The Burj Khalifa tower is currently the tallest building in the world at over 828 metres tall and over 160 stories. It currently holds the records for: the tallest building in the world, the tallest free-standing structure in the world, the highest number of stories in the world, the highest occupied floor in the world, the highest outdoor observation deck in the world, the elevator with the longest travel distance in the world, and the tallest service elevator in the world.
The lifts that take visitors to At The Top, the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck, are located within the Dubai Mall. We present our ‘instant access’ tickets and are directed towards one of three elevators. Our guide tells us that these are the fastest elevators in the world, traveling at an average speed of 30 kilometres per hour. It will reach the observation deck on the 124th floor in less than one minute.
We arrive at the 360 degree observation deck and admire the views of the city below us. The buildings that just a few minutes ago towered above us now appear small. We walk to the open-air terrace and watch the Dubai Fountain as it shoots water jets as high as 150 metres.
The fountain is 275 metres long and set in the 30 acre Burj Khalifa Lakeand. It was designed by WET, the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. With over 6,600 WET Superlights the beam of light shining upwards from the fountain can be seen from over 30 kilometres away, and will be visible from space making it the brightest spot in the Middle East, and possibly in the world.
It is time to return to ground-level and so we re-enter the lift to take us back to the Dubai Mall. The lights in the lift dim and a light show begins to play on the walls of the elevators. Before we know it we have arrived back at the bottom of the world’s tallest building.
TOP TIP: Book ‘instant access’ tickets to skip long queues. One of the best places to watch the Dubai Fountain after a trip to At the Top is from Thiptara Thai Restaurant at The Palace, overlooking the Dubai lake. Reserve in advance and request a seat on the balcony, overlooking the fountain for the best views of the show.
SOURCES:
- http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/
- http://www.thedubaimall.com/en/Entertain/DubaiAquarium.aspx
- http://www.thedubaimall.com/en/Entertain/TheDubaiFountain.aspx
