Burj Khalifa Pictures From the Top of Worlds Tallest Building in Dubai, UAE
We Were on Top of the World on the Observation Deck of the Burj Khalifa
Standing on the observation platform of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, is a bit surreal. A trip to Dubai, and a visit to this tower has been on my bucket list for a long time. As I look out at the city, an eclectic mix of modern and old, surrounded by either sea or desert the Burj Khalifa pictures that I have studied are finally replaced with the real thing. Yet from this height, it has a dream like quality making it almost difficult to comprehend. I am surprised how much this middle eastern city and enormously tall tower has captivated my mind.
Located in the fast growing city of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, the Burj Khalifa tower holds many records. Either from the ground looking up, or from the top looking down, the views are amazing. It is not just the tallest building in the world, it towers over every other currently built man-made structure across the globe.
If you have not visited Dubai, enjoy my photos, and store them in your memory until you can replace them with your own Burj Khalifa pictures.
Looking Out From the Top of the World
Like most visitors to Dubai, we had seen photos of the Burj Khalifa Tower prior to our arrival. We even caught a glimpse of the tower as we landed in Dubai, but unfortunately it was covered in a hazy cloud.
We had purchased our tickets to the tower's observation deck two weeks earlier. We enjoyed other sites in this unusual town based on tradition, yet populated with close to 80% expats from other nations.
When the day of our scheduled visit finally arrived, we took the metro train to the Burj Khalifa station. Interestingly, from the transit station we could see neither the Dubai Mall or its tower.
Now I will pass on the advice we were given: Even though it is only about a 10 minute walk from the Burj Khalifa Metro Station to the Dubai Mall, which is where the tower is based, take a taxi from the station.
We decided to walk as it was unseasonably cool outside for this part of the Middle East, checking in at only 38C (100F). As this is the middle east, is respectful that women cover shoulders and knees, so we were over dressed for the weather. Yet we decided to walk.
Turning the corner and seeing the tower, was almost completely overwhelming. As we took in the moment, we were happy. As we walked towards it the heat began to get to us. By the time we realized our mistake we were about halfway there, and there were no more taxis available. On the bright side, it did offer me an opportunity to take this photo of the girls with the tower in the background.
The Burj Khalifa Tower - Our first view of the world's tallest building
Tip: Purchase Tickets to the Observation Tower in Advance
There are several advantages to purchasing tickets in advance:
- Guaranteed entry on the date you want to visit
- Significantly less expensive
- If you can purchase several weeks in advance you will get first pick of time slots and can time it see the sunset from the top, allowing both day and evening views.
We Timed Our Visit To Watch the Sunset From the Top
Burj Khalifa Pictures from the Top - Another view from the top. Too bad it was a bit hazy outside. We couldn't clearly see "the World" or the "the Palms"
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeBurj Khalifa Holds so Many World Records
Some Interesting Facts About Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa holds the following world records:
At 828 metres (2,716.5 feet) it is
- the tallest building in the world
- the tallest structure in the world
- the tallest free-standing structure in the world
According to international standard, height of a building is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to the architectural top of the building. This measurement would include spires, but would not include antennae, signage, flagpoles or other functional-technical equipment.
It also has the honor of having the world's:
- Highest number of stories
- Highest occupied floor
- Highest outdoor observation deck
- Highest mosque
- Highest swimming pool
- Elevator with the longest travel distance
- Tallest service elevator
Comparison Chart of the Tallest Buildings in the World
Love Tall Buildings? - This is the book for you
On each panel of observation deck glass, there is a space without glass, for better photos and viewing.
Would you go to the top of the Burj Khalifa Tower?
Here's where you get to tell me your thoughts. Would you go to the top, or not. Join the debate.
My Best Photo of the Burj Khalifa at Night
Where is Dubai? - It is one of the United Arab Emirates - North of Saudi Arabia, West of Oman
Have You Been to Dubai?
Have You Been to Dubai?
See My Travel Tips To United Arab Emirates
**Click Here for Rhonda Albom's Dubai and UAE Travel Tips.
(They are about half way down the page.)
We Found More Tips for Visiting the Burj Khalifa Tower from our Guide Book - I am a huge fan of Lonely Planet tour books when I travel.
© 2010 Rhonda Albom