Burj Khalifa

The tower was built between 2004 and 2009 and officially opened on 4 January 2010, when it was renamed from Burj Dubai in honour of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then President of the United Arab Emirates. It was designed by the firm SOM with Adrian Smith as chief architect; the Y-shaped floor plan draws on Islamic architectural tradition. Among its records are the tallest building and the elevators with the longest travel distance, 504 metres.

There are three viewing levels. At the Top, on floors 124 and 125 at 452 metres, is the main observation deck. At the Top Sky, on floor 148 at 555 metres, is higher and quieter. The Lounge, on floors 152 to 154 at 585 metres, is the highest of all. The tower stands next to the Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain, whose water jets shoot up to 150 metres into the air.

On Tiqets you can choose a ticket for At the Top on levels 124 and 125, a ticket for The Lounge on level 154, a dining experience, or combinations with the Dubai Aquarium or the Sky Views Observatory. Tickets are for a specific time slot.

Sunset slots are the most popular and sell out first; book early if you want to see the city light up. On hazy days the view of the desert and the coast is shorter, so a clear day after rain or wind gives the best visibility. Afterwards, stay at the foot of the tower for the Dubai Fountain.