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.
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
Related
What's the Tallest Building You Have Been In?
AUTHORLOL - 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.
- AUTHOR
Thanks MaryBeth. We are working our way around the world, up to 48 countries collectively (I think).
- AUTHOR
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.
- AUTHOR
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!
- AUTHOR
@pinkhoodie: Me too :)
The Burj Khalifa
- AUTHOR
@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.
- AUTHOR
@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...
Dubai: I never been to any of the tallest building from any part of the world. I am really scared of heights. But in Dubai i had been to Burj Khalilfa Park which having multiple activities to see and do in Khalifa Park, Dubai like museum, train, park, water park, etc. I thoroughly enjoy over here.
FABULOUS PICS. GREAT PHOTOGRAPHY. good luck!
I am totally in awe of your trip around the world. What an education your girls got, one they will never forget. I love the poster of the Tower at night that you took.
@RhondaAlbom: @Pukeko - Am seeking your permission to use your Burj Khalifa photos on my Dubai Lense. You can view it by visiting http://www.squidoo.com/definitelydubai
Let me know.
Wow, your trip is going to pay for itself with your lenses and posters. Exciting to see it through your eyes.
That must have been awesome. I'm sure the pictures don't do it justice. They never do. I've loved following your adventures daily on your blog.
What an incredible building! Gorgeous photos too. It almost seems like the tower is out of place though, amongst a bunch of much smaller buildings.
I would love to see through the Aquarium as I think it would be really amazing to be able to walk alongside the sides of the tanks and see the fish eye to eye.
- AUTHOR
@Bill Armstrong: Were you in the Burj Khalifa or only in Dubai?
- AUTHOR
@SusanDeppner: That was how it felt, we were so high it was quite surreal.
Ahhhhh I was there ;) thanks for sharing your experience, sadly my visit was quick and sweet and never had much time for sight seeing
The picture of your daughter next to the window looks like it was taken from an airplane. Wow! I don't even have a bucket list but if I did, this would be a good item to be on it.
- AUTHOR
@marsha32: You are so high up, it is almost like an airplane. Of course it would be the getting to the top that might be a big problem if you don't like height.
- AUTHOR
@traveller27: Thanks for checking out my photos :)
- AUTHOR
@Virginia Allain: I wish I could earn that kind of money here.
- AUTHOR
@EMangl: LOL - It was hard enough to find rooms for four, five would been really difficult. Sorry.
I would have never known this was the tallest building in the world! I am so deathly afraid of heights....would not have been on my bucket list...at least not going to the top!
Back for another look - very interesting!
too bad you did not adopt me before you went for your long journey :-)
- AUTHOR
@greenlungsofpoland: You are a traveler, you should go sometime. Just be sure to buy your tickets in advance - check out the tips on my blog before you go. The link is above in the "important" box.
- AUTHOR
@Mami Design: Thanks. Glad you liked it enough for a blessing.
Great lens some awesome pictures makes me want to go!
Love your lens! Blessed!
- AUTHOR
@Gloriousconfusion: Yes, I made it to the top on 25 April, 2012
Maybe by now you have been there?
Way too high for my comfort.
hello! nice lens :)
Very nice lens with cool pictures. My fiance and I were actually just talking about the Burj Khalifa the other day. They use it in the newest Mission Impossible movie. I wouldn't mind going to visit one day, just to take pictures and to say that I went. Thanks for sharing
Go! Just go!
Good for you on doing this - love the comparison chart.
wow... heights are a problem for me, so I don't know if I'd make it to the top.
Congrats for checking this one off - that's quite an accomplishment!
Wow fantastic! It's so nice that you are getting to see the places on your Bucket list. Enjoy!
Amazing lens, looking forward to seeing your photos on here soon, but take time to enjoy your vacation and don't spend too much on lens updates! Excellent job, blessed, but I don't think you will see me there - not too good at heights.
Really good page.
The Burj Khalifa appears so tall that it could almost touch the sky;
Daunting it would seem even for a winged bird, bee, or a butterfly.
In fairy tales of yonder days have we heard of castles in the clouds;
Realms reserved for people special, is now available for the crowds!
I've never looked at photos of this before. How fabulous is that! Such a marvelous structure.
Hi! great lens, supper pictures and I send you Angel dust in your way
Regards
It's on my list now too. How high is the outdoor observation deck? Being on it would really be an experience.
Great lens! Thanks for sharing!
wow! Dubai sure has wonderful structures. Great lens!
Ah, Dubai and its architecture... Love it! Great lens!
Amazing buildings. I hope you get to visit there. Pictures are nice but the journey is half the fun. See you there.
Angel blessed.
One day I might make it to Dubai and see this building. For now I enjoyed your photos!
Another gripping read! Now featured on www.SayGudday.com. I hope it brings you many more readers.
Hello! I liked your lens. I don't know if I will ever visit Dubai, but it seems like a very interesting place.
You are not alone in wanting to see this crazy building in person. It looks spectacular though I'm not sure I'd fancy living in it!
Dubai would be fun to see, but I'll settle for the lovely tour of yours. Thanks for sharing all the great sights.
Dubai is amazing !!
That looks more like a futuristic office building than a hotel. What's the total amount of floors that it has?
I love this! My husband's parents live there, because his dad is a commercial air pilot. It's nice to see some photos of it. They're always trying to get us to fly there. It's so gorgeous!
a nice lens about dubai tourism. i love Dubai
Superb lens. Very informative and useful to those of us who haven't actually been to dubai yet! Thanks!
Great lens, it made me want to go there.
Fantastic pictures! Thank you for great lens!
Looking at the comparison chart, it is amazing how much higher Burj Khalifa is than the world's other tallest buildings.
Didn't they use this building in the newest Mission Impossible movie?
Didn't they use this building in the newest Mission Impossible movie?
Wow, that building is amazing. I love the idea of having a series of bucket list lenses. Great work. *~blessed~*
I'm fascinated by how quickly Dubai has grown over the past few decades. Not that that's necessarily a good thing, but it's fascinating. :) I hope you get there!
Dubai is certainly a fascinating place. I'll never forget seeing the video on youtube with the guy taking the elevator up to work. Freaky! Not my choice, I'm terrified of heights!
I have already been to Dubai, so I can tell you it is worth to go at least once in your life.
Really want to go to Dubai! I love tall structures
Loved the film and would love to visit Dubai one day. I am intrigued by the man-made housing developments reclaimed from the Red Sea "The Palm' and 'The World' Blessed this one
Dubai is fun.. I've been there many times, but personally, it wouldn't be on my list.. and it's not going to be the tallest for long :)
Looks beautiful
The picture are beautiful. I don't think I personally would want to travel to the top though.
Need a tag-along? I'd love to go with you. This is a great idea to put together your bucket list.
Beautiful! I have to agree with you, Emirates is a fabulous airlines! My husband has been to Dubai several times and he loves it. Just, no kissing in public!!! LOL
Great pictures of burj-khalif. It will be great to see yours when you get them.
Another great list. Love the photos.
My husband just got back from Dubai and found it to be a beautiful city and very friendly to visitors.
Absolutely stunning photography. Didn't know anything about this building, so this was very interesting to me. I hope you make it and soon.
Keep dreaming! Make more bucket - lenses!
These pictures look wonderful I do hope you get to go someday
I loved the movie The Bucket List, it was fun and eye opening. I have not made a bucket list, I certainly have made a list of things I want to do and soon though.... I guess, I have not yet come to terms with my mortality.
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