The most iconic structure in Dubai's skyline-Burj Khalifa and also the tallest building on the entire planet standing at 828 metres as we speak. If visiting the Middle East, this is definitely a must not miss sight. In this post we look at the nitty gritties of visiting At the Top, Burj Khalifa 🙂
Getting there
Well, first things first. Burj Khalifa is located in downtown Dubai beside the gigantic Dubai Mall. Using the Dubai Metro, board the redline to Burj Khalifa Station. From here, board the F13 bus and alight at the next stop-Dubai Mall bus stop. Now walk through the mall to get to Burj Khalifa. Otherwise, walk in the air-conditioned overpass.
This should take you about 15 minutes because there are moving walkways (similar to the kind in airports). This is definitely the most recommended form of getting to the mall. At Dubai mall, walk through the mall to the lower ground floor aka LG.
The ticket office to Burj Khalifa is inside Dubai Mall next to subway sandwich restaurant on Lower Ground floor. However, to avoid the hassle of locating the office and dealing with long queues, book your At the Top, Burj Khalifa tickets in advance at itickets.ae
Where to Visit
Burj Khalifa has two observation decks open to guests. The lower deck is popular as At the Top standing at a height of 452 meters. When the tower was officially opened in 2010, it was the highest observation deck on the globe. Unfortunately, this title was grabbed by an observation deck in China-Canton Tower. But when it comes to standing out, Burj Khalifa is definitely not the one to let anything stand in the way hindering its glory. Consequently, Burj Khalifa opened a new deck-At the Top SKY now standing at 555 metres and currently the world's tallest observation deck.
At the very top of Burj Khalifa is the 163rd floor of the tower that is however not accessible to the public.
The Cost
Visiting At the Top, Burj Khalifa requires a ticket, and there are several factors that affect the cost of your ticket including:
Choice of the observation deck-At the Top or At the Top, SKY
The time of the day. Prime hours for the observation decks are between 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM to correspond with sunset
The booking option of your choice. This includes 'Skip the line ticket' which allows you directly proceed to the observation deck without having to wait in line.
How to Buy Tickets
Tickets to At the Top observation decks get sold out pretty quick. To get a slot and secure the best time, we highly recommend booking your ticket online in advance. Otherwise, you can buy the tickets at the counter at Burj Khalifa.
What to Expect At the Entrance
If your ticket does not allow you to skip the line and proceed to the observation deck, you'll be expected to wait in line. While waiting though, you don't have to get bored as the area is donned with spectacular interactive displays that tell the story of the skyscraper.
You'll then be directed to the elevator that will whip you at a dizzying speed of 10m/s
At the observation decks, soak in the spectacular views of Dubai skyline and the gulf beyond. Telescopes here are built with technology that provides high definition views of landmarks and attractions beyond the city and it's also equipped with a feature that shows what the city looks like during day and night.
Interesting Must Know About Burj Khalifa
Although Burj Khalifa has 160 accessible floors, the actual number of floors is 163. The three extras form the mechanical wing that's not accessible to the public
The construction of the magnificent tower kicked off in 2004,and all the skeletal and exterior was completed by 1st Oct 2009. But there was more. It took yet another 3 months to finish up the interiors before the big opening ceremony on 4th January 2010.
A prestigious hotel occupies the first 15 floors, and upto 900 luxury residential flats in the subsequent floors all the way up to level 108. Another world class hotel further occupies three floors on Levels 122, 123 and 124. Following on level 125 to level 148 is the observation decks. The remaining floors comprise of either office office space that's either occupied or awaiting tenants.
Out of all the facilities in the preceding point, the most obvious attraction by far is level 125 to 148 and without a doubt the highlight of this tower.
The tower is the only place in the world where you can catch two sunsets in a day. Be sure to catch the first sunset At the Top, level 125 and then make your way up for even a more dramatic, shimmering shades of the sunset from At the Top, SKY.
By the end of 2014, the distance travelled by At the Top elevators was equivalent to that of circumnavigating the globe eight times. The sheer thought of it is mindblowing. Maybe the only way to fully experience that feeling is to board the elevators eight times considering it moves pretty fast-10m/s
Now forget about the impressive height for a minute. What about the fashionable, luxe hotels Burj Khalifa hosts? The tower hosts the first ever Armani Hotel designed by the Giorgio Armani. The hotel is without a doubt a novelty in the boutique hotel industry and more so being the first to be designed by a fashion designer as prestigious as Armani. The one of a kind hotel not only in the emirates but in the entire world offers sophistication like no other with its 160 exclusive rooms and suites featuring decor and furnishing bearing the Armani signature.
But like everything, this is not the last one. Already the haute fashion designer-Armani has commissioned the building of a further 6 hotels and 3 holiday resorts under his label Armani.
What would it take you to chill out in the world's second highest pool? Welcome to the scenic pool at level 76 of Burj Khalifa that's extraordinary in its own style as it offers something no other pool in Dubai or at least most of the world doesnt-Sky high views of glitzy Dubai and the gulf beyond.
Fine dining yo ask? The tower also hosts the world's highest restaurant-At.Mosphere. If style runs in your veins, no better place to delight your soul with world class delicacies than At.Mosphere. The ultimate perfect venue to dine and wine in style 🙂
The tower features three sky lobbies (different from observation decks). One is on level 43, another one on 76th floor and the last on level 123. Don't ask us how. But what we know is that these are public places for residents and visitors. For ordinarly guests, the guess is if you're dining At.Mosphere (level 122) there will be nothing stopping you from going a floor higher.
Burj Club-Not a raving night club per se because it hosts a range of other facilities spread across some of the tower's most exquisitely designed levels. The club spans four floors each dedicated to a specific purpose i.e. a Gym, Spa and rooftop bar. Pretty cool!
Martin Wynn
Priya
