How the Burj Khalifa Changed Dubai’s Skyline and Architectural Identity

How the Burj Khalifa Changed Dubai’s Skyline and Architectural Identity

 The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building that can be seen from anywhere in Dubai. But still, it is more than just a record-breaking tallest structure in the world. It signifies:

1.     The hope,
2.     The progress, and
3.     The change

This is because Dubai has now come far from being a desert land. As of today, it is an international city. The Burj Khalifa is almost central to Dubai’s urban area. And that in itself has immensely helped influence Dubai’s architectural profile too.

In this article, we cover Information about Burj Khalifa:

•       the Burj Khalifa’s history,
•       how Burj Khalifa building was constructed,
•       why it was a big deal, and
•       what it means for the tourism industry and skyline of Dubai.

 The Background of Burj Khalifa: A Visionary Project

The Name of Burj Khalifa is after the former president of the UAE. It was sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The building was designed at the time/decade when Dubai was rapidly emerging as an international financial & tourist center. It was started/ built due to the desire of the ruler of Dubai (namely, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum). He wanted Dubai to have a masterpiece – one that would place Dubai on the world map.

On one level, the Burj Khalifa is more than a structure. It is meant to be an assertion of an emerging, civic personality. A kind of declaration of what Dubai was becoming, and a glittering glimpse of its future promise.

 The Making of the Burj Khalifa: A Feat of Engineering

The construction of Burj Khalifa wasn’t a tiny step. The architectural structure of the building is on the architectural principles of the Hymenocallis flower. It was the design of the architect named Adrian Smith from the Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

•       Its construction started in January 2004 and was completed by January 2010.
•       The workers that were involved in construction reached a high of 12,000+ in numbers. That is both, including men and women from different nations.
•       For the construction, mainly reinforced concrete, steel, and glass was used.
•       The total amount of glass used in the Burj Khalifa building is more than 103000 sq.m. and 15500 sq.m. of embossed stainless steel.
•       The structure has a height of 828 meters (2,716 feet)
•       Burj Khalifa building also comprises 163 floors.

However, remember that although the Burj Khalifa was constructed to set new records (to be the tallest building in the world), yet it is much more. This is mostly because it was intended to be a multi-functional building that would house: residents, businesses, hotels, and even the observatory’s offices. Today it is home to:

•       the opulent Armani Hotel,
•       residential apartments,
•       commercial spaces, and
•       viewing platforms that give tremendously wonderful vantage points of the city of Dubai.

 Why was the Burj Khalifa constructed?

In addition to the sheer ambition, another reason for constructing the Burj Khalifa Building in Dubai was to reduce Dubai’s economic dependence on oil. There is Information about Burj Khalifa on its observation decks that lure travelers, investors, and businessmen. By erecting a symbol of the fascination and commercial entity, they made Dubai one of the most popular tourist place. They very well knew that the commercialism and enjoyment are tied.

The tower is in the 196-hectare city that is fondly called Downtown Dubai. It also has other very popular attractions consisting of:

•       the Dubai Mall, and
•       Dubai Fountain, as well as
•       hotels and restaurants.

The Burj Khalifa also sought to demonstrate what Dubai is capable of in the field of architecture and engineering. Specifically, by initiating the construction of the tallest building in the world the city proved it could invent the impossible and construct something unique.

About Burj Khalifa building – The building represents the change of the city from a regional mercantile center to an international commercial and tourism hub.

 Transforming Dubai’s Skyline and Attracting Tourists

Before the Burj Khalifa building, Dubai’s skyline was full of a series of tall buildings. But they did not truly capture the world’s attention. The construction of Burj Khalifa changed that!

•       It is all the things & has so many elements:
•       needle-like spire and sleek,
•       modern design have made it a globally recognized symbol of Dubai
•       The tower is also visible from miles away
•       Burj has redefined Dubai’s sky view and has turned it into one of the most photographed landscapes in the whole world!
•       The building also plays an important role as it helps in attracting millions of tourists per year.
•       People also make reservations for the Burj Khalifa building in advance.
•       Burj Khalifa building has a total of 3 observation decks that are open for the public. They are on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors and all the decks offer breathtaking views of the city and the nearby desert.
•       The “At the Sky” experience on the 148th floor is the highest observation deck of the Burj Khalifa building.
•       Additionally, as Burj Khalifa building is constructed in proximity to attractions like the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain, it has also made the place a thriving hub for entertainment and shopping!

 

Booking with Friends Guide Travel for the Best Burj Khalifa Experience

If you’re also interested in visiting the Burj Khalifa, we would recommend that you book its tickets in advance. That will save you from standing in long queues for booking your experience. Our recommendations go to Friends Guide Travel. This is due to the fact that they ensure a seamless and unforgettable trip. Whether you want to:

•       marvel at the views,
•       visit & get on the observation decks or
•       explore nearby attractions (such as the Dubai Mall),

Friends Guide Travel offers tailored & customized packages that cater to all your needs & requirements. You can have:

•       priority access,
•       guided tours, and
•       insider tips to make the most of your visit to this iconic landmark.

So, whatever you do, before visiting, make a reservation. You can check out their website for bookings or contact them on their WhatsApp number for more details.

Have a safe & fun journey!