Today marks 15 years since the Burj Khalifa officially opened on January 4, 2010. Standing at 828 meters (2,722 feet), it remains the tallest structure ever built and continues to redefine what’s possible in architecture and engineering.
Located in Downtown Dubai, its striking design is inspired by the Hymenocallis flower. The triple-lobed footprint and tapering spires were designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The architecture achieves a seamless fusion of aesthetics and functionality, leveraging wind-tunnel-tested shapes to counter extreme desert conditions and wind forces.
Built with 330,000 cubic meters of concrete and 39,000 metric tons of steel, the Burj Khalifa required over 22 million work hours to complete. Its exterior is clad with 103,000 square meters of glass, specially engineered to resist the sun’s scorching heat while maximizing energy efficiency.
The tower is home to over 160 floors, comprising luxurious residences, corporate offices, the Armani Hotel Dubai, and the renowned At the Top observation decks on floors 124, 125, and 148. Level 148 holds the title of the world’s highest observation deck, offering unrivaled panoramic views of the city, desert, and Gulf. Millions of visitors ascend in high-speed elevators each year to enjoy its breathtaking views.
The Burj Khalifa holds a staggering number of world records, including:
• Tallest building in the world – surpassing Taipei 101 in Taiwan, which at 508 meters (1,667 ft) had held the title of the ‘tallest building in the world’ since it opened in 2004
• Tallest man-made structure in the world – surpassing the KVLY-TV mast in North Dakota, USA, which stands at 628.8 meters (2,063 ft)
• Tallest free-standing structure in the world – breaking the 31-year-old record of CN Tower, which stands at 553.33 meters (1,815.5 ft)
• Largest number of storeys in the world – 200 plus with 160 habitable storeys
• Highest occupied floor in the world – Level 160
• Highest outdoor observation deck in the world – Level 124
• World record for vertical concrete pumping – 605 meters, beating the previous record held by Taipei 101 (448 meters or 1,470 ft)
• Tallest service elevator in the world – 504 meters (1,654 ft), more than the height of Taipei 101 (448 meters) and almost one-and-a-half times that of the Empire State Building in New York (381 meters)
• World record for the highest installation of an aluminum and glass façade
• World’s highest swimming pool on Level 76 (over 270 meters; over 885 ft)
Beyond its size, the Burj Khalifa represents sustainability and innovation. Its advanced cooling systems, water collection and recycling, and wastewater management make it a model for environmentally conscious design in arid climates.
Over the years, the Burj Khalifa has consistently captivated global audiences. It has served as the stage for Tom Cruise’s death-defying stunts in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” dazzling New Year’s Eve firework displays, and unforgettable celebrations like the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.
This year’s New Year’s Eve show was nothing short of breathtaking. Millions around the world witnessed a spectacle of vibrant LED animations and synchronized fireworks, all perfectly timed to music. If you missed the celebration, the stunning light and music show (without fireworks) is being replayed at 8:30 PM, 9:15 PM, and 10:15 PM for a limited time.
The Burj Khalifa also pioneered incredible engineering feats. Its foundation alone consists of 192 deep piles, some extending 50 meters, ensuring stability on Dubai’s challenging sandy soil. The curtain wall system covers the equivalent of 17 football fields, showcasing engineering brilliance at every level.
The Burj Khalifa symbolizes Dubai’s ambition, standing as a testament to human innovation and vision. It continues to inspire the world with its architectural elegance, groundbreaking achievements, and cultural significance.
On behalf of all members of the the World Federation of Great Towers, we wish the Burj Khalifa a happy 15th birthday!