🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates.
Burj Khalifa known as the Burj Dubai, the building is named in honor of the former president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Abu Dhabi and the UAE government lent Dubai money to pay its debts. Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building. With a total height of 829.8 m (2,722 ft, or just over half a mile) and a roof height (excluding antenna but including a 242.6 m spire) of 828 m (2,717 ft). The Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004, with the exterior completed five years later in 2009. 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 decision to construct the building was based on the government's decision to diversify from an oil-based economy, and for Dubai to gain international recognition.
The Burj Khalifa set several world records, including but not limited to: Tallest existing structure, the Tallest structure ever built, the Tallest freestanding structure, the Tallest skyscraper, the World's longest travel distance elevators World's highest installation of an aluminum and glass façade World's highest New Year display of fireworks, and World's largest light and sound show staged on a single building.
The main sources of inspiration for the building's design are as follows:
Islamic architecture: As the tower rises from the flat desert base, Islamic architecture is known for its intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy. The building's exterior features a cladding system that creates a distinctive pattern reminiscent of traditional Islamic designs.
Hymenocallis Flower: The design of the tower's floor plan was inspired by the Hymenocallis flower, also known as the spider lily. The flower's structure features a central core and radiating petals, which is reflected in the Burj Khalifa's Y-shaped floor plan.
Regional Cultural Context: The design of Burj Khalifa aims to represent the regional culture and aspirations of Dubai. It seeks to embody the vision of the city as a global metropolis and a center of innovation and progress.
Modern Skyscraper Design: The architects and designers of Burj Khalifa also drew inspiration from modern skyscraper design principles. The building incorporates advanced engineering and construction techniques to achieve its unprecedented height and structural stability.
The building is surrounded by various attractions, developments, and landmarks, including:
The Dubai Fountain: Situated at the base of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain is a captivating musical fountain display. It features choreographed water jets that shoot up to 150 meters (492 feet) in the air, synchronized with music and lights.
The Dubai Mall: Adjacent to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. It offers a vast array of retail stores, restaurants, entertainment options, and attractions, including an aquarium and an indoor ice rink.
Souk Al Bahar: Located near the Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar is a traditional Arabian marketplace. It offers a range of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of old-world Arabian charm.
Business and Residential Towers: The area around the Burj Khalifa is dotted with numerous high-rise residential and commercial towers. These towers house offices, luxury apartments, hotels, and other businesses.
Emaar Boulevard: Emaar Boulevard is a boulevard that stretches around the Burj Khalifa, offering pedestrian-friendly walkways lined with cafes, shops, and outdoor seating areas. It provides a lively and vibrant atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
Parks and Open Spaces: The vicinity of the Burj Khalifa features well-designed parks and green spaces, such as Burj Park and the waterfront promenade. These areas provide recreational spaces for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy outdoor activities.
Other Landmarks: The Burj Khalifa is within close proximity to other notable landmarks, such as the Dubai Opera, which hosts various performing arts events, and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a prominent business and financial district.