Observation deck ===
{{Main|At the Top (Burj Khalifa)}}
[[File:Dubai Fountain from At The Top of Burj Khalifa.JPG|thumb|View of [[The Dubai Fountain]] from the observation deck]]
[[File:View from burj khalifa6934713247 db12c311cb o.jpg|thumb|View from the observation deck]]
An outdoor [[observation deck]], named ''[[At the Top (Burj Khalifa)|At the Top]]'', opened on 5 January 2010 on the 124th&nbsp;floor, at {{convert|452|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bayut.com/Property_News/uae_property_news/burj_dubai_observation_deck_opens_t-650.html |title=Burj Dubai Observation Deck Opens to The Public On Jan 5 |date=4 January 2010 |publisher=Bayut.com |access-date=6 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105155448/http://www.bayut.com/Property_News/uae_property_news/burj_dubai_observation_deck_opens_t-650.html |archive-date=5 January 2010 }}</ref> It opened the 148th&nbsp;floor SKY level at {{convert|555|m|ft|abbr=on}}, giving it [[History of the world's tallest structures#Observation decks|the highest observation deck in the world]] on 15 October 2014.<ref name="bus-insider">{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/dubais-burj-khalifa-observation-deck-2014-10 |title=Dubai's Burj Khalifa Now Has The Highest Observation Deck In The World At 1,821 Feet, And It Looks Incredible |first=Megan |last=Willett |publisher=Business Insider |date=17 October 2014 |access-date=6 December 2014 |archive-date=5 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105003042/http://www.businessinsider.com/dubais-burj-khalifa-observation-deck-2014-10 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="at_the_top">{{cite web |url=http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/the-tower/ObservationDecks.aspx |title=At the Top, Burj Khalifa Experience |work=burjkhalifa.ae |publisher=Burj Khalifa |access-date=6 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829045341/http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/the-tower/ObservationDecks.aspx |archive-date=29 August 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, in June 2016 the [[Shanghai Tower]] opened with an observation deck at a height of 561 metres, thus taking the title of the world's highest [[observation deck]]. Subsequently, the Burj Khalifa reclaimed the record on February 18, 2019, when it opened The Lounge observatory at {{convert|585|m|ft|abbr=on}}, which is also the highest lounge in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.burjkhalifadubaitickets.com/observation-deck.html|title=Burj Khalifa Observation Deck|access-date=4 May 2025}}</ref>

The Burj Khalifa's 124th&nbsp;floor observation deck also features a so-called electronic telescope, an [[augmented reality]] device developed by [[Gsmprjct°]] of [[Montréal]], which allows visitors to view the surrounding landscape in real-time, and to view previously saved images such as those taken at different times of day or under different weather conditions.<ref name="gsm">{{cite web |url=http://www.gsmprjct.com/en/expertise |title=Augmented Reality – gsmprjct° |publisher=gsmprjct° |access-date=6 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202011739/http://www.gsmprjct.com/en/expertise |archive-date=2 December 2014 }}</ref><ref name="gsm2">{{cite web |url=http://burjkhalifa.ae/en/index.aspx |title=At the Top, Burj Khalifa |publisher=gsmprjct° |access-date=6 December 2014 |archive-date=17 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117203029/https://www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/index.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://lejournaldemontreal.canoe.ca/actualites/national/archives/2010/01/20100104-163209.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723101823/http://lejournaldemontreal.canoe.ca/actualites/national/archives/2010/01/20100104-163209.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=23 July 2012 |title=Une firme québécoise dans la plus haute tour du monde |date=4 January 2010 |language=fr |newspaper=[[Journal de Montréal]] |access-date=19 August 2010 }}</ref> To reduce the daily rush of sightseers, management allows visitors to purchase tickets in advance for a specific date and time, at a 75% discount on tickets purchased on the spot.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/observation-deck/ticket-information.aspx |title='At The Top' Observation Deck Ticket Information |publisher=Emaar Properties |access-date=9 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100207191329/http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/observation-deck/ticket-information.aspx |archive-date=7 February 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 8 February 2010, the observation deck was closed to the public for two months after power-supply problems caused an elevator to become stuck between floors, trapping a group of tourists for 45&nbsp;minutes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-08/emaar-says-burj-khalifa-observation-deck-closed-for-maintenance.html |title=Emaar Says Burj Khalifa Observation Deck Closed for Maintenance |date=8 February 2010 |publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] |access-date=9 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211152456/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-08/emaar-says-burj-khalifa-observation-deck-closed-for-maintenance.html |archive-date=11 February 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7021145.ece |title=Terrifying lift ordeal at Burj Khalifa tower, the world's tallest building |date=10 February 2010 |newspaper=The Times |location=UK |access-date=10 February 2010 |first=Hugh |last=Tomlinson |url-access=subscription |archive-date=5 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105003039/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7021145.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/apr/05/burj-khalifa-reopens-observation |title=World's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, reopens observation deck |date=5 April 2010 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK |access-date=6 April 2010 |archive-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215153546/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/apr/05/burj-khalifa-reopens-observation |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/burj-khalifa-observation-deck-reopens-1.607748 |title=Burj Khalifa observation deck reopens |date=5 April 2010 |publisher=GulfNews.com |access-date=6 April 2010 |archive-date=5 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105003041/https://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/burj-khalifa-observation-deck-reopens-1.607748 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/travel/2010/04/machu_picchu_and_burj_khalifa.html |title=Machu Picchu and Burj Khalifa back in biz |date=5 April 2010 |newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |access-date=5 April 2010 |first=Lori |last=Rackl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408041449/http://blogs.suntimes.com/travel/2010/04/machu_picchu_and_burj_khalifa.html |archive-date=8 April 2010 }}</ref>

When the tide is low and visibility is high, people can see the shores of Iran (which is around {{Convert|153|km|mi|disp=or|abbr=on}} away) from the top of the skyscraper.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/06/opinion/sunday/the-view-from-dubai.html|title=The View From Dubai|date=6 October 2013|work=The New York Times|access-date=26 February 2017|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112020508/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/06/opinion/sunday/the-view-from-dubai.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Park ===
{{Main|Burj Park}}
Burj Khalifa is surrounded by an {{convert|11|ha|acre|spell=in|adj=on}} park designed by landscape architects SWA Group.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=994 |title=An 11-hectare green oasis envelops the foot of Burj Dubai |date=20 December 2009 |publisher=[[Emaar Properties]] |access-date=20 March 2010 |archive-date=10 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710185138/http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=994 |url-status=live }}</ref> Like the tower, the park's design was based on the flower of the ''[[Hymenocallis]]'', a desert plant.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.burjdubai.com/news-media/11-hectare_green_oasis.aspx |title=An 11-hectare green oasis envelops the foot of Burj Dubai |date=20 December 2009 |publisher=BurjDubai.com |access-date=10 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110195256/http://www.burjdubai.com/news-media/11-hectare_green_oasis.aspx |archive-date=10 January 2010 }}</ref> At the centre of the park is the water room, which is a series of pools and water jet fountains. Benches and signs incorporate images of Burj Khalifa and the ''[[Hymenocallis]]'' flower.<ref name="park-ab">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/576615-11-hectare-park-unveiled-at-burj-dubai-site|title=11-hectare park unveiled at Burj Dubai site|last=Baxter|first=Elsa|date=20 December 2009|magazine=[[Arabian Business]]|access-date=10 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091223033705/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/576615-11-hectare-park-unveiled-at-burj-dubai-site|archive-date=23 December 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The plants are watered by water collected from the building's cooling system. The system provides {{convert|68000000|L|USgal|abbr=on}} annually.<ref name="park-ab" /> [[WET Enterprises]], who also developed the [[Dubai Fountain]], developed the park's six water features.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=970|title=An 11-hectare green oasis envelops the foot of Burj Dubai|date=20 December 2009|publisher=[[Emaar Properties]]|access-date=10 January 2010|archive-date=10 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710185149/http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=970|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Floor plan ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; background:transparent;"
! Floors
! Purpose<ref name="structure" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://business.maktoob.com/20090000412054/Inside_the_Burj_Dubai/Article.htm|title=Inside the Burj Dubai|publisher=[[Maktoob]] News|date=28 December 2009|access-date=10 January 2010|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723173544/http://business.maktoob.com/20090000412054/Inside_the_Burj_Dubai/Article.htm |archive-date=23 July 2011}}</ref>
! colspan="2"|[[Dimetric projection]] with floors colour-coded by function<ref>{{cite web|title=Burj Khalifa – Structural engineering|publisher=[[Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP]]|url=https://www.som.com/projects/burj_khalifa__structural_engineering#tab_photos3|access-date=2 December 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140911105736/http://www.som.com/projects/burj_khalifa__structural_engineering#tab_photos3|archive-date=11 September 2014}}</ref>
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|160–163
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#ccc;"|Mechanical
| rowspan="28" style="border-right:none; padding-bottom:1.1em; padding-left:1em; vertical-align:bottom;"|
<timeline>
ImageSize  = width:70 height:1200
PlotArea   = left:28 right:0 top:3 bottom:4
DateFormat = yyyy
Period     = from:-5 till:165
TimeAxis   = orientation:vertical
ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:10 start:-5 gridcolor:black
ScaleMinor = unit:year increment:1 start:-4 gridcolor:tan2
Colors =
 id:sp value:rgb(0,0,0)
 id:me value:rgb(0.5,0.5,0.5)
 id:at value:rgb(1,0,0)
 id:cb value:rgb(1,1,0)
 id:re value:rgb(0,1,0)
 id:ho value:rgb(0,1,1)
 id:co value:rgb(0,0,1)
 id:ob value:rgb(1,0,1)
 id:sl value:rgb(1,1,1)
BarData =
 bar:level
PlotData =
 width:38
 bar:level from:160   till:164 color:me
 bar:level from:156   till:160 color:cb
 bar:level from:155   till:156 color:me
 bar:level from:152   till:154 color:ob
 bar:level from:149   till:151 color:co
 bar:level from:148   till:149 color:ob
 bar:level from:139   till:148 color:co
 bar:level from:136   till:139 color:me
 bar:level from:125   till:136 color:co
 bar:level from:124   till:125 color:ob
 bar:level from:123   till:124 color:sl
 bar:level from:122   till:123 color:at
 bar:level from:111   till:122 color:co
 bar:level from:109   till:111 color:me
 bar:level from:77    till:109 color:re
 bar:level from:76    till:77  color:sl
 bar:level from:73    till:76  color:me
 bar:level from:44    till:73  color:re
 bar:level from:43    till:44  color:sl
 bar:level from:40    till:43  color:me
 bar:level from:38    till:40  color:ho
 bar:level from:19    till:38  color:re
 bar:level from:17    till:19  color:me
 bar:level from:9     till:17  color:re
 bar:level from:-1    till:9   color:ho
 bar:level from:-3    till:-1  color:me
</timeline>
| rowspan="28" style="border-left:none; vertical-align:bottom; padding:.7em;"|
[[File:Burj Khalifa floors.svg|center|640px]]
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|156–159
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#ffc;"|Communication and broadcast
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|155
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#ccc;"|Mechanical
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|152–154
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#fcf;"|[[#Observation deck|''The Lounge'' observatory]]
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|149–151
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#ccf;"|Corporate suites
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|148
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#fcf;"|[[At the Top (Burj Khalifa)|''At the Top Sky'' observatory]]
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|139–147
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#ccf;"|Corporate suites
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|136–138
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#ccc;"|Mechanical
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|125–135
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#ccf;"|Corporate suites
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|124
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#fcf;"|[[At the Top (Burj Khalifa)|''At the Top'' observatory]]
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|123
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#fff;"|[[Sky lobby]]
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|122
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#fcc;"|''[[At.mosphere]]'' restaurant
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|111–121
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#ccf;"|Corporate suites
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|109–110
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#ccc;"|Mechanical
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|77–108
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#cfc;"|Residential
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|76
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#fff;"|Sky lobby
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|73–75
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#ccc;"|Mechanical
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|44–72
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#cfc;"|Residential
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|43
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#fff;"|Sky lobby
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|40–42
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#ccc;"|Mechanical
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|38–39
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#cff;"|[[Armani Hotels and Resorts|Armani Hotel suites]]
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|19–37
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#cfc;"|Residential
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|17–18
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#ccc;"|Mechanical
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|9–16
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#cfc;"|Armani Residences
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|1–8
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#cff;"|Armani Hotel
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|Ground
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#cff;"|Armani Hotel, Lobby
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|Concourse
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#cff;"|Armani Hotel, Lobby
|-
| style="padding:0 2px;"|B1–B2
| style="padding:0 2px;background:#ccc;"|Parking, Mechanical
|}

== Ramadan observance ==
On the higher floors, the sun is seen for several minutes after it has set at ground level. Those living above the 80th&nbsp;floor should wait two extra minutes to [[iftar|break their Ramadan fast]], and those living above the 150th&nbsp;floor should wait three minutes.<ref>{{cite news |author= BBC Staff |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14437334 |title= Dubai Burj Khalifa: Ramadan fast 'lasts longer high up' |work= BBC News |date= 7 August 2011 |access-date= 20 February 2017 |archive-date= 3 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210203185911/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14437334 |url-status= live }}</ref>

== Construction ==
[[File:Burj Dubai Evolution.ogv|right|thumb|Animation of construction process|thumbtime=0:23]]
[[File:Burj dubai aerial closeup.jpg|thumb|upright|Aerial closeup of Burj Khalifa under construction in March 2008]]
The tower was constructed by [[Samsung C&T Corporation|Samsung C&T]] from [[South Korea]], which also did work on the [[Petronas Twin Towers]] and [[Taipei 101]].<ref name="Samsung E&C">{{cite web|url=http://www.secc.co.kr/e_secc/introduction/history.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000754/http://www.secc.co.kr/e_secc/introduction/history.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 March 2016|title=Samsung E&C Projects|publisher=[[Samsung Engineering & Construction]]|access-date=23 March 2009}}</ref> Samsung C&T built the tower in a joint venture with [[BESIX]] from Belgium and [[Arabtec]] from the UAE.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenational.ae/business/markets/profits-on-the-descent-at-burj-khalifa-builder-arabtec-1.410042|title=Profits on the descent at Burj Khalifa builder Arabtec|quote=Arabtec Holding, the UAE's biggest construction company, posted a 15 per cent decline in full-year profit.|newspaper=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]|date=8 March 2012|access-date=6 September 2018|archive-date=7 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907071136/https://www.thenational.ae/business/markets/profits-on-the-descent-at-burj-khalifa-builder-arabtec-1.410042|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/besix-wins-2-7bn-abu-dhabi-building-orders-271154.html|title=Besix wins $2.7bn Abu Dhabi building orders|quote=Besix, the Belgian contractor that helped build the Burj Khalifa, said that it had won $2.7bn worth of orders in Abu Dhabi.|magazine=[[Arabian Business]]|date=24 May 2010|access-date=6 September 2018}}</ref> [[Turner Construction Company|Turner]] was the project manager on the main construction contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.turnerconstruction.com/international/content.asp?d=3457&p=2372|title=Turner International Projects&nbsp;– Burj Dubai|publisher=[[Turner Construction]]|access-date=23 March 2009|archive-date=20 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220231744/http://www.turnerconstruction.com/international/content.asp?d=3457&p=2372|url-status=live}}</ref> Hong Kong-based [[Far East Group|Far East Aluminium]] combined to provide the exterior cladding for Burj Khalifa.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fareastglobal.com/en/products/curtainwall/design/548/|title=Technical Case Studies – Burj Khalifa|publisher=Far East Global Group|access-date=7 July 2019|archive-date=22 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155610/http://www.fareastglobal.com/en/products/curtainwall/design/548/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2007-02-05-0702050042-story.html|title=Dubai skyscraper missing its 'curtain wall' exterior|publisher=Far East Global Group|access-date=7 July 2019|archive-date=8 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708121159/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2007-02-05-0702050042-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The contractor and the engineer of record was [[Hyder Consulting]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/hyder-consulting-presenting-burj-dubai-the-world-57565.html|title=Hyder consulting presenting Burj Dubai to the world|magazine=[[Arabian Business]]|date=16 August 2007|access-date=6 September 2018}}</ref> Under UAE law, the contractor and the engineer of record is [[Severally liable#Joint and several liability|jointly and severally liable]] for the performance of Burj Khalifa.

The primary structure is reinforced concrete. [[Putzmeister]] created a new, super high-pressure trailer [[concrete pump]], the BSA 14000 SHP-D, for this project.<ref name="Putzmeister" /> Burj Khalifa's construction used {{convert|330000|m3|cuyd|-2|abbr=on}} of concrete and {{convert|55000|t|ST LT}} of steel [[rebar]], and construction took 22&nbsp;million&nbsp;man-hours.<ref name="Record High" /> In May 2008 Putzmeister pumped concrete with more than 21&nbsp;MPA ultimate compressive strength of gravel to surpass the 600&nbsp;metres weight of the effective area of each column from the foundation to the next 4th&nbsp;level, and the rest was by metal columns ''jacketed'' or ''covered'' with concrete to a then world record delivery height of {{convert|606|m|ft|0|abbr=on}},<ref name="Putzmeister" /> the 156th&nbsp;floor. Three [[tower crane]]s were used during the construction of the uppermost levels, each capable of lifting a 25-tonne load.<ref>{{cite news |last=Croucher |first=Martin |title=Myth of 'Babu Sassi' Remains After Burj Cranes Come Down |url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2009/November/theuae_November338.xml&section=theuae&col= |access-date=3 June 2011 |newspaper=[[Khaleej Times]] |date=11 November 2009 |archive-date=1 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001080528/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data%2Ftheuae%2F2009%2FNovember%2Ftheuae_November338.xml&section=theuae&col= |url-status=dead }}</ref> The remaining structure above was constructed of lighter steel.

In 2003, 33 test holes were drilled to study the strength of the [[bedrock]] underlying the structure.<ref name=GeoMarc /> ''"Weak to very weak sandstone and siltstone"'' was found, just metres below the surface.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Burj Khalifa {{!}} PDF {{!}} Engineering {{!}} Civil Engineering |url=https://www.scribd.com/presentation/403504617/Burj-Khalifa |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=Scribd |language=en}}</ref> Samples were taken from test holes drilled to a depth of 140&nbsp;metres, finding weak to very weak rock all the way.<ref name="GeoPrac2010-01-04" /> The study described the site as part of a "seismically active area".{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} Another challenging element was the [[Shamal (wind)|shamal]] which often creates sandstorms.<ref name="dupre" />

Over {{convert|45000|m3|cuyd|-2|abbr=on}} of concrete, weighing more than {{convert|110000|t|ST LT|lk=on}} were used to construct the concrete and steel foundation, which features 192 piles; each pile is 1.5&nbsp;metre in diameter by 43&nbsp;m in length, buried more than {{convert|50|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} deep.<ref name="Emporis" /> The foundation was designed to support the total building weight of approximately {{convert|450000|t|ST LT|lk=on}}. This weight was then divided by the compressive strength of concrete which is 30&nbsp;MPa which yielded 450&nbsp;sq.&nbsp;metres of vertical normal effective area, which then yielded 12 metres by 12&nbsp;metres dimensions.<ref name="VanHamptonApril2008">{{cite journal|last=Van Hampton|first=Tudor|date=2 April 2008|title=Clyde N. Baker Jr.|url=http://enr.construction.com/features/buildings/archives/080402-1.asp|url-status=dead|journal=[[Engineering News-Record]]|location=New York|publisher=McGraw Hill Construction|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911014131/http://enr.construction.com/features/buildings/archives/080402-1.asp|archive-date=11 September 2015|access-date=11 August 2015}}<!-- Note: here are the archive URLs for the pages two, three and four of the article: https://www.webcitation.org/6aiVN9pCF?url=http://enr.construction.com/features/buildings/archives/080402-2.asp https://www.webcitation.org/6aiVU4m3n?url=http://enr.construction.com/features/buildings/archives/080402-3.asp https://www.webcitation.org/6aiVcJQoz--></ref> A [[cathodic protection]] system is under the concrete to neutralise the sulphate and chloride-rich groundwater and prevent corrosion.<ref name="structure" /><ref name="dupre" />

During the construction of the Burj Khalifa, over 35,000&nbsp;tonnes of structural steel was obtained from the [[Palace of the Republic, Berlin|Palace of the Republic]] in Berlin, which had served as the parliament building for the [[Volkskammer]] of the former [[East Germany]]. The steel was shipped to Dubai after the Palace's demolition was completed in 2008.<ref name="dw" />

The Burj Khalifa is highly compartmentalised. Pressurised, air-conditioned refuge floors are located every 13&nbsp;floors (on floors G, 13, 26, 39, 52, etc.) where people can shelter on their long walk down to safety in case of an emergency or fire.<ref name="structure" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3123781|title=Burj Dubai: Top of the world|last=Puckett|first=Katie|date=3 October 2008|publisher=[[Building (magazine)|Building]]|access-date=31 December 2009}}</ref>

Special mixes of concrete were made to withstand the extreme pressures of the massive building weight; as is typical with reinforced concrete construction, each batch of concrete was tested to ensure it could withstand certain pressures. [[CTLGroup]], working for Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, conducted the creep and shrinkage [[Islamic architecture|testing critical for the structural analysis of the building]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ctlgroup.com/ClientsAndProjects/Project/Detail/220 |title=Clients & Projects – Burj Khalifa, the Tallest Building in the World |publisher=CTLGroup |access-date=29 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212424/http://www.ctlgroup.com/ClientsAndProjects/Project/Detail/220 |archive-date=8 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The consistency of the concrete used in the project was essential. It was difficult to create a concrete that could withstand both the thousands of tonnes bearing down on it and [[Persian Gulf]] temperatures that can reach {{convert|50|C|F|0|abbr=on}}. To combat this problem, the concrete was not poured during the day. Instead, during the summer months, ice was added to the mixture and it was poured at night when the air was cooler and the humidity was higher. Cooler concrete cures more evenly and is, therefore, less likely to set too quickly and crack. Any significant cracks could have put the entire project in jeopardy.<ref name="Al-Tayyib1989">{{cite journal|last1=Al-Tayyib|first1=A.J.|last2=Baluch|first2=M.H.|last3=Sharif|first3=Al-Farabi M.|last4=Mahamud|first4=M.M.|title=The effect of thermal cycling on the durability of concrete made from local materials in the Arabian Gulf countries|journal=Cement and Concrete Research|volume=19|issue=1|year=1989|pages=131–142|issn=0008-8846|doi=10.1016/0008-8846(89)90073-2}}</ref><ref name="Ji2009">{{cite journal|last1=Ji|first1=Jun|last2=Elnashai|first2=Amr S.|last3=Kuchma|first3=Daniel A.|title=Seismic fragility relationships of reinforced concrete high-rise buildings|journal=The Structural Design of Tall and Special Buildings|volume=18|issue=3|year=2009|pages=259–277|issn=1541-7794|doi=10.1002/tal.408|s2cid=109960316 }}</ref><ref name="Gjørv2011">{{cite journal|last1=Gjørv|first1=Odd E.|title=Durability of concrete structures|journal=[[Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering]]|volume=36|issue=2|year=2011|pages=151–172|issn=1319-8025|doi=10.1007/s13369-010-0033-5|s2cid=110936887|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name="Friedman2018">{{cite web| last1=Friedman| first1=Daniel| year=2018| title=Effects of curing temperature on concrete: shrinkage cracks and spalling concrete| url=https://inspectapedia.com/structure/Effect-of-Temperature-on-Concrete.php| access-date=2020-09-13| archive-date=19 February 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219005213/https://inspectapedia.com/structure/Effect-of-Temperature-on-Concrete.php| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Bester2013">{{cite journal|last1=Bester| first1=Nicholas| year=2013| title=Concrete for high-rise buildings: Performance requirements, mix design and construction considerations| journal=Structural Concrete Properties and Practice| pages=1–4}}</ref>

=== Milestones ===
[[File:Burj Dubai 001.jpg|thumb|450px|Burj Khalifa and skyline of Dubai, 2010]]
* January 2004: Excavation commences.<ref name="timeline">{{cite web|url=http://www.burjdubai.com/the-tower/construction.aspx |title=Burj Dubai Construction Timeline |publisher=BurjDubai.com |access-date=31 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215060325/http://www.burjdubai.com/the-tower/construction.aspx |archive-date=15 December 2009 }}</ref>
* February 2004: Piling starts.<ref name="timeline" />
* 21 September 2004: Emaar contractors begin construction.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6910536.stm|title=Dubai skyscraper world's tallest|date=22 July 2007|work=BBC News|access-date=31 December 2009|archive-date=9 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209133713/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6910536.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* March 2005: Structure of Burj Khalifa starts rising.<ref name="timeline" />
* June 2006: Level&nbsp;50 is reached.<ref name="timeline" />
* February 2007: Surpasses the [[Willis Tower|Sears Tower]] as the [[List of buildings with 100 floors or more|building with the most floors]].
* 13 May 2007: Sets record for vertical [[concrete pump]]ing on any building at {{convert|452|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, surpassing the {{convert|449.2|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} to which concrete was pumped during the construction of [[Taipei 101]], while Burj Khalifa reached the 130th&nbsp;floor.<ref name="timeline" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://dubaionline.mconet.biz/index.php?action=fullnews&id=319778&category=990&category_name=dubai_property_news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071123091251/http://dubaionline.mconet.biz/index.php?action=fullnews&id=319778&category=990&category_name=dubai_property_news|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 November 2007|title=Burj Dubai: Unimix sets record for concrete pumping|publisher=Dubai News Online|date=25 May 2007|access-date=11 April 2009}}</ref>
* 21 July 2007: Surpasses Taipei 101, whose height of {{convert|509.2|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} made it the world's tallest building, and level&nbsp;141 reached.<ref name="timeline" /><ref name="official site">{{cite web|title=Burj Dubai Official Website|url=http://www.burjdubai.com|publisher=[[Emaar Properties]]|access-date=8 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203024106/http://www.burjdubai.com/|archive-date=3 February 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 12 August 2007: Surpasses the Sears Tower antenna, which stands {{convert|527|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}.
* 12 September 2007: At {{convert|555.3|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, becomes the world's tallest freestanding structure, surpassing the [[CN Tower]] in Toronto, and level&nbsp;150 reached.<ref name="timeline" /><ref name="CBC">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/cn-tower-dethroned-by-dubai-building-1.639333|title=CN Tower dethroned by Dubai building|publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]|date=12 September 2007|access-date=13 September 2007|archive-date=3 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703045949/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/09/12/cntower-surpassed.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 7 April 2008: At {{convert|629|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, surpasses the [[KVLY-TV mast|KVLY-TV Mast]] to become the tallest human-made structure, level&nbsp;160 reached.<ref name="timeline" /><ref name=Emaar20080407>{{cite news|url=http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=213|title=Burj Dubai surpasses KVLY-TV mast to become the world's tallest man-made structure|publisher=[[Emaar Properties]]|date=7 April 2008|access-date=7 April 2008|archive-date=10 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710185205/http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=213|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 17 June 2008: Emaar announces that Burj Khalifa's height is over {{convert|636|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} and that its final height will not be given until it is completed in September 2009.<ref name="Emaar20080617">{{cite news|url=http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=137|title=Emaar increases height of Burj Dubai; completion in September 2009|publisher=[[Emaar Properties]]|date=17 June 2008|access-date=17 October 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710184935/http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=137|archive-date=10 July 2011}}</ref>
* 1 September 2008: Height tops {{convert|688|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, making it the tallest human-made structure ever built, surpassing the previous record-holder, the [[Warsaw Radio Mast]] in [[Konstantynów (Płock County)|Konstantynów]], Poland.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=83|title=Burj Dubai now a record 688&nbsp;m tall and continues to rise|publisher=[[Emaar Properties]]|date=1 September 2008|access-date=1 September 2008|archive-date=10 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110092245/http://www.emaar.com/index.aspx?page=press-release-details&id=83|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 17 January 2009: [[Topped out]] at {{convert|829.8|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Biz24720090117>{{cite news|url=http://www.business24-7.ae/articles/2009/1/pages/01182009_63dc3a90c9a848219058be301f3f7ded.aspx|title=Burj Dubai all set for 09/09/09 soft opening|publisher=Emirates Business 24-7|access-date=17 January 2009|archive-date=19 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119161147/http://business24-7.ae/Articles/2009/1/Pages/01182009_63dc3a90c9a848219058be301f3f7ded.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1 October 2009: Emaar announces that the exterior of the building is completed.<ref name=Maktoob20091001>{{cite news |url=http://business.maktoob.com/20090000378742/Burj_Dubai_exterior_done_to_open_this_year/Article.htm |title=Burj Dubai exterior done, to open this year |publisher=[[Maktoob]] News |date=1 October 2009 |access-date=1 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002153848/http://business.maktoob.com/20090000378742/Burj_Dubai_exterior_done_to_open_this_year/Article.htm |archive-date=2 October 2009 }}</ref>
* 4 January 2010: Burj Khalifa's official launch ceremony is held and Burj Khalifa is opened. Burj Dubai was renamed Burj Khalifa in honour of the President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, [[Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan|Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan]].<ref name="DubaiOneInauguration" />
* 10 March 2010: [[Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat]] certifies Burj Khalifa as world's tallest building.<ref name=CTBUH_WorldsTallest>{{cite web |url=http://www.ctbuh.org/News/PressReleases/PR_100308_TallestTrends/tabid/1468/language/en-US/Default.aspx |title=Tallest Trends and the Burj Khalifa |date=10 March 2010 |work=Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat |access-date=27 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914160330/http://www.ctbuh.org/News/PressReleases/PR_100308_TallestTrends/tabid/1468/language/en-US/Default.aspx |archive-date=14 September 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Real estate values ===
In March 2009, [[Mohamed Ali Alabbar]], chairman of the project's developer, [[Emaar Properties]], said office space pricing at Burj Khalifa reached US$4,000 per sq&nbsp;ft (over US$43,000 per m<sup>2</sup>) and the [[Armani Residences]], also in Burj Khalifa, sold for US$3,500 per sq&nbsp;ft (over US$37,500 per m<sup>2</sup>).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20080305042540 |title=Burj Dubai offices to top US$4,000 per sq ft |publisher=Zawya |date=5 March 2008 |access-date=23 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810010114/http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20080305042540 |archive-date=10 August 2011 }}</ref> He estimated the total cost for the project to be about US$1.5&nbsp;billion.<ref name="USAtoday" />

The project's completion coincided with the [[Great Recession]], and with vast overbuilding in the country, leading to high vacancies and foreclosures.<ref name="monument">{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/01/the-burj-dubai-and-architectures-vacant-stare.html|title=The Burj Dubai and architecture's vacant stare|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=4 January 2010|date=1 January 2010|author=Christopher Hawthorne|archive-date=4 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104111807/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/01/the-burj-dubai-and-architectures-vacant-stare.html|url-status=live}}</ref> With Dubai mired in debt from its huge ambitions, the government was forced to seek multibillion-dollar bailouts from its oil-rich neighbor [[Abu Dhabi]]. Subsequently, in a surprise move at its opening ceremony, the tower was renamed Burj Khalifa, said to honour the UAE President [[Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan]] for his crucial support.<ref name="DubaiOneInauguration">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703580904574638111667658806|title=World's Tallest Skyscraper Opens in Dubai|last=Bianchi|first=Stefania|author2=Andrew Critchlow|date=4 January 2010|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=4 January 2010|archive-date=28 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228200922/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703580904574638111667658806|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://business.maktoob.com/20090000414838/Burj_Dubai_renamed_Burj_Khalifa_/Article.htm |title=828-metre Burj Dubai renamed Burj Khalifa |date=4 January 2010 |publisher=Maktoob Group |access-date=10 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224091602/http://business.maktoob.com/20090000414838/Burj_Dubai_renamed_Burj_Khalifa_/Article.htm |archive-date=24 February 2010 }}</ref>

Because of the [[Real estate bubble|slumping demand]] in Dubai's property market, the rents in the Burj Khalifa plummeted 40% some ten months after its opening. Out of 900 apartments in the tower, 825 were still empty at that time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenational.ae/business/property/burj-khalifa-rents-tumble-40|title=Burj Khalifa rents tumble 40%|newspaper=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]|first=Brad|last=Reagan|date=14 October 2010|access-date=6 November 2010|archive-date=18 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018070305/http://www.thenational.ae/business/property/burj-khalifa-rents-tumble-40|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/armani-residences-defy-70-burj-khalifa-price-drop-357451.html|title=Armani Residences defy 70% Burj Khalifa price drop|magazine=[[Arabian Business]]|first=Shane|last=McGinley|date=21 October 2010|access-date=6 November 2010}}</ref> Over the next 30&nbsp;months, overseas investors steadily bought up available apartments and office space.<ref>{{cite web |title=Offices stand empty in tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18929271 |date=21 July 2012 |publisher=BBC |access-date=28 March 2013 |archive-date=26 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126212706/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18929271 |url-status=live }}</ref> By October 2012, Emaar reported that around 80% of the apartments were occupied.<ref>{{cite web|title=Emaar Reports 80% Occupancy Levels In Burj Khalifa|url=http://www.reidin.com/news/showNews/ae_reidin-reidinmediawatch-20120706-1/emaar-reports-80-occupancy-levels-in-burj-khalifa.html|publisher=REIDIN.com|access-date=1 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201103154/http://www.reidin.com/news/showNews/ae_reidin-reidinmediawatch-20120706-1/emaar-reports-80-occupancy-levels-in-burj-khalifa.html|archive-date=1 February 2013}}</ref>

=== Official launch ceremony ===

The ceremony was broadcast live on a giant screen on [[Burj Park]] Island and on smaller screens elsewhere.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://moonshine.ae/best-bars-in-dubai-with-burj-khalifa-views/|title=Best Bars in Dubai with Burj Khalifa Views|last=Moonshiner|date=29 November 2018|website=Moonshine|language=en-US|access-date=9 December 2018|archive-date=6 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206145643/http://moonshine.ae/best-bars-in-dubai-with-burj-khalifa-views/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hundreds of media outlets from around the world reported live from the scene.<ref name="details revealed" /> In addition to the media presence, 6,000 guests were expected.<ref name="billions and billions">{{cite news |url=http://business.maktoob.com/20090000413858/Two_billion_to_watch_Burj_Dubai_opening/Article.htm |title=Two billion to watch Burj Dubai opening |publisher=[[Maktoob]] Business |date=3 January 2010 |access-date=5 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201060543/http://business.maktoob.com/20090000413858/Two_billion_to_watch_Burj_Dubai_opening/Article.htm |archive-date=1 February 2010 }}</ref>

The opening was held on 4 January 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2010/0105/World-s-tallest-building-What-s-it-worth-to-have-the-Dubai-tower-and-what-should-people-call-it|title=World's tallest building: What's it worth to have the Dubai tower&nbsp;– and what should people call it?|last=Huang|first=Carol|date=5 January 2010|newspaper=[[The Christian Science Monitor]]|access-date=6 January 2010|archive-date=5 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105174823/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2010/0105/World-s-tallest-building-What-s-it-worth-to-have-the-Dubai-tower-and-what-should-people-call-it|url-status=live}}</ref> The ceremony featured a display of 10,000 fireworks, light beams projected on and around the tower, and further sound, light and water effects.<ref name="details revealed">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/577720-burj-dubai-ceremony-details-revealed|title=Burj Dubai ceremony details revealed|first=Andy|last=Sambidge|magazine=[[Arabian Business]]|date=3 January 2010|access-date=5 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106030514/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/577720-burj-dubai-ceremony-details-revealed|archive-date=6 January 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> The celebratory lighting was designed by UK lighting designers [[Speirs and Major Associates]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/architecture_and_design/article7034748.ece|title=Designer's light touches far and wide|last=Devine|first=Rachel|date=21 February 2010|newspaper=The Times|location=UK|access-date=29 November 2010|archive-date=15 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615193116/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/architecture_and_design/article7034748.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref> Using the 868 powerful [[stroboscope]] lights that are integrated into the façade and spire of the tower, different lighting sequences were choreographed, together with more than 50 different combinations of other effects.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

== Controversies ==
=== Incidents ===
On 10 May 2011, an [[Migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates|Asian migrant worker]] in his mid-30s jumped to his death from the 147th&nbsp;floor onto the 108th&nbsp;floor's deck. Dubai police said he killed himself because his company refused to let him leave the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/10/man-dies-in-jump-from-worlds-tallest-building/?iref=obnetwork|title=Man dies in jump from world's tallest building|publisher=CNN|date=12 May 2011|access-date=29 May 2011|archive-date=29 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529013123/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/10/man-dies-in-jump-from-worlds-tallest-building/?iref=obnetwork|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 18 May 2015, Dubai police disputed a report that a Portuguese tourist named Laura Vanessa Nunes fell to her death from the Burj Khalifa the prior 16 November, claiming that she fell from the [[Jumeirah Lake Towers]].<ref>{{cite news|title=No suicide at Burj Khalifa say Dubai Police|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/crime/no-suicide-at-burj-khalifa-say-dubai-police-1.1513260|newspaper=Gulf News|date=18 May 2015|access-date=28 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724151922/http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/crime/no-suicide-at-burj-khalifa-say-dubai-police-1.1513260|archive-date=24 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/578320/Woman-suicide-Burj-Khalifa-Dubai-mother-cover-up|title=Is Dubai trying to cover-up woman's death from the top of world's tallest building?|first=Rebecca|last=Perring|date=19 May 2015|access-date=5 October 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005202449/http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/578320/Woman-suicide-Burj-Khalifa-Dubai-mother-cover-up|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Nine News]] obtained emails from Portugal's embassy in the UAE under [[Freedom of information laws by country#Portugal|freedom of information laws]], which indicated that the female tourist jumped from the 148th&nbsp;floor of the Burj Khalifa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.9news.com.au/world/2017/11/15/14/07/laura-nunes-dubai-covered-up-womans-suicide-from-top-of-burj-khalifa|title=How rich Gulf emirate Dubai covered up woman's suicide from top of Burj Khalifa|first=Mark|last=Saunokonoko|date=16 November 2017|publisher=Nine News Australia|access-date=22 November 2017|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116134207/https://www.9news.com.au/world/2017/11/15/14/07/laura-nunes-dubai-covered-up-womans-suicide-from-top-of-burj-khalifa|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Labour ===
{{Further|Human rights in the United Arab Emirates}}
The Burj Khalifa was built primarily by workers from South Asia and East Asia.<ref name="Riot">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/mar/23/brianwhitaker.mainsection|title=Riot by migrant workers halts construction of Dubai skyscraper|last=Whitaker|first=Brian|newspaper=The Guardian|location=UK|date=23 March 2006|access-date=25 March 2006|archive-date=21 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221054045/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/mar/23/brianwhitaker.mainsection|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article74907.ece|title=Burj Dubai opens tomorrow, final height still a secret!|date=3 January 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=India|access-date=6 January 2010|archive-date=5 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805023853/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article74907.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> This is generally because the current generation of UAE locals prefer governmental jobs and do not have an attitude favouring private sector employment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/emiratisation-wont-work-if-people-dont-want-to-learn|title=Emiratisation won't work if people don't want to learn|author=Ayesha Almazroui|work=thenational.ae|access-date=11 June 2014|archive-date=26 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426083228/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/emiratisation-wont-work-if-people-dont-want-to-learn|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/education/blacklist-seeks-to-deter-emirati-job-aspirants-from-being-fussy-1.978402|title=Blacklist seeks to deter Emirati job aspirants from being fussy|author=Rania Moussly, Staff Reporter|work=gulfnews.com|date=10 February 2012 |access-date=21 August 2015|archive-date=7 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907110204/https://gulfnews.com/news/uae/education/blacklist-seeks-to-deter-emirati-job-aspirants-from-being-fussy-1.978402|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 June 2008, there were about 7,500 skilled workers employed at the construction site.<ref name="Emaar20080617" /> Press reports indicated in 2006 that skilled [[carpentry|carpenters]] at the site earned £4.34 a day, and labourers earned £2.84.<ref name="Riot" /> According to a BBC investigation and a [[Human Rights Watch]] report, the workers were housed in abysmal conditions, and worked long hours for low pay.<ref name="HRW111106">{{cite web |publisher= Human Rights Watch |url= https://www.hrw.org/en/node/11123/section/6 |title= Building Towers, Cheating Workers Section V. |date= 11 November 2006 |access-date= 26 July 2010 |archive-date= 11 May 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120511025951/http://www.hrw.org/en/node/11123/section/6 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7985361.stm |title=Dark side of the Dubai dream |date=6 April 2009 |publisher=BBC |access-date=15 July 2013 |archive-date=2 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802085650/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7985361.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher= Migrant-Rights.org |url= http://www.migrant-rights.org/2010/01/04/behind-the-glamorous-facade-of-the-burj-khalifa/ |title= Behind the Glamorous Facade of the Burj Khalifa |date= 4 January 2010 |access-date= 6 January 2010 |archive-date= 9 May 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120509001254/http://www.migrant-rights.org/2010/01/04/behind-the-glamorous-facade-of-the-burj-khalifa/ |url-status= live }}</ref> During construction, one construction-related death was reported.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gulfnews.com/business/property/keeping-the-burj-dubai-site-safe-for-workers-1.561805 |title=Keeping the Burj Dubai site safe for workers |publisher=gulfnews |date=4 January 2010 |access-date=29 May 2011 |archive-date=8 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508154500/http://gulfnews.com/business/property/keeping-the-burj-dubai-site-safe-for-workers-1.561805 |url-status=live }}</ref> Workplace injuries and deaths in the UAE are poorly documented, according to Human Rights Watch.<ref name="HRW111106" />

In March 2006 about 2,500 workers, upset over buses that were delayed for the end of their shifts, protested and triggered a riot, damaging cars, offices, computers, and construction equipment.<ref name="Riot" /> A Dubai Interior Ministry official said the rioters caused almost £500,000 in damage.<ref name="Riot" /> Most of the workers involved in the riot returned the following day but refused to work.<ref name="Riot" />

== New Year's Eve ==
Emaar New Year's Eve is an annual event held every 31 December at Burj Khalifa, organised by [[Emaar Properties]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/companies/emaar-properties/ | title=Emaar Properties | website=www.forbes.com | access-date=24 October 2021 | archive-date=21 November 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121153539/https://www.forbes.com/companies/emaar-properties/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/nye-fireworks-at-dubais-burj-khalifa-how-you-can-get-access-to-downtown | title=NYE fireworks at Dubai's Burj Khalifa: How you can get access to Downtown | publisher=khaleejtimes.com | access-date=26 September 2021 | archive-date=28 October 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028190157/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/nye-fireworks-at-dubais-burj-khalifa-how-you-can-get-access-to-downtown | url-status=live }}</ref> The event consists of fireworks launched from Burj Khalifa, a light and laser show on the facade of Burj Khalifa, and an accompanying soundtrack and a special fountain show on [[The Dubai Fountain]] choreographed to the soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 December 2011 |title=Live broadcast of Burj Khalifa New Year's Eve |url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/jaw-dropping-fireworks-at-burj-khalifa-enthrall-thousands-1.739088 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028190158/https://gulfnews.com/uae/jaw-dropping-fireworks-at-burj-khalifa-enthrall-thousands-1.739088 |archive-date=28 October 2021 |access-date=20 September 2021 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=6 January 2018 |title=Emaar bags Guinness World Record title for largest light and sound show on a single building |url=https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/525571/BUSINESS/Emaar-bags-Guinness-World-Record-title-for-largest-light-and-sound-show-on-a-single-building |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028190208/https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/525571/BUSINESS/Emaar-bags-Guinness-World-Record-title-for-largest-light-and-sound-show-on-a-single-building |archive-date=28 October 2021 |access-date=29 December 2021}}</ref> The Emaar New Year's Eve fireworks celebration originated in 2010 with the inauguration of the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa. The celebration was broadcast live to more than 2&nbsp;million people and lasted for 3&nbsp;minutes.<ref name="nye3">{{cite web |date=28 December 2011 |title=Live broadcast of Burj Khalifa New Year's Eve |url=https://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/live-broadcast-of-burj-khalifa-new-year-s-eve-2011-12-28-1.434906 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026061407/https://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/live-broadcast-of-burj-khalifa-new-year-s-eve-2011-12-28-1.434906 |archive-date=26 October 2021 |access-date=24 October 2021 |website=www.emirates247.com |language=en}}</ref>

Since 2011, national live broadcasting rights have been held by [[Dubai Media Incorporated]] and [[Dubai TV]].<ref name="nye3" />

Emaar New Year's Eve has won two [[Guinness World Records]], including "[[Light-emitting diode|Largest LED-Illuminated]] Facade" in 2015 and 2019.<ref name="nye1">{{cite web | url=https://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-31997-emaars-nye-spectacular-was-worlds-most-watched/ | title=Emaar's NYE spectacular was world's most-watched | date=4 January 2015 | access-date=24 October 2021 | archive-date=20 September 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920234525/http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-31997-emaars-nye-spectacular-was-worlds-most-watched/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.news.com.au/world/fireworks-around-the-world-light-the-night-for-new-years-eve/news-story/e2b3b1738ea29f3eb82bae6733ed1eec | title=Fireworks around the world light the night for New Year's Eve | website=www.news.com.au | date=1 January 2015 | access-date=26 September 2021 | archive-date=15 September 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915153124/http://www.news.com.au/world/fireworks-around-the-world-light-the-night-for-new-years-eve/story-fndir2ev-1227171544300 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nye2">{{cite web | url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/dubai-s-new-year-s-eve-burj-khalifa-light-show-to-run-for-months-1.808278 | title=Dubai's New Year's Eve Burj Khalifa light show to run for months | date=1 January 2019 | access-date=22 October 2021 | archive-date=28 October 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028190158/https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/dubai-s-new-year-s-eve-burj-khalifa-light-show-to-run-for-months-1.808278 | url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2017 and 2018, Emaar New Year's Eve was broadcast live on [[Twitter]],<ref name="nye8">{{cite web |date=January 2019 |title=Largest LED-illuminated façade – Guinness World Records |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/102979-largest-led-illuminated-facade |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028192015/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/102979-largest-led-illuminated-facade |archive-date=28 October 2021 |access-date=24 October 2021 |publisher=guinnessworldrecords.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 2019 |title=Tallest LED-illuminated façade – Guinness World Records |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/534039-tallest-led-illuminated-facade |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028195020/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/534039-tallest-led-illuminated-facade |archive-date=28 October 2021 |access-date=26 October 2021 |publisher=guinnessworldrecords.com}}</ref> and [[YouTube]]. In 2020, it was broadcast live for the first time on [[Zoom (software)|Zoom]].<ref name="nye10">{{cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/burj-khalifa-and-downtown-dubai-bring-in-2021-with-a-spectacular-new-years-eve-celebration-301199812.html |title=Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai bring in 2021 with a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration |access-date=24 October 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818164200/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/burj-khalifa-and-downtown-dubai-bring-in-2021-with-a-spectacular-new-years-eve-celebration-301199812.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2021, Emaar celebrated [[solidarity]] in honour of [[frontline worker]]s of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theindiansun.com.au/2021/01/04/burj-khalifa-and-downtown-dubai-bring-in-2021-with-a-spectacular-new-years-eve-celebration/ | title=Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai bring in 2021 with a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration | date=3 January 2021 | work = The Indian Sun | archive-date=22 September 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922023738/https://www.theindiansun.com.au/2021/01/04/burj-khalifa-and-downtown-dubai-bring-in-2021-with-a-spectacular-new-years-eve-celebration/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

For the 2022 event, a laser feature was installed on The Dubai Fountain in sync with the Burj Khalifa's laser and fireworks show.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Waheed | last = Abbas |title=New Year 2022 in Dubai: Catch spectacular fireworks, laser show at Burj Khalifa |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae-attractions/new-year-2022-in-dubai-catch-spectacular-fireworks-laser-show-at-burj-khalifa |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=Khaleej Times |language=en}}</ref>

== BASE jumping ==
The building has been used by several experienced [[BASE jumping|BASE jumpers]] for authorised and unauthorised BASE jumping:

In May 2008, Hervé Le Gallou and David McDonnell, dressed as engineers, entered Burj Khalifa (around {{convert|650|m}} at the time), and jumped off a balcony situated several floors below the 160th&nbsp;floor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://current.com/items/89546563_world-record-base-jump.htm |title=World record BASE jump |first1=Jan |last1=Bednarz |first2=Robin |last2=Schmidt |first3=Andy |last3=Harvey |first4=Hervé |last4=Le Gallou |year=2008 |work=Current Edge |publisher=[[Current TV]] |access-date=4 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114022033/http://current.com/items/89546563_world-record-base-jump.htm |archive-date=14 January 2010 }}Video documentary about the BASE jump from the Burj Dubai tower.</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Daredevils jumped off Burj Dubai undetected |first=Tom |last=Spender |newspaper=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]] |date=24 November 2008 |url=http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/daredevils-jumped-off-burj-dubai-undetected |access-date=4 January 2010 |archive-date=10 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110215852/http://www.thenational.ae/article/20081124/NATIONAL/625952895/-1/NEWS |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 8 January 2010, with permission of the authorities, Nasr Al Niyadi and Omar Al Hegelan, from the Emirates Aviation Society, broke the world record for the highest BASE jump from a building after they leapt from a crane-suspended platform attached to the 160th&nbsp;floor at {{convert|672|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The two men descended the vertical drop at a speed of up to {{convert|220|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, with enough time to open their parachutes 10&nbsp;seconds into the 90-second jump.<ref>[http://www.worldrecordsacademy.org/sports/highest_base_jump_Nasr_Al_Niyadi_and_Omar_Al_Hegelan_sets_world_record_101495.htm Highest base jump-Nasr Al Niyadi and Omar Al Hegelan sets world record] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613031026/http://worldrecordsacademy.org/sports/highest_base_jump_Nasr_Al_Niyadi_and_Omar_Al_Hegelan_sets_world_record_101495.htm |date=13 June 2010}}. Retrieved 9 January 2010.</ref><ref name="BASE jumping">{{cite news |url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Base-Jumpers-From-The-Burj-Khalifa-Dubai-Omar-Al-Hegelan-And-Nasser-Al-Neyadi-Set-New-Record/Article/201001115516376?lpos=World_News_Second_Home_Page_Article_Teaser_Region_3&lid=ARTICLE_15516376_Base_Jumpers_From_The_Burj_Khalifa_Dubai%3A_Omar_Al_Hegelan_And_Nasser_Al_Neyadi_Set_New_Record |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104163610/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Base-Jumpers-From-The-Burj-Khalifa-Dubai-Omar-Al-Hegelan-And-Nasser-Al-Neyadi-Set-New-Record/Article/201001115516376?lpos=World_News_Second_Home_Page_Article_Teaser_Region_3&lid=ARTICLE_15516376_Base_Jumpers_From_The_Burj_Khalifa_Dubai:_Omar_Al_Hegelan_And_Nasser_Al_Neyadi_Set_New_Record |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 January 2013 |title=Daredevils Jump Off World's Tallest Building |publisher=[[Sky News]] |first=Roddy |last=Mansfield |date=8 January 2010 |access-date=8 January 2010}}</ref>

On 21 April 2014, with permission of the authorities and support from several sponsors, highly experienced French BASE jumpers [[Vince Reffet]] and Fred Fugen broke the Guinness world record for the highest BASE jump from a building after they leapt from a specially designed platform, built at the very top of the pinnacle, at {{convert|828|m|ft|abbr=off}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Highest BASE jump from a building |date=21 April 2014 |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-9000/highest-base-jump-from-a-building/ |publisher=[[Guinness World Records Limited]] |access-date=19 November 2020 |archive-date=30 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530081953/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-9000/highest-base-jump-from-a-building |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Fred Fugen and Vincent Reffet took BASE jumping higher than ever before in Dubai. |url=http://www.redbull.com/en/adventure/stories/1331647102489/base-jump-record-off-the-world-s-tallest-building |last=Sampiero |first=Josh |date=23 April 2014 |publisher=[[Red Bull]] |access-date=19 November 2020 |archive-date=28 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528201113/http://www.redbull.com/en/adventure/stories/1331647102489/base-jump-record-off-the-world-s-tallest-building |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite video |title=Burj Khalifa Pinnacle BASE Jump – 4K |website=YouTube |date= 24 April 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD4qsWnjsNU | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211027/iD4qsWnjsNU| archive-date=2021-10-27|access-date=22 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

== Climbing ==
On 28 March 2011, [[Alain Robert|Alain "Spiderman" Robert]] scaled the outside of Burj Khalifa. The climb to the top of the spire took 6&nbsp;hours. To comply with UAE safety laws, Robert, who usually climbs in [[Free solo climbing|free solo]] style, used a rope and harness.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12888817 |title='Spiderman' Alain Robert scales Burj Khalifa in Dubai |date=28 March 2011 |publisher=BBC |access-date=29 March 2011 |archive-date=1 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401031717/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12888817 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Awards ==
[[File:P1040471 (14230484239).jpg|thumb|Burj Khalifa artwork project made of [[Lego]] in Bricksworld 2014]]
In June 2010, Burj Khalifa was the recipient of the 2010 "Best Tall Building Middle East & Africa" award by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.<ref>{{cite web |title=CTBUH 9th Annual Awards, 2010 |publisher=Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat |url=http://www.ctbuh.org/Events/Awards/2010Awards/tabid/1571/language/en-GB/Default.aspx |access-date=5 June 2007 |archive-date=19 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619090405/http://www.ctbuh.org/Events/Awards/2010Awards/tabid/1571/language/en-GB/Default.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 September 2010 Burj Khalifa won the award for the best project of the year at the Middle East Architect Awards 2010.<ref>{{cite web | title = Burj Khalifa won Best Project of Year at Middle East Architect Awards 2010 | date = 29 September 2010 | publisher = Constructionweekonline.com | url = http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-9617-burj-khalifa-wins-best-project/ | access-date = 30 September 2010 | archive-date = 2 October 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101002121553/http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-9617-burj-khalifa-wins-best-project/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Awards Chair Gordon Gill, of [[Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture]], said:

{{Blockquote|text=We are talking about a building here that has changed the landscape of what is possible in architecture – a building that became internationally recognized as an icon long before it was even completed. 'Building of the Century' was thought a more apt title for it.<ref>{{cite web|title=Burj Khalifa Becomes First Recipient of New Tall Building Global Icon Award|url=https://csengineermag.com/burj-khalifa-becomes-first-recipient-of-new-tall-building-global-icon-award/|website=Civil + Structural Engineer|date=26 October 2010|access-date=8 February 2017|archive-date=11 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211082423/https://csengineermag.com/burj-khalifa-becomes-first-recipient-of-new-tall-building-global-icon-award/|url-status=live}}</ref>|sign=|source=}}

Burj Khalifa was also the recipient of the following awards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Burj Khalifa Project Awards |publisher=Skidmore, Owings & Merril LLP |url=https://www.som.com/project/burj-khalifa-formerly-burj-dubai |access-date=24 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127093624/http://www.som.com/project/burj-khalifa-formerly-burj-dubai |archive-date=27 January 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Jmhdezhdez.com | publisher = Burj Khalifa Project Awards | url = http://www.jmhdezhdez.com/2011/04/burj-khalifa-dubai-supertall-som.html | access-date = 24 February 2013 | archive-date = 15 January 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130115172448/http://www.jmhdezhdez.com/2011/04/burj-khalifa-dubai-supertall-som.html | url-status = live }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Award
|-
|2012
|Award of Merit for World Voices Sculpture, Burj Khalifa Lobby from [[National Council of Structural Engineers Associations|Structural Engineers Association of Illinois]] (SEAOI), Chicago.
|-
| rowspan="10" scope="row"| 2011
| Interior Architecture Award, Certificate of Merit from AIA – Chicago Chapter.
|-
| Distinguished Building Award, Citation of Merit from AIA – Chicago Chapter.
|-
| Interior Architecture Award: Special Recognition from AIA – Chicago Chapter.
|-
| Design Excellence Award: Special Function Room.
|-
| Excellence in Engineering from [[ASHRAE]] (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) – Illinois Chapter.
|-
| Outstanding Structure Award from [[International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering]].
|-
| Decade of Design, Presidential Commendation in Corporate Space Small from International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
|-
| Decade of Design • Best of Category/Mixed Use Buildings from International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
|-
| GCC Technical Building Project of the Year from [[MEED]] (formerly ''Middle East Economic Digest'').
|-
| Project of the Year from MEED.
|-
| rowspan="17" scope="row"| 2010
| International Architecture Award.
|-
| Arab Achievement Award 2010: Best Architecture Project from Arab Investment Summit.
|-
| Architecture Award (Mixed Use) Dubai from Arabian Property Awards.
|-
| Architecture Award (Mixed Use) Arabian Region from Arabian Property Awards.
|-
| International Architecture Award from [[Good Design Award (Chicago)|Chicago Athenaeum]].
|-
| American Architecture Award from Chicago Athenaeum.
|-
| Commercial / Mixed Use Built from Cityscape.
|-
| Best Mixed Use Built Development in [[Cityscape Abu Dhabi]].
|-
| Skyscraper Award: Silver Medal from [[Emporis]].
|-
| Award for Commercial or Retail Structure from [[Institution of Structural Engineers]].
|-
| International Architecture Award (Mixed Use) from International Commercial Property Awards.
|-
| Special Recognition for Technological Advancement from International Highrise Awards.
|-
| Best Structural Design of the Year from [[LEAF Award]].
|-
| International Projects Category: Outstanding Project from [[National Council of Structural Engineers Associations]].
|-
| Best of What's New from ''Popular Science'' Magazine.
|-
| Spark Awards, Silver Award.
|-
| Excellence in Structural Engineering: Most Innovative Structure from SEAOI.
|-
|}

== See also ==
{{Portal|United Arab Emirates|Architecture}}
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* [[List of buildings in Dubai]]
* [[List of buildings with 100 floors or more]]
* [[List of development projects in Dubai]]
* [[List of tallest buildings and structures]]
* [[List of tallest freestanding structures]]
* [[List of tallest buildings in Dubai]]
* [[List of tallest buildings in the United Arab Emirates]]
* [[List of tallest buildings]]
* [[List of tallest structures]]
* [[Jeddah Tower]]
{{div col end}}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name=GeoMarc>{{cite news
| url = http://www.geomarc.it/Poulos_&_Bunce_2008.pdf
| title = Foundation Design for the Burj Dubai – The World's Tallest Building
| publisher = 6th International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
| author = Harry G. Poulos, Grahame Bunce
| date = 2008
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110409115002/http://www.geomarc.it/Poulos_%26_Bunce_2008.pdf
| archive-date = 9 April 2011
| access-date = 24 September 2016
| url-status=dead
| quote = Medium dense to very loose granular silty sands (Marine Deposits) are underlain by successions of very weak to weak sandstone interbedded with very weakly cemented sand, gypsiferous fine-grained sandstone/siltstone, and weak to moderately weak conglomerate/calcisiltite.
| df = dmy-all
}}</ref>

<ref name="GeoPrac2010-01-04">{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.geoprac.net/geonews-mainmenu-63/64-project-related/634-foundations-for-the-burj-dubai-worlds-tallest-building
 |title        = Foundations and Geotechnical Engineering for the Burj Dubai – World's Tallest Building
 |publisher    = GeoPrac
 |author       = Randy Post
 |date         = 4 January 2010
 |access-date  = 24 September 2016
 |quote        = The soil/rock conditions were generally loose to medium dense sands overlying weak to very weak sandstone and siltstone with interbeds of gypsiferous and carbonate cemented layers (still relatively weak).
 |archive-date = 23 September 2016
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20160923032346/http://www.geoprac.net/geonews-mainmenu-63/64-project-related/634-foundations-for-the-burj-dubai-worlds-tallest-building
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref>

}}

== External links ==
<!-- do not add links to blogs or other unofficial pages, there are enough links now -->
{{Commons and category|Burj Khalifa|Burj Khalifa}}
* {{Official website|https://www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/}}
* {{cite web|url= http://www.structuremag.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SF-Wind-Engineering-Burj-Dubai-Tower-June-061.pdf |title=The Burj Dubai Tower Wind Engineering }}&nbsp;(597&nbsp;KB) (''Structure'' magazine, June 2006)
* {{cite web |url= http://ikb.edu.pl/jacek.wdowicki/Pliki/materialy/dydaktyka/budynki_wysokie/dyplom/budynki/burj%20dubai%20tower/Irw05.pdf |title= The Wind Engineering of the Burj Dubai Tower |url-status= bot: unknown |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220438/http://ikb.edu.pl/jacek.wdowicki/Pliki/materialy/dydaktyka/budynki_wysokie/dyplom/budynki/burj%20dubai%20tower/Irw05.pdf |archive-date= 14 September 2017 |df= dmy-all }}&nbsp;(620&nbsp;KB) (Irwin et al., November 2006)
* BBC reports: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8438857.stm Burj Khalifa opening], with video and links; [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-20526216 Maintaining the world's tallest building]
* {{OSM way|137153127}}

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{{S-ttl|title=[[History of the world's tallest structures|World's tallest structure ever built on dry land]]|years=2008&nbsp;– present}}
{{S-inc|rows=6}}
{{S-bef|before=[[KVLY-TV mast]]<br />628.8 m (2,063 ft)}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[History of the world's tallest structures|World's tallest structure on dry land]]|years=2008&nbsp;– present}}
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{{S-bef|before=[[CN Tower]]<br />553.33 m (1,815.39 ft)}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[History of the world's tallest structures#Freestanding structures|World's tallest free-standing structure]]|years=2007&nbsp;– present}}
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{{S-bef|before=[[Taipei 101]]<br />509.2 m (1,670.6 ft)}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[List of tallest buildings|World's tallest building]]|years=2009&nbsp;– present}}
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{{S-bef|before=[[Willis Tower]]<br />108 floors}}
{{S-ttl|title=Building with the most floors|years=2007&nbsp;– present}}
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{{S-bef|before=[[Almas Tower]]<br />360 m (1,180 ft)}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[List of tallest buildings in Dubai|Tallest building in Dubai]]|years=2009&nbsp;– present}}
{{S-end}}

{{Dubai skyscrapers}}
{{Supertall skyscrapers | current}}
{{Dubai landmarks}}
{{Skidmore, Owings & Merrill}} {{Authority control}}
{{WikidataCoord}}

[[Category:Burj Khalifa| ]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:High-tech architecture]]
[[Category:Hotel buildings completed in 2009]]
[[Category:Islamic architecture in Asia]]
[[Category:Neo-futurist architecture]]
[[Category:Office buildings completed in 2009]]
[[Category:Postmodern architecture in Dubai]]
[[Category:Residential buildings completed in 2009]]
[[Category:Residential skyscrapers in Dubai]]
[[Category:Skidmore, Owings & Merrill buildings]]
[[Category:Skyscraper hotels in Dubai]]
[[Category:Skyscraper office buildings in Dubai]]
[[Category:2009 establishments in the United Arab Emirates]]