Burj Dubai Opens as Burj Khalifa

The world's tallest building opened in Dubai on Monday with a spectacular fireworks display. With a height of 828 metres and an incredible 160 floors, the building is around 300 metres taller than Taipei 101, the previous tallest building in the world.

The staggeringly impressive property, had been called the Burj Dubai throughout its entire construction, and its inauguration date on 4 January 2010, was chosen to mark the fourth anniversary of the Accession Day of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the Ruler of Dubai. It was with some surprise therefore to hear His Highness rename the building the Burj Khalifa after the ruler of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.

 From today, 5 January 2010, the public will be able to access At The Top, Burj Khalifa, the world’s highest observation deck on Level 124 of the tower. It is expected to receive its first residents as early as February 2010 and over 12,000 people are expected to eventually live and work in the mixed-use tower which comprises luxurious apartments, prime office space and the world's first Armani Hotel, amongst other modern lifestyle amenities.

The luxurious Armani Residences on levels 9 to 16 is expected to open its doors first, to be followed by the much-awaited Armani Hotel Dubai, which occupies the concourse to Level 8 and Levels 38 and 39, to be unveiled to guests in March.

The Residences, comprising 900 apartments, and The Corporate Suites, a collection of high-end offices, will be handed over to customers from March. The handover programme could take anywhere from two to six months.

For the added convenience of home owners, Burj Khalifa features Sky Lobbies on levels 43, 76 and 123 which offer numerous state-of-the-art fitness facilities close at hand including spa and wellness facilities. The Sky Lobbies on 43 and 76 each house swimming pools and a recreational room for exclusive receptions and other gatherings.

The Corporate Suites inside Burj Khalifa occupy 37 floors. Entrance is from the tower concourse, and express lifts take visitors directly to the lounge lobby at Level 123.

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