Burj Khalifa
Building World's tallest skyscraper in Dubai
At 828 metres, Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building in Dubai; tourists book At The Top observation decks, dine in high-rise restaurants and combine visits with the Dubai Mall and evening fountain shows.
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Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper in Dubai that reaches 828 meters, making it the tallest completed building in the world. The tower opened in 2010 and is the centerpiece of the Downtown Dubai development.
Public attractions include observation decks on multiple levels with panoramic views of the city and surrounding desert, restaurants and mixed-use spaces within the podium. The building contains office, residential and hotel components across its many floors.
Designed by architect Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and developed by Emaar, construction was completed and the tower officially opened on 4 January 2010. The tower set multiple height and engineering records on completion.
Located in the Downtown Dubai district next to the Dubai Mall and Burj Lake, the tower is centrally positioned within Dubai’s modern urban core.
- Height and floors: The building reaches 828 meters and has 163 floors above ground, holding the record as the tallest man-made structure since its opening in 2010.
- Visitor tips: Timed tickets for observation decks are recommended, with sunset slots especially popular and often sold out in advance.
What to See #
- At The Top (levels 124/125): The observation decks branded "At The Top" on levels 124 and 125 provide panoramic city views at about 456 meters above ground.
- At The Top SKY (level 148): A premium observation lounge on level 148 reaches approximately 555 meters and offers a higher viewing point with a separate ticketing tier.
- Downtown Dubai surroundings: Mixed-use podium and surrounding downtown area include the Dubai Mall and landscaped Burj Lake, integrating the tower into the Downtown Dubai complex.
How to Get to Burj Khalifa #
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station; from the station use the covered Metro Link Bridge/air-conditioned walkway to Dubai Mall and then follow signs to the Burj Khalifa entrance (about a 10-15 minute walk from the metro). Many hotels and taxis also drop visitors at Dubai Mall.
If driving, approach Downtown Dubai via Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and use the dedicated exits to Dubai Mall/Downtown; Dubai International Airport is roughly 15-20 km away (drive time varies with traffic).
Tips for Visiting Burj Khalifa #
- Buy At The Top tickets for a specific time slot online and avoid sunset slots if you want fewer people - sunset views are spectacular but the busiest and should be booked well ahead.
- Decide which deck you want (Levels 124/125 versus the premium 148) when booking; the higher level has a much smaller capacity and sells out faster than the main observation floors.
- Enter via the Dubai Mall lower-ground concourse entrance to the Burj Khalifa ticket halls (follow signs to 'Burj Khalifa') and allow extra time for mall navigation and security screening.
Best Time to Visit Burj Khalifa #
Visit between November and March for cooler, more comfortable weather and high availability of tours and viewing times.
Weather & Climate near Burj Khalifa #
Burj Khalifa's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with 35 mm of rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 39°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 42°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 41°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 37°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
