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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-size
Burj 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
Best Tall Buildings 2010: CTBUH International Award Winning Projects is 200 pages of award winning buildings. It highlights all aspects of the annual CTBUH (Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat) Outstanding Tall Buildings awards for 2010. The book also includes the "official" list of the "100 Tallest Buildings in the World."
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.
Going to the Top of the Burj Khalifa is a Great Idea
Going to the Top of the Burj Khalifa is a Great Idea
I've been there. It's an interesting perspective because the buildings only go so far out into the desert and then, ... Nothing. The day was hazy so visibility was not great. However, you have to do it if you're there. And, did you realise that you are probably higher up in the air on an airplane after a minute than any tall building in the world?
Absolutely, I would go. I love scenes and I'm not afraid of heights. I've wanted to see this building ever since it was featured in the last Mission Impossible movie.
It's a good idea but I'M poor. But things building is one step closer to a mile high building or perhaps a space elevator. I also like the way they make the building get smaller and smaller at top making it look a lot larger then it is. It's a good way to make the biggest building look even larger playing with the perspective of the construction
YES, I WOULD AGAIN VISIT IT, I DREAM IT A lot. BURJ KHALIF IS UNIQUE WONDER TOWER OF THE WORLD. HEIGHT is bad thing, but still am very daring woman.
I have read' your article.Its a best one in current scenario Fishing in Dubai.
Definitely, who wouldn't want to go there? The view over the desert must be amazing
Yes - keep it on your bucket list but don't go in May - July as visibility is low due to the haze. Also have a look at Barj Al Arab - maginificent on the outside but I thought rather crass on the inside. Atlantis is a far better choice.
Superb ! lovely lens thanks for sharing for this interesting Lens to us here I add one more Lens
you should definitely keep it in your list ! Getting up on the tallest building in the world itself is a thrilling experience. Besides, as you have noted here, there are many many more things to see and to do in Dubai. i am living and working here and the things they do here .. it never stops to amaze me ..
i run this website www.lemonslicetravels.com, you can bookmark it and keep so that whenever you do decide to visit you can use it for planning your trip .. .cheers!
For sure!
keep it
This place seems really nice to go see. Keep it on the list!
good one
My very hobby for visit & live this Building But I have not enough money.pls help me . 01741454824
definitely keep it on
Definitely keep it on the list! And when you do visit, make sure to book in advance for At The Top, the observation deck experience. Best time to visit is before sunset; that way you get the daylight, sunset and evening view all in one go. On the adjacent floor is a fantastic cocktail bar called at:mosphere - if you want to go there you must a) dress up and b) book. I live in Dubai and generally take visitors to the bar at at:mosphere INSTEAD of the Observation Deck. The price works out about the same!
On the list as we never know what will happen next in our life. I am always for dreaming big, with this mind set we can obtain more... Don't you think?
vow just love it dubai itz really amazing thanks for such lovely post and pictures love it...........
No Way! (I wouldn't do it)
I've been there a few times and it's amazing! Great hub, awesome shots.
Wow what an incredible bit of architecture! Amazing hub :)
Your reflections from your travels are always thrill, Rhonda, aided by the way you write so well.
Thanks, one more time.
I feel pathetic but I don't think this building is for me either! I could even get to the top of the Eiffel Tower let alone this amazing building!!
I would have to say that this site is not on my bucket list. I don't like elevators!
You could.. but to me it just seems like an evil tower.... my daughter hates itso much she won't even look at it :)
It is a long way down from the top!! or Worse a long way up to the top.. What if the elevators go out??
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.
We chose to get this book as we were visiting more than just Dubai. For us the guide is brilliant and lives up to the Lonely Planet hype. How else would I have learned how to bargain for bling, or where to get gold?
© 2010 Rhonda Albom
What's the Tallest Building You Have Been In?
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LOL - we were in Vegas with the girls last year, and once is certainly enough for me. However, I would love to go back to the Middle East, anytime.
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Thanks MaryBeth. We are working our way around the world, up to 48 countries collectively (I think).
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It's almost too high. I generally prefer a view from much lower. That said, it was pretty spectacular.
I don't consider myself afraid of heights, but woah! I don't think I'd make it to the top of that building. It must be a spectacular view from so high above the ground.
You have been to some incredible places in the world! I love these photos...thanks for sharing.
Dubai is one of those places a bit like Vegas I'd love to go once, just to see what it's really like. That said, having seen my sister's photos from the Burj last year would love to go up it as I always try to find the highest point wherever I go!
Great pictures but unfortunately they have put me off going up there!! I don't do heights Rhonda! I was in Dubai before that was built so I didn't have to even contemplate it. A truly remarkable place. Great hub.
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I travel with my husband, and we are very respectful of traditional values when we travel. However, Dubai is 80% expats, so Europeans are common. We had no problems. There were other countries we visited where I was more cautious about never being out without a male escort.
Your pictures are incredible. Wondering, did you have any trouble because you were a woman there?
The Post Office Tower in London. Years ago.
After seeing your impressive photos Pukeko, I most definitely have to visit Dubai!
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@pinkhoodie: Me too :)
The Burj Khalifa
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@tedwritesstuff24: I love the heat. And as for the prices, we bought our tickets on-line and they were about 25% of the price you pay at the door. It was still steep, but it was part of our experience.
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@captainj88: That's exactly why I made the page.
Spent a few weeks in Dubai and whilst I agree the structures are impressive in appearance, I found the fees to enter them to be even higher than the buildings themselves. That combined with the constant heat and pollution haze meant that I was more than happy to sit and look at them from below...
So cool. This is an area of the world that I would love to spend some time in, exploring. I hope I get to someday. In the meantime, thanks for letting me live vicariously through your camera lens.
- Author
@evawrites1: LOL - sadly that candy shop wasn't nearly as impressive as it looks in the photo, but fun, nevertheless.
This was an interesting read, and I was impressed with that candy shop... that's a lot of candies they have in there...
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