Burj Khalifa in Dubai: world record height of 828 metres
Burj Khalifa is the tallest building on the planet, located in the centre of Dubai on Emaar Boulevard. In 2026, the skyscraper maintains its leadership across all four categories of the Council on Tall Buildings: spire height (828 m), roof height, height of the highest occupied floor, and structural height. It is one of the UAE's top tourist attractions, drawing over 17 million visitors annually.
Architectural records and parameters
The height of Burj Khalifa exceeds that of the previous record holder — Taipei 101 in Taiwan (509 m) — by 319 metres. The spire is visible from a distance of 95 km, and from the observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors, a panoramic view extends up to 80 km. In 2026, three viewing levels are available: At the Top (124th floor, 452 m), At the Top Sky (148th floor, 555 m), and The Lounge (152nd–154th floors, 585 m).
The building has 163 floors, 57 lifts and 8 escalators. Lift speeds reach 10 m/s, making them among the fastest in the world. The façade is covered with 26,000 glass panels, and the total internal floor area exceeds 300,000 sq.m.
Engineering solutions and technologies
The Burj Khalifa structure is based on a central core and three wings, ensuring stability in strong winds. In 2026, the building continues to use a condensate collection system that provides up to 15 million litres of water per year for irrigating green areas. An innovative ventilation and cooling system reduces energy consumption by 30% compared to similar skyscrapers.
Observation decks and access
| Level | Height | Floors | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| At the Top | 452 m | 124–125 | Panoramic glass windows, VR zone |
| At the Top Sky | 555 m | 148 | Enclosed terrace with lounge bar |
| The Lounge | 585 m | 152–154 | VIP area, sunset sessions |
Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday — 10:00–22:00, Thursday to Saturday — 10:00–00:00. Tickets are recommended to be booked online 2–3 weeks in advance, especially for evening sessions and weekends. In 2026, multilingual audio guides are available, including Russian.
Frequently asked questions
Is Burj Khalifa visible from other emirates?
Yes, the spire can be seen from some areas of Sharjah and Ajman in clear weather. The line-of-sight distance reaches 95 km.
How long does the elevator ride take?
The ascent to the 124th floor takes about 1 minute. The lifts travel at 10 m/s, making them among the fastest in the world.
Relevance in 2026
In 2026, Burj Khalifa remains a hub for tourists and the business community. A new multimedia hall with augmented reality technology has opened in the skyscraper, and the evening light show system has been upgraded with energy-efficient LED panels. Various visit packages are still available, including breakfast at height and combos with the water park and Dubai Mall. Burj Khalifa continues to be a symbol of engineering progress and the Middle East's premier landmark.