14 Most Interesting Facts About Burj Khalifa

There are many places in Dubai if you are looking for some adventure travel, but none compares to the two buildings Dubai is known for; the amazing Burj Khalifa and the luxurious Burj Al-Arab.
Building the first 7-star hotel, Burj-Al-Arab was a catalyst for future infrastructure development the UAE was about to undergo.
Building Burj Khalifa, the highest building in the world, was not an easy project for the developers.
So the structure’s owners, Emaar Properties, hired some of the most talented talents in the world to complete the project.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill of Chicago (who also designed Sears Tower), Adrian Smith as Chief Architect, and Bill Baker as Chief structural engineer organized the tower’s architecture and engineering.
NORR Group Consultants International Limited supervised the project and Hyder Consulting as supervision engineers were selected for the project architecture.
The owners selected Samsung C&T to build Burj Khalifa as the primary contractor.
Burj Khalifa is not only the largest structure in the world but also breaks several other records impressively.
Burj Khalifa holds the record of 828 meters (2716.5 feet) high in comparison, the Eiffel Tower is three times shorter and the Empire State Building is approximately half. Its cloud-piercing height is one of its most impressive features.
If you are curious to know more, here are the most interesting facts about Burj Khalifa:

14. Burj Khalifa has 2 sunsets

One of the most remarkable experiences at Burj Khalifa is witnessing two sunsets in a day. Due to its incredible height, visitors can observe the sunset twice. By ascending on one of the world’s fastest elevators to the tallest outdoor observation deck on the 124th floor, you can enjoy the breathtaking view and relish the sunset all over again.

13. It is home to first Armani 5-star hotel

Nestled within Burj Khalifa, the Armani Hotel is a masterpiece designed by the legendary Giorgio Armani himself. This exquisite hotel showcases the elegance of calm grey tones and minimalist interiors, which are synonymous with Armani’s style. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by an unconventional experience where there is no reception or check-in counter. Unmatched in its opulence, the Armani Hotel sets a new standard for luxury accommodation in Dubai.

12. A walk on water

Glass and lighting evoke the impression of stepping on the water in the entrance to the spa in every Sky Lobby.

11. Prince Hamdan hoisted Dubai flag on the tip

In a momentous celebration of Expo 2020, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, hoisted the UAE flag at the pinnacle of Burj Khalifa. This grand gesture exemplifies the pride and unity of the nation.

10. Spectacular view above the clouds

Dubai’s unique weather conditions give rise to an extraordinary phenomenon atop Burj Khalifa. With clouds typically staying below 1,800 meters in Dubai and the Middle East, reaching the highest occupied floor of Burj Khalifa on a foggy day can create an illusion of standing above the clouds. Prepare to be enthralled by the breathtaking vistas that await you.

9. Luxurious artistic experience

Beyond its grandeur, Burj Khalifa embraces artistry throughout its common spaces. The interiors showcase facets of Middle Eastern culture and Islamic architecture, adorned with captivating calligraphy and depictions of sand dunes. Moreover, the building boasts an extensive art collection with over 1,000 commissioned works by world-renowned artists, primarily focusing on Middle Eastern talent.

8. Burj Khalifa could be biggest musical instrument in the world

While many skyscrapers are designed to withstand strong winds, Burj Khalifa takes it a step further. The architectural genius, George J. Efstathiou, ensured that the structure gently sways with the wind, harmonizing with it like a musical instrument. By cleverly aligning the curtain wall design, the harmonics of the building remain distinct from those of the wind, creating a symphony that goes unnoticed by human ears.

7. Tom Cruise climbed the Burj in Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol

In the movie “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” Tom Cruise fearlessly scaled the heights of Burj Khalifa, performing the astonishing stunt himself. With a fearless determination, Cruise pushed the limits as he maneuvered through the world’s highest building, captivating audiences worldwide. His extraordinary act is a testament to the allure and thrill of Burj Khalifa.

6. It is artistic but not ordinarily artistic

Art enthusiasts seem to be glad to realize that the beautiful desert flower-shaped building is packed with extraordinary pieces of art. 
A sculpture created with shifting oval shapes by Egyptian-born artist Karim Rashid found at the corporate entrance and the installation “World Voices” in the living space. 
It features the dangling cymbals sounding as drops of water hit them, and the latter is the work of Catalan artist Jaume Plensa.

5. The tip of this skyscraper can be seen from a distance of 95 km away

The iconic telescopic spiral, crafted from over 4,000 tonnes of steel, is one of Burj Khalifa’s most striking architectural features. On a clear day, this spiral can be seen from a staggering distance of 60 miles (95 km), captivating onlookers and beckoning them closer to its magnificence.

4. Comparatively, few labors died during construction

During the construction of Burj Khalifa, safety was given utmost priority.
Despite the challenging conditions faced by the workers, the number of accidental deaths remained surprisingly low.
While some records suggest only one accidental death, it is important to acknowledge the potential health issues that workers, predominantly from South Asia, might have faced due to long-term exposure.

3. Burj Khalifa has temperature difference as that of mountains.

At the highest level of Burj Khalifa, visitors can experience a temperature difference of approximately 15 degrees Celsius compared to the base of the building. This gradual decrease in temperature as you ascend mirrors the sensation of climbing a mountain, offering a unique experience within the confines of this architectural wonder.

2. Extreme Material use

Creating a structure as grand as Burj Khalifa requires an extraordinary amount of raw materials. Notably, the tower comprises an immense amount of concrete, weighing equivalent to 100,000 elephants. To put it into perspective, each elephant weighs approximately 5 tons. Additionally, 55,000 tonnes of steel rebar were used, which, if laid end to end, would cover a quarter of the Earth’s circumference. The sum of the aluminum used in the building was equivalent to five A380 Airbus passenger aircraft’s total weights. It’s good that the managers didn’t order everything altogether! The sheer magnitude of materials used in the construction is a testament to the vision and engineering prowess behind Burj Khalifa.

1. Exact reason to build it

Burj Khalifa’s construction, spanning from 2004 to 2009, marked a pivotal moment for Dubai’s transformation into a global hub. A testament to the government’s commitment to diversify from an oil-dependent economy, this architectural marvel, originally named Burj Dubai, was renamed Burj Khalifa in honor of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. With its 2909 steps, sprawling area, and an array of world-class facilities, Burj Khalifa stands as a symbol of Dubai’s ambition and its ability to captivate the world.

The Khalifa Tower (unofficial name) has 2909 steps, stretching from the ground level to 160.
It covers an area of 11 hectares, six startling features of water, and an area of 3000 underground parking.
It has four swimming pools (including the second-highest pool on the 76th floor) and At.mosphere, the highest fine-dining restaurant in the world on level 122.
Burj Khalifa needs 250,000 gallons of water (946,000 liters) daily.
I hope you enjoyed these facts about Burj Khalifa, please share this post with your friends on Social Media if you are planning your next trip to Dubai.
Burj Khalifa has a built-up area of 5.67 million square feet and has 1.85 million square feet of residential space (Burj Khalifa is home to 35,000 people) and over 300,000 prime office spaces.
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat recognizes Burj Khalifa as the tallest freestanding structure in the world.
Soon a tower named Jeddah Tower or Kingdom Tower, which is located in Saudi Arabia will surpass Burj Khalifa for the title.