Burj Khalifa Facts – All You Need to Know

Ever wondered why the Burj Khalifa dominates Dubai’s skyline? It’s not just a tall building; it’s a blend of engineering, design, and ambition. Below you’ll find the most useful facts packed in plain language, so you can impress friends or plan a visit.

Height and Records

The tower soars to 828 meters (2,717 feet), making it the tallest man‑made structure on Earth. That’s taller than eight football fields stacked end‑to‑end. It holds more than 30 world records, including the highest occupied floor and the highest outdoor observation deck.

When you stand on the 148th floor, you’re about 555 meters above ground – higher than most mountain peaks. The elevators travel at 10 m/s, so you reach the top in under a minute. If you count the total number of floors, you’ll get 163, but only 154 are usable for offices, hotels, and apartments.

Design and Construction

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the Burj Khalifa’s shape mimics a desert flower called the Hymenocallis. The Y‑shaped floor plan helps resist wind forces and gives each apartment a view of the city or the sea.

Construction began in 2004 and finished in 2010, six years later. Over 330,000 m³ of concrete and 39,000 tonnes of steel were poured. Workers used a special high‑strength concrete that can cure in the desert heat, allowing the structure to rise quickly.

The building’s façade features 103,000 m² of glass, aluminum, and stainless steel, reflecting sunlight like a giant mirror. This reflective skin reduces solar gain, keeping interior temperatures more comfortable.

Beyond the numbers, the tower hosts a luxury hotel, corporate offices, and 900 residential units. The Armani‑styled rooms on the lower levels combine fashion and function, while the At The Top observation decks draw millions of tourists each year.

When you visit, try the “Sunrise Experience” on the 124th floor – you’ll watch the city wake up from a height most people only see in pictures. And don’t forget the fountain show at the base; it’s synced to music and lights, creating a mini‑spectacle every evening.

That’s it – the essential Burj Khalifa facts you can use right away. Whether you’re planning a trip, writing a school project, or just love cool skyscraper trivia, these details give you a clear picture of what makes this tower unforgettable.