Lakhs of tourists visit Dubai just to take a glimpse of the world’s tallest building.
Burj Khalifa Facts: Everything You Should Know About the World’s Tallest Building
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa proudly holds the title of the tallest building globally and stands as a true masterpiece of modern engineering. Symbolizing Dubai’s luxury and innovation, it is often associated with unmatched comfort and grandeur. Those who choose to stay in hotels or purchase residences within the Burj Khalifa pay a premium price to experience this luxury firsthand. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists travel to Dubai just to witness the majesty of this towering landmark. But have you ever wondered who owns this architectural wonder? Surprisingly, it’s neither the King of Dubai, the Sultan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), nor any other member of Emirati royalty.
Who Is the Owner of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa?
The world’s tallest skyscraper was developed by Emaar Properties, a renowned real estate company based in Dubai. The construction of this engineering wonder spanned six years, beginning in 2004 and culminating in 2010. Ownership of the Burj Khalifa belongs to Mohamed Alabbar, an Emirati entrepreneur and influential figure in the real estate sector. Mohamed Alabbar is also the founder of Emaar Properties.
About Emaar Properties
Emaar Properties, led by Mohamed Alabbar, is behind many of Dubai’s iconic projects, including The Dubai Mall. The company is also responsible for the ongoing construction of landmarks like Dubai Creek Tower and the Dubai Fountain. In addition to Emaar, Alabbar chairs Eagle Hills, a private real estate and investment firm headquartered in Abu Dhabi.
Notably, throughout his professional journey, Alabbar developed a close relationship with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai. Over time, he became one of Sheikh Mohammed’s principal advisers on economic matters. Working alongside Sheikh Mohammed, Alabbar played a pivotal role in accelerating Dubai’s infrastructure development, helping to enhance the city’s tourism sector and elevate its global profile.
Distinctive Features of the Burj Khalifa:
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The Burj Khalifa consists of 163 floors and is equipped with 58 cutting-edge elevators.
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It is the tallest man-made structure in the world, standing at 829.8 meters (2,722 feet).
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It holds the record for the tallest building ever constructed: 829.8 meters (2,722 feet).
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It is recognized as the tallest freestanding building: 829.8 meters (2,722 feet).
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When measured to the antenna’s tip, the structure reaches 829.8 meters (2,722 feet) in height.
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It features the most floors in any building globally: 163 (the previous record-holder was the World Trade Center with 110 floors).
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The Burj Khalifa boasts the world’s highest elevator installation and the longest elevator travel distance, covering 504 meters (1,654 feet).
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It has a record-setting aluminum and glass façade installed at an elevation of 512 meters (1,680 feet).
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Located on the 122nd floor at a height of 442 meters (1,450 feet), the building hosts the world’s highest restaurant.