Where is the Burj Khalifa?
Quick answer
The Burj Khalifa is in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. At 828 m (2,717 ft), it has been the tallest building in the world since it opened on January 4, 2010. It has 163 floors and was designed by the architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
Key facts
- City
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Height
- 828 m (2,717 ft)
- Opened
- January 4, 2010
- Floors
- 163 above ground
Records
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tallest building in the world | 828 m |
| Highest occupied floor | Around 585 m |
| Highest outdoor observation deck (at opening) | On level 148 |
| Longest single-run elevator travel (at opening) | Over 500 m |
The design
The building’s Y-shaped floor plan was inspired by the Hymenocallis, a desert flower. The shape helps reduce wind forces, which become the biggest challenge in very tall buildings. As it rises, the tower steps back in a spiral pattern, ending in a slender spire.
Why “Khalifa”?
It was originally called Burj Dubai (“Dubai Tower”). Just before opening, it was renamed in honor of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then president of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, which had helped Dubai during the 2008–2009 financial crisis.
Tallest buildings in the world
| Building | City | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa | Dubai | 828 m |
| Merdeka 118 | Kuala Lumpur | 679 m |
| Shanghai Tower | Shanghai | 632 m |
| Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower | Mecca | 601 m |
| Ping An Finance Center | Shenzhen | 599 m |
A taller rival
The Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, under construction, is designed to exceed 1,000 m. If completed, it would take the title from the Burj Khalifa.
Going to the top
The At the Top observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148 offer views across the desert and the Persian Gulf. Below, the Dubai Fountain puts on music and water shows each evening.
For an older record-holder, see how many floors the Empire State Building has.
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