Burj Khalifa is a highlight of Dubai and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. The majestic skyscraper has risen to 828 meters and 163 floors, being the tallest of the buildings for seven years. It is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf and is visible from anywhere in the city, introducing tourists into a mute shock.
Burj Khalifa: history
Dubai has not always been as modern and luxurious as it is now. In the eighties, it was a modest city with traditional two-story buildings, and the flow of petrodollars in just twenty years made it a giant of steel, stone and glass.
The Burj Khalifa skyscraper has been under construction for six years. Construction began in 2004 at an amazing speed: two floors were built in one week. The shape was specially made asymmetrical and reminiscent of a stalagmite, so that the building was stable and did not sway from the winds. It was decided to sheathe the entire building with special thermostatic panels, which significantly reduced the cost of electricity.
The fact is that in the United Arab Emirates, the temperature often rises to 50 degrees, so saving money on air conditioning played an important role. The foundation of the building was a foundation with hanging piles, which were 45 meters long.
It was decided to entrust the construction to the well-known corporation "Samsung", which took into account all the climatic and geological features of the area. Specially for Burj Khalifa, a special concrete mortar was developed that can withstand high temperatures. It was kneaded exclusively at night with ice pieces added to the water.
The company hired about twelve thousand workers, who agreed to work in terrible unsanitary conditions for paltry money - from four to seven dollars a day, depending on qualifications. The designers knew the golden rule that no construction would fit within the planned budget, and therefore decided to save on labor.
The total cost of building the tower cost more than $ 1.5 billion. For a long time, the planned height was kept secret. Many were sure that the Burj Khalifa would reach a kilometer, but the developers were afraid of the difficulties with the sale of retail space, so they stopped at 828 meters. Perhaps now they regret their decision, because, despite the economic crisis, all the premises were bought out in a very short time.
Internal structure
Burj Khalifa was created as a vertical city. It contains within itself:
- hotel;
- residential apartments;
- office rooms;
- restaurants;
- observation deck.
Entering the tower, it is difficult not to feel the pleasant microclimate created by the special structure of ventilation and air conditioning. The creators took into account all the features of the human body, therefore it is pleasant and comfortable to stay inside. The building is filled with an unobtrusive and light aroma.
The hotel with 304 rooms is designed for tourists who are not worried about their own budget. The interior design is amazing, because for a long time it was developed by Giorgio Armani himself. Decorated in warm colors with unique furnishings and unusual decor items, the interior is an example of Italian elegance.
The hotel has 8 restaurants with Mediterranean, Japanese and Arabic cuisine. Also present: a nightclub, swimming pool, spa center, banquet rooms, boutiques and a flower salon. Room prices start at $ 750 per night.
We advise you to look at the Empire State Building skyscraper.
Burj Khalifa has 900 apartments. Curiously, the Indian billionaire Shetty has completely bought the hundredth floor with three huge apartments. Eyewitnesses note that the premises are immersed in luxury and chic.
Observation Decks
A unique observation deck is located on the 124th floor of the skyscraper, offering a picturesque panorama of the UAE capital. It is called "At the Top". As travelers say, "If you have not been to the site, you have not been to Dubai."
Getting there is not so easy - tickets fly off very quickly. You need to keep this in mind and purchase a seat in advance, the ticket will cost approximately $ 27. In addition to the beauty of the ultra-modern city, you can enjoy the view of the night sky using the telescopes located on the site. Climb to a viewing height of 505 meters and enjoy an incredible view from above, as well as take a memorable photo from the pearl of Dubai. Feel the freedom and majesty of the human hands that raised this masterpiece.
The popularity of the site led to the opening of a second observation deck four years later. It is located higher - on the 148th floor, and became the tallest in the world. There are screens installed here, allowing tourists to virtually walk around the city.
Excursions
Remember that pre-purchased tickets will significantly save your budget and cost you three times less. It is best to buy them on the official website of the skyscraper or at the main passage to the Burj Khalifa elevators, as well as with the help of agencies that organize excursions. The latter option may be simpler, but somewhat more expensive.
It is worth buying a telescope card: with it, you will be able to see up close any corner of the city and get acquainted with the historical eras of Dubai. If you plan to visit the tower with a group of friends, then it is enough to buy only one card, since you can use it several times.
Once you save money, spend it on a skyscraper building audio tour. You can listen to it in one of the available languages, among which there is also Russian. An excursion to Burj Khalifa lasts an hour and a half, but if this time is not enough for you, you can easily stay there longer.
Interesting facts about Burj Khalifa
- The building has 57 elevators, they move at a speed of up to 18 m / s.
- The average indoor temperature is 18 degrees.
- Special tinted thermal glass helps to maintain an acceptable temperature and reflect the sun's rays, preventing dust and unpleasant odors from entering.
- The autonomous power supply system is provided by huge solar panels and wind generators.
- There are 2,957 parking spaces in the building.
- Due to poor working conditions during construction, workers rioted and damaged the city worth half a billion dollars.
- The Atmosphere Restaurant is located at a record height of 442 m.
At the foot of the Burj Khalifa is the world's most powerful fountain, the jets of which rise 100 meters up.
