Buildings can reach the skies thanks to modern technological advancements. An example of one such structure is the Burj Khalifa. It is an exceptional symbol of international collaboration, development, and a sign of the Middle East’s unconventional, energetic, and affluent future. Furthermore, the majestic skyscraper is concrete evidence of Dubai’s expanding importance in the ever-changing world.
In this article, we will look into the background, construction, as well as some interesting facts about the building.
What is the Burj Khalifa
It is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is located in Burj park by Emmar and was known as Burj Dubai prior to its inauguration in 2010. Afterwards, it was inaugurated on 4 January 2010 and got its current name. Emmar properties, a multinational real estate development company, are the current owners of the skyscraper. The thing that makes this 830m high building stand out is its 163 floors. The construction of Burj Khalifa started in January 2004 and it took almost 6 years for completion. Some of the construction contractors were Samsung C&T Corporation, Besix, Laing O’Rourke, Arabtec Holding PJSC, and Turner Construction.
Now, this tower has become the centre of attention of the city and one of the biggest attractions for tourists and visitors throughout the world. To learn more about the other attractions in the world, visit Podium School.
Background: Construction and Specifications
It is a known fact that Burj Khalifa is architectural excellence with a perfect synergy between height, beauty, and balance. When the construction of the skyscraper began in 2004, it was decided that the primary structure would be built with reinforced concrete and some structural steel. The Arabtec company, founded in 1975, played a major role in the construction of this building. Furthermore, some of the key architects of this building include Adrian Smith, George J. Efstathiou, and Marshall Strabala.
Interestingly, according to spokesperson Emmar, there were hardly any casualties during the construction of this magnificent building, apart from the only worker who fell to his death in 2007.
The video mentioned below will help you in getting a better understanding of the construction of the world’s tallest building along with all its technical details.
Things that make Burj Khalifa unique
Mentioned below are some of the key features of this tower that make it unique compared to other buildings all around the world:
- The most significant feature of Burj Khalifa is its height that is 830m. In fact, no other building in the world comes even close to this giant of a building. The skyscraper is also known to have the highest number of habitable floors in the world.
- It has some of the most expensive floors and flats that one can rent or purchase.
- Although Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, its construction was completed in six years with only one on-site accident. Furthermore, around 12,000 employees worked on the building’s construction each day.
- The top of the sphere of the skyscraper is visible from up to 95 kilometres away.
- Burj Khalifa holds 7 records which are: the tallest building in the world, tallest free-standing tower in the world, most storeys in a building, highest inhabited floor, the highest outdoor observation deck in the world, the tallest service elevator and the elevator with the greatest journey.
Some other interesting facts about the building
- Another fascinating detail about the Burj Khalifa building is that it was meant to mimic the Hymenocallis flower. At the summit, the centre core emerges and culminates in a carved spire. Its unusual shape deflects the winds around it, preventing structured whirlpools of air current, or vortices, from developing, which would shake the tower from side to side and potentially destroy it.
- The sustainability and resource usage of the Burj Khalifa are admirable. Every year, the building collects 15 million gallons of water in an environmentally friendly manner. The water is used for watering the landscape and plants, powering the Dubai Fountain as well as the cooling system.
- The building boasts the longest single running elevator, which is 140 storeys long. In addition, the elevator speed at the Burj Khalifa is 10 metres per second, making it one of the fastest in the world. In fact, the elevator ride to the observation deck on the 124th floor barely takes a minute.
For a tour of the world’s tallest building, watch the video mentioned below
Final Thoughts on Burj Khalifa of Dubai
Many people aspire to go to different places to either explore their natural beauty and infrastructural excellence or just for sight-seeing. Whatever may be the case, Dubai is certainly one of the top contenders on most people’s bucket lists. And when we talk about Dubai, we just can’t finish the conversation without mentioning Burj Khalifa. This building is not only unique and different from other buildings and towers, but also a travel attraction with lots of other meanings and details associated with it. We hope that this article has been able to provide you with a brief insight into the magnificence of the tallest skyscraper in the world.
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