Thursday, September 20, 2012

[ at the top ~ burj khalifa ]

I FINALLY went up the world's tallest building! After living here for almost a year and a half, it was about time.



At over 2716 feet (828 metres) and 160 stories, the Burj Khalifa is quite the structure. It was a collaboration of 30 on-site contractors from all over the world.

Construction began in 2004 and was completed in 2009, officially opened in January 2010. Total cost: about $1.5 billion.


{what's inside}
37 office floors on the highest levels
observation deck on level 124
fine dining restaurant on level 122
900 residences on levels 19 to 108
Armani Hotel and Residences on lowest levels
57 elevators


Its Y-shaped footprint which maximizes views, is organically inspired by the regional desert flower, the hymenocallis with its petals extending from a central stem...




riding up the high-speed elevator {59ft/second}, ears popping...


the At the Top observation deck on level 124 is part open, part enclosed...


if any of you have ever wondered what an aerial view of Dubai looks like, here's a peek...


Every day there are fountain shows choreographed to music, similar to what you see at the Bellagio in Las Vegas...


It would have been cool to be able to see more of the inside of the tower but high security only allows access directly up to the observation deck. Surprisingly, I didn't feel nearly as queasy as I thought I might at that height. Definitely something you need to do while in Dubai.

lisa
[all pics with my iPhone; hymenocallis via wikipedia]

10 comments:

Daydream Living said...

Hi Lisa,
About two months ago, one of your readers (Laura, Happy Homemaker) gave me the name of your blog and I'm happy she did, because I really enjoy reading it! There are many tips and decorating posts to find here, so thanks for that. Since I have moved to Dubai too, now 4 weeks ago, I am of course interested to read what our host country has to offer, so thanks for this post. Hope you'll have a good week,
Maureen

Formerly known as Frau said...

Wow that is amazing! I'm not a fan of heights but seems well built.

Razmataz said...

I cannot believe you have been there for 1 1/2 years already... I love seeing snippets of the city.Love the view looking down to the water.

SHERRY HART said...

I would like to think I could go up that high but I might be way to scared......what gorgeous pictures!

Meeling said...

Very cool Lisa!!

What a stunning view from the top. Hard to imagine building such an incredibly tall structure.

Thanks for sharing!

Sandy at You May Be Wandering said...

Wow - thanks for sharing - I would be terrified to go up that high so I am happy to get the "scoop" from you!

designchic said...

Wowser...that's some building. Hope you aren't afraid of heights!!

jessica said...

Oohhh! Sounds like fun!! Just was thinking the other day, should travel to Dubai for a vacation! You make it sound like such a neat place!

Johanna [Taloja ja Toiveita] said...

The views must be amazing, as the "unrealistic" buildings. Your pics are something that I have had the chance only to wonder and be amazed throught TV. For example the biggest mall: I do not think that it is even possible to comprehent the huge size of it.

Lissa Pierce said...

Wow! Dubai always amazes me on how pristine everything looks. It always looks like the buildings are photoshopped in. And I am sure it was a stunning view.

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