Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa
imran shahabuddin · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Burj Khalifa
Caption	The Burj Khalifa dominates the skyline of Downtown Dubai.
Location	Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Coordinates	25, 11, 50, N...
Status	Complete
Start date	6 January 2004
Completion date	1 October 2009
Opening	4 January 2010
Height	828 m (2,717 ft)
Floor count	163
Elevator count	57
Architect	Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Structural engineer	Bill Baker of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Developer	Emaar Properties
Main contractor	Samsung C&T Corporation

Burj Khalifa. Soaring above the Arabian Desert, this iconic supertall skyscraper is the centerpiece of the Downtown Dubai development and a global symbol of modern ambition. Upon its inauguration in 2010, it decisively claimed the title of the world's tallest structure, a record previously held by the Taipei 101 in Taiwan. The tower's design, inspired by the geometry of the Hymenocallis flower, incorporates residential, hotel, and office spaces, crowned by observation decks offering panoramic views of the Persian Gulf.

History and development

The project was conceived during a period of rapid economic expansion in the United Arab Emirates, spearheaded by the developer Emaar Properties. The initial vision was to create a monumental landmark that would anchor the new Downtown Dubai district and diversify the economy of Dubai beyond oil. The architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, renowned for the Willis Tower and One World Trade Center, was commissioned for the design. Originally named Burj Dubai, the tower was renamed in honor of Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, following his financial support during the global economic crisis.

Architecture and design

The tower's elegant, spiraling form was designed by architect Adrian Smith, drawing direct inspiration from regional Islamic architecture such as the Great Mosque of Samarra. Its Y-shaped floor plan maximizes views of the Persian Gulf and provides structural stability against wind forces. The exterior is clad in reflective glazing, aluminum, and textured stainless steel spandrels. The interior design of the residential and commercial spaces, as well as the luxurious Armani Hotel, was overseen by Giorgio Armani. The overall master plan for the surrounding district was influenced by the work of architects like Le Corbusier.

Construction and engineering

Construction began in 2004 under the main contractor Samsung C&T Corporation, which also worked on the Petronas Towers. The structural system, engineered by Bill Baker, utilizes a reinforced concrete core and a buttressed system, a evolution of techniques used in the Willis Tower. Over 330,000 cubic meters of concrete and 39,000 tonnes of steel rebar were used. The project faced immense logistical challenges, including pumping concrete to record heights and installing the 200-metre spire. Safety protocols were rigorously enforced, with the project achieving a milestone of 22 million man-hours worked without a major incident.

Records and status

Upon its completion, the tower secured over a dozen world records, surpassing landmarks like the CN Tower and the KVLY-TV mast. It holds the definitive records for tallest freestanding structure, building with the most floors, and highest occupied floor. Its observation deck, named At the Top, is the highest in the world. It also houses the world's highest restaurant and nightclub. The tower's status is certified by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, which has also recognized other record-holders like the Shanghai Tower and the Merdeka 118.

Impact and cultural significance

The tower has fundamentally reshaped the global perception of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, featuring prominently in media such as Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and Star Trek: Beyond. It serves as a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually to Downtown Dubai and the adjacent The Dubai Mall. Its annual New Year's Eve fireworks display is broadcast worldwide, rivaling celebrations at Times Square and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The project demonstrated the viability of extreme engineering in desert environments and inspired subsequent developments across the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

Category:Skyscrapers in Dubai Category:Buildings and structures completed in 2009