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Burj Khalifa in Dubai holds several world records: the highest observation deck, the tallest free-standing structure, the tallest service elevator, and the highest number of stories in a building. Standing at 828 metres and 163 stories, Burj Khalifa is almost three times the height of the Eiffel Tower and twice as tall as New York City's Empire State Building.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) was honoured with the design of Burj Khalifa, while Emaar Properties managed its development. Construction commenced in 2004, and in 2010, Burj Khalifa was inaugurated as the tallest building in the world.
About Burj Khalifa – named in honour of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the former president of the United Arab Emirates – the chairman of Emaar Properties, Mr. Mohamed Alabbar, stated: "Burj Khalifa goes beyond its imposing physical specifications. In Burj Khalifa, we see the triumph of Dubai's vision of attaining the seemingly impossible and setting new benchmarks. It is a source of inspiration for every one of us at Emaar. The project is a declaration of the Emirate's capabilities and of the resolve of its leaders and people to work hand-in-hand on truly awe-inspiring projects."
Burj Khalifa did not just claim the title of the "Tallest Building in the World"; its designers and builders ensured it captivates with every detail, maintaining its allure to this day. One standout feature is its tripartite base, inspired by the local desert's native Hymenocallis flower and designed by architect Adrian Smith.
Burj Khalifa is home to 1,000 distinctive artworks from global artists, embodying a spirit of cultural harmony and unity. This iconic skyscraper also boasts a range of amenities, including residential suites, entertainment venues, and dining establishments. It also features a luxury hotel, high-end restaurants, a state-of-the-art gym, office spaces, and additional facilities.
Since its completion, Burj Khalifa has maintained its title as the world's tallest building. However, projections indicate that this may only last for another three or four years, as new towers under construction could exceed its height and become the tallest globally. Here is an overview of these potential challengers:
Dubai Creek Tower construction started in 2016. Its developer, Emaar Properties, has not yet disclosed the tower's exact height, which will be revealed at its official inauguration. According to Mohamed Alabbar, the chairman of Emaar Properties, the Dubai Creek Tower is expected to surpass Burj Khalifa’s height by up to 100 metres. Meanwhile, speculation about the tower's actual height persists, with estimates ranging from 928 to 1400 metres.
Dubai Creek Tower is distinguished by its design, drawing inspiration from mosque minarets, lily flowers, and traditional Arabian dhow sails. Expected features include over 10,000 LED lights for dramatic illumination, an observation deck offering breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai, and hanging gardens. Additionally, the tower will host the world’s highest mosque.
After a five-year hiatus, construction of Jeddah Tower resumed in 2023. Initiated in 2013, this ambitious project is on track to become the world's tallest building. Designed by Adrian Smith, the architect behind Burj Khalifa, Jeddah Tower is projected to surpass 1,000 metres, exceeding Burj Khalifa's height by about 200 metres.
Jeddah Tower will offer 57 million square feet of residential and commercial space, including homes, hotels, and offices. The tower will rise 252 floors high and feature 59 elevators, with an observation deck at approximately 610 metres (over 2,000 feet) high, offering breathtaking views. Its design is uniquely inspired by desert palm trees, adding a distinctive element to its architecture.
Kuwait plans to construct the Mubarak Al Kabir Tower in Madinat Al-Hareer, soaring to a height of 1001 metres. The tower, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, is expected to cost 25 billion Kuwaiti dinars—approximately 82 billion US dollars—and will take 25 years to complete.
The Mubarak Al Kabir Tower's design is inspired by the traditional Islamic minaret. With an expected 234 floors, it will house up to 7,000 residents. The tower will also offer a variety of amenities, including a hotel, various restaurants, observation decks, residential apartments, and office spaces.
[1] burjkhalifa.ae,Burj Khalifa
[2] thetowerinfo.com, 20 Tallest Buildings in the World 2023
[3] guinnessworldrecords.ae, برج خليفة: أطول مبنى في العالم
[4] www.burjkhalifa.ae, Inspired by the Spider Lily
[5] visitdubai.com, Burj Khalifa
[6] visitdubai.com, Discover the Burj Khalifa's incredible architectural and design features
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