We’ve visited some of the world’s record setters like the world’s largest pumpkin festival, the world’s northernmost city and the world’s largest wine barrel. So it should be no surprise that standing on the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa was also on our bucket list.
Not only is the Burj Khalifa the world’s tallest building, it impressively breaks several other records. Here are 10 fun facts about the Burj Khalifa we learned on our visit that we hope also inspire you to head to the top of the world’s tallest building. Just don’t forget to book your Burj Khalifa skip the line tickets before you go.
10 Fun Facts about the Burj Khalifa
1. The Burj Khalifa height is a staggering 828 meters (2716.5 feet) tall, soaring over Dubai. It’s three times as tall as the Eiffel Tower and nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building. Laid end to end, its pieces stretch over a quarter of the way around the world. It’s cloud-piercing height is certainly one of the most impressive facts about Burj Khalifa.
2. Aside from holding the world record for being the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa holds six other world records. The Burj Khalifa is also the tallest freestanding structure in the world, has the highest number of stories in the world, has the highest occupied floor in the world, has the highest outdoor observation deck in the world, has the elevator with longest travel distance in the world, and has the tallest service elevator in the world.
3. One of the most mind blowing Burj Khalifa facts is how much the materials weigh. To put things in to perspective, the weight of the concrete is equivalent to 100,000 elephants. The total weight of aluminum used on the Burj Khalifa is equivalent to that of five A380 aircraft.
4. Burj Khalifa fun facts that you can truly applaud are its sustainability and reuse of resources. Every year 15 million gallons of water are collected sustainably. The water is used for irrigation to water the landscaping and plants, for the cooling system and to supply the Dubai Fountain.
5. Some Burj Khalifa trivia about the elevators: the building has the longest single running elevator, which is 140 floors. The Burj Khalifa elevator speed is 10 meters per second, making the elevators among the fastest in the world. The Burj Khalifa elevator time to reach the observation deck on the 124th floor is only one minute.
6. One of the lesser known and more interesting facts about Burj Khalifa is that the tip of the sphere of the Burj Khalifa can be seen from up to 95 kilometers away.
7. Fairly known Burj Khalifa information is that at the peak of construction, 12,000 workers worked on the building per day.
8. Of course, you can’t leave out how the materials and man hours measure up when talking about interesting facts about the Burj Khalifa. It took more than 110,000 tons of concrete, 55,000 tons of steel rebar, and 22 million man-hours to complete the Burj Khalifa.
9. Exactly how long did it take to build the Burj Khalifa? Excavation began in January 2004. Six years later, the Burj Khalifa finally opened in January 2010.
10. Another of the Burj Khalifa interesting facts is that it is designed to resemble the Hymenocallis flower. The central core emerges at the top and culminates in a sculpted spire.
That’s a lot of facts about the world’s tallest building. What is the Burj Khalifa used for anyway? It’s actually a multi-use building that has restaurants, a hotel, residential apartments, office space and is a tourist attraction with its observation decks. Ready to visit?
Know Before You Go
- The observation deck is open from 10am to 10pm Sunday through Wednesday and 10am to midnight Thursday through Saturday. The last entry is 45 minutes prior to closing.
- There is a free bag check near the entrance; just don’t forget to pick up your bags on the way out (thankfully I remembered before we got too far away.)
- The observation deck is accessed from the lower level of the Dubai Mall near the food court.
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Laurel says
Fun! I had no idea that it held so many world records.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I didn’t either until our visit, Laurel! It truly is an impressive building and we enjoyed marveling at it for hours.
Raf says
Sounds cool.
Max says
is the elevator glass to where you can see outside or no?
Jennifer Dombrowski says
No, it’s not glass and you can’t see outside while in the elevator.
Sarah says
Wow
Sanjay says
No…You cant see out thru elevator
shazuni says
No, it’s not the glass and you can’t see outside while in the elevator.
Aisha Awad says
this information is great for my project! thanks for all of this! ^-^
Asiya Allie says
I am doing a project on Dubai but now i have more facts about the burj khalifa than i have on the topic
Les Lawrence says
Some of the records are… unnecessary. Most are. They could add, “the highest window frame in the world,” “The highest carpeted surface in the world.” But, actually… they are wrong, based on perspective. They can only say tallest, not highest. Highest is likely a shack on Mt. Everest. Tall implies “from the ground” and high implies altitude. And even then…. the highest floor could be the floor of the highest flying let. It is man-made and is a floor. Or the International Space Station? Highest occupied floor.
Bostonian says
Touché
syed says
same here
D.J. says
Boggles my mind every time I see it…especially when you see pics from the top and realize it’s basically in the middle of the desert!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I think we must have said what a sheer genius The Sheik is to have the insight to build up this empire out of almost nothing in the desert countless times. Amongst the buildings you can quickly forget you are in the middle of the desert and even in the Middle East. Dubai truly is an amazing place.
Chris Maurice says
The technology came from the west. The Sheikh merely funded it. It will be nice if the Middle East can use their own brains to create stuff. 1929 and 1931 anyone. That’s how far ahead the west was…
rishad says
Can west make a taj mahal now with the current technology.I bet u cant.
Senure says
West doesn’t rule… Okay
Maribel says
Technology actually came from the very first buildings (pirámids)that still standing and a lot of those buildings nobody knows how they figure it out…….like observatories, and many jewels made by Egyptians, Aztecs. Olmecs. Incas……etc etc
Ali says
Wow! really? Great to know.
Natalie says
Is it just me that thinks it is not natural for a human to be in a building stretching a quarter of the way round the world? The negative side of me thinks you are f**** in a earthquake or a tsunami
Jennifer Dombrowski says
That is true, Natalie! There are special evacuation plans in place should anything ever happen and let’s hope that is never the case.
Nina says
The earth is about 40075000 meters around, the tower itself is only 800 something’s no meters so the fact about it being a quarter of the perimeter Of the earth is very wrong
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Actually, it’s not very wrong. The pieces laid end to end stretch a quarter of the way around the earth. But thanks for commenting.
Dorodi says
Hello, can you source the fact that the pieces laid end to end reach half a quarter of the way around the world?
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Yes, the source is the Burj Khalifa themselves. When you visit, panels go through a video display of 30 or so facts about the construction, features and various records the building holds. We took photos of the various facts we thought were most interesting from the presentation. This is one of them.
dhama says
you really enjoyed the Bellagio style fountain show that happens every night at the base of this building
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Yes, we did. We used to live in Las Vegas very close to the Bellagio, so it was a reminder of all the times we’d walk over to the Strip and watch the fountains.
Andrea says
We really enjoyed the Bellagio style fountain show that happens every night at the base of this building
Jennifer Dombrowski says
We did too, Andrea! We watched the fountain show twice. I have a post coming on it soon.
Forrest Walker says
I live here. You got lucky for a clear day. Excellent fofos
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks, Forrest! We were quite lucky we had such clear days while in Dubai.
Turtle says
Wow. I reckon one minute to go 124 floors would leave your head spinning a bit!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The one minute ride up definitely left our ears popping!
Kay Dougherty says
I think I took one of the exact same pictures that you did! It was really interesting to get a view from so high up. We were (maturely) thrilled to think of using the world’s highest toilets but the line in the ladies’ room was too long to be worth the claim to fame! Did you see the funny pictures they do of people climbing, falling off, etc? Those were tempting but way too expensive – clever though. Wonder if we were there around the same time – week of March 14th?
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Kay! No, we visited Dubai back in November on our way to the Maldives. But we’d love to go back and explore more. We did see those funny pictures – what a clever souvenir!
Anne Reilly says
Although I'm usually afraid of heights, the view from the observation deck was fascinating, and not at all scary. So interesting to look down on skyscrapers.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I agree, Anne! I’m not afraid of heights, but it doesn’t feel like you are as high as you are when looking out. Definitely worth a visit!
Andy says
100,000 elephants!! That is an enormous weight. Cool facts, thanks for sharing!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Glad to hear you enjoyed the post, Andy!
Rushan says
Fact no. 11 – Its built by Samsung
Eton says
Hi
Renan says
Amazing documentary Jen, congratulations.
Qatar is planning to build a tower more high than Burj khalifa. If this fact will be true, will you be there?
And I want to give you one suggestion: Qatar is also building their structures to receive the FIFA World Cup in 2022. I want to see somethings there, but I would like to see you there in 8 years.
Olielo says
Would probably be scared to take this elevator. Goes fast, goes high 🙂
Brandon Caleb says
Hi guys! Did you know the Burj Khalifa is NOT the tallest building in the world? The tallest building in the world is Sky City In Changsha, China. In 7 months, the building will be complete and it will open in 2013, but, now it’s 2014 so that’s open now. The height of the Burj Khalifa is 828m., then, The height of the Sky City in Changsha China, is 838m. 10 m taller than Burj Khalifa. And Burj Khalifa has 163 floors, Then, Sky City has 220.
And the tallest constructing building NOW is the Kingdom Tower, 1,000 m tall, 3,280 ft, 200 floors, and the construction starts at the end of 2013. It will be completed on 2019. So 5/6 years to be built.
And the tallest planning building (actually it’s so big) Is X-seed 4000, 4,000 meters, 13,120 feet, 800 floors.
It is half height of the Mount Everest (the tallest mountain in the world), in Nepal and Tibet.
And the tallest anything is the Space Elevator in Indonesia. It will be completed in 2120, so I am already 114 years old when 2120, and now I am 7 years old. My birthday is Oct 25 2006.
And now, i forgot to say, X-Seed 4000 will be built in Tokyo, Japan.
And now, I forgot to say, the height of the Sky City in China (in feet) is 2,748.64. So thats all for now ., Bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks for your comment Brandon, but Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world as the other buildings you mention are not complete. So until then, Burj Khalifa gets the distinction.
Chris says
Sky City was cancelled due to lack of design detail and doubts about its structural integrity. Many people think it’s actually a marketing ploy and was never intended to be completed. I think you will find similar information about the other buildings you listed
John Hunter says
Sky city hasn’t actually started construction yet, or even prefabrication.
Dharmendra says
This is an incredible building in21st century…with a wow height of 828 mtrs.
steve morris says
I actually worked on the wood floors in the burg and it truely is an amazing buidind both inside and out. My neck still suffers due to trying to see the top lol .
Riya says
For one time visit it is a good place
Matt says
How would it stretch 1/4 of the way around the earth if its only 828 meters tall?
Jennifer Dombrowski says
If all the parts the make up the Burj Khalifa were stretched out, it would stretch 1/4 of the way around the earth.
Nick says
‘Laid end to end, it stretches over a quarter of the way around the world.’ How did you work that out? The circumference of the world is about 131479659 feet a quarter of that is 32869914.75 feet not 2,716.5 feet?
Jennifer Dombrowski says
It’s if all the pieces were laid out end to end, it would stretch over a quarter of the way around the world; not just the height of the building.
Leslie Baker says
I was told that there is an almost constant mist near the top due to the height. Is that true? Even in the desert? If so, truly awesome!
mohammed says
who build burj khalifa? What’s the leaders name?
Abudo says
I just visited this spectacular building last week, so amazing facts I saw myself. Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Glad you got to visit the Burj, Abudo!
Ajayi Thomas says
I will get there someday.
Tim says
Forrest Walker, if you ever get to read this… and anyone else who’s sightseeing in Dubai: if you don’t already know, you can take Photospheres with your smartphone. Each manufacturer calls it something different. HTC Android phones=Panorama 360°, Samsung Android phones=Surround Shot, and Nexus Android phones have the Google Camera, and there’s one for the iPhone as well.
My Point? If any of you have ever put on a virtual reality headset, then looked all around at either a still or moving picture, using these 360° x 180° camera modes allows you to create a VR Photosphere of your own. You can then view these yourself or share with friends. There are many very inexpensive headsets for many Android phones, like the Google Cardboard, Samsung Oculus, Samsung Gear VR, and others.
Do a Google search to find out more about Photospheres, VR or Virtual Reality, and how they work.
Then start taking some beautiful Photospheres around Dubai (or anywhere worth capturing for that matter!)
Stanley says
So nice… And luxurious, of course
Jennifer Dombrowski says
A lot of Dubai is luxurious!
Bulafu Allan Derrick says
its ma dream hotel coz the place is extra ordinary. its yet to be recognized as da eigth wonder.
Muhammad Nawaz Butt says
Amazing burj khalifa, I visited this building last month on 13.05.2016.
Anna Untalan says
I was just wondering how high is the landing on the 124th floor?
Arvin says
OMG why do you people think middle eat people don’t use there brains… Most iranians are so rich that they can enrich every country they go. For example, UAE many iranians went there or Azerbaijan. Of course, sheiks are rich but they don’t make these structures. So don’t think west is very great. I bet only 10% of Americans have went to a good school.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Who said people from the Middle East don’t use their brains?
Tshepo says
wow…… fastest elevator in de world ,everything is amazing about this building
Wendie says
yeah, it’s truly an amazing tower and with a beautiful view at night! we visited there in October.
Duminda says
cool information
kinoti mike says
amazing facts,but expound:what pieces add up to quarter of the world,materials or builtup structures?
Samar Jodha says
Great Info indeed 🙂
Having worked on the documenting the building of the project, There were 3500 men working on it at the peak of it. Just need that corrected.
(Yes there would be plenty by independent contractors once the interiors were handed over to private parties/buyers/real estate agent)
BTW Thanks for some great info here.
PAVAN says
hello jennifer,
great article.
burj khalifa is the world’s tallest building.there are 163 floors located above the ground of burj khalifa.
it’s initial name was burj dubai.it is located in dubai,united arab emirates.
It’s building has a specially designed elevator system for controlled evacuation in times of emergency situations like security threats or fire.
Once I want to visit to enjoy it’s beauty.
It is a must watch place.
Thank you,
Have a nice day.
Zainab Abidi says
if you can, can you please tell me how much people go in the burj khalifa every day???
Orla says
This is interesting ! We thought it was the most amazing building ever.
Jay says
when did you write this article I need a date if you may for my business research paper. don’t worry I mentioned your name no copying or anything.
thank you dear
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Jay,
It was published December 8, 2012. Good luck with your paper!
Anjanae says
Is the tower still standing today?
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Yes, the tower is still standing. There are hotels, residential apartments and businesses located inside. And tourists can visit the top.
Eric says
Yes Anjanae, the tower is still standing today.
Faith Willie says
I love this building.
Michael says
I visited the Burj Khalifa today (Royal Wedding day at Windsor, UK!) and it was a truly amazing experience. Amongst all the world records etc etc there was a bird (a bit similar to a pigeon) alive and well but sitting in the far corner of the observation deck. How did it ever fly that high? It must be an Emirati bird that has claimed yet another world record!!
Pricey to go all the way up as far as possible, but well worth it if you are able to do it.
VINOD BHALLA says
Last month I spent a few days in Dubai. It was my third trip to this Emirate and I have to say, the more I get to know it, the more enjoyable I find this place.
A says
Is the building actually glass from the outside!
This is for my classroom project.
Milla says
I live in Dubai and it is a wonderful place. I love it a lot.