828 meters of desert ambition — the world's tallest structure
Skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
This building is documented extensively in Burj Khalifa: A New Paradigm.
Visitor Guide
The "At the Top Sky" (148th floor) is worth the premium over the standard 124th floor deck. Go at sunset to see the shadow of the building stretch across the city.
Souk Al Bahar bridge with the Dubai Fountain in foreground. From the desert highway approach for the scale-shock. At night with the fountain show.
Book online well in advance. Sunset slots sell out fast. Non-prime hours are significantly cheaper. There are two observation levels with different ticket prices.
The Y-shaped plan was derived from a desert flower (Hymenocallis). SOM used a "buttressed core" structural system — the setbacks aren't aesthetic, they're structural. Each wing buttresses the others against wind.
2 hours
Design & Structure
SOM's structural engineering team used extensive wind-tunnel testing (40+ configurations) to optimize the plan's aerodynamic response. The setbacks at different heights create a "confused" wind profile that prevents vortex shedding — the building's form is its primary wind-engineering strategy.
Reinforced concrete (up to floor 156), structural steel (above 156), aluminum and stainless steel cladding, 26,000 reflective glass panels. The concrete was pumped to record-breaking heights using specially developed high-performance mixes.
The "buttressed core" is the key structural innovation — three wings brace a central core, with each wing's floor plates acting as deep beams. This distributes wind loads more efficiently than a single tube.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Burj Khalifa?+
Burj Khalifa was designed by Adrian Smith and completed in 2004. It is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Where is Burj Khalifa located?+
Burj Khalifa is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Its coordinates are 25.1972°, 55.2742°.
When was Burj Khalifa built?+
Burj Khalifa was completed in 2004. It was designed by Adrian Smith.
Can I visit Burj Khalifa?+
Burj Khalifa is a real building in Dubai that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.