Burj Khalifa Facts You Didn't Know

Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is currently the tallest building in the world. Its construction began in 2004 and was completed in 2010, with a height of 828 meters (2,716 feet) and 163 floors. Many people know about its height and luxurious features, but there are many other interesting facts about this iconic building that most people are not aware of. In this article, we will uncover some of the lesser-known facts about the Burj Khalifa.

Table of Contents

1. The Construction of Burj Khalifa
2. The Height of Burj Khalifa
3. The Design of Burj Khalifa
4. The Observation Deck
5. The Elevators in Burj Khalifa
6. The Water Systems in Burj Khalifa
7. The Lighting System
8. The Wind Tests
9. The Cost of Burj Khalifa
10. The Sustainability of Burj Khalifa
11. The Records Broken by Burj Khalifa
12. The Maintenance of Burj Khalifa
13. The Burj Khalifa in Popular Culture
14. The Burj Khalifa’s Contribution to Dubai’s Economy
15. Conclusion

1. The Construction of Burj Khalifa

The construction of Burj Khalifa began on January 6, 2004, and it took almost seven years to complete. More than 12,000 workers from 30 different countries were involved in the construction process. The building was designed by Adrian Smith, an American architect, and it was built by the South Korean company Samsung C&T Corporation.

2. The Height of Burj Khalifa

As mentioned earlier, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, with a height of 828 meters (2,716 feet) and 163 floors. It is three times taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The height of Burj Khalifa is so massive that it can be seen from a distance of 95 kilometers (59 miles).

3. The Design of Burj Khalifa

The design of Burj Khalifa was inspired by Islamic architecture, specifically the Hymenocallis flower. The building has a Y-shaped floor plan, which helps to reduce the wind forces on the tower. The exterior of the building is made up of reflective glass and aluminum, which gives it a shiny appearance.

4. The Observation Deck

The observation deck, located on the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa, is the highest observation deck in the world. It offers a 360-degree view of Dubai and its surrounding areas. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view while standing on a glass floor, which gives them the feeling of standing on air.

5. The Elevators in Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa has the fastest elevators in the world, which can travel at a speed of 64 kilometers (40 miles) per hour. The elevators are double-decker and can carry up to 12 people at a time. They are also equipped with a sophisticated control system that ensures a smooth ride for the passengers.

6. The Water Systems in Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa has a sophisticated water management system that recycles water to reduce water consumption. The building has a total of 57 elevators, and each elevator has a separate water tank, which ensures that water is always available in case of emergencies.

7. The Lighting System

Burj Khalifa has a lighting system that can display over 1.2 million different colors. The lighting system is used to celebrate different occasions and events. For example, during New Year

8. The Wind Tests

Before its construction, Burj Khalifa underwent extensive wind tests to ensure its stability. Engineers built a 1:500 scale model of the building and subjected it to wind tunnel tests. The results of the tests were used to make changes to the building's design to ensure its safety.

9. The Cost of Burj Khalifa

The cost of building Burj Khalifa was estimated at $1.5 billion. This amount includes the construction of the tower, surrounding buildings, and infrastructure. However, the tower's cost has since been surpassed by other buildings such as the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which cost $15 billion to construct.

10. The Sustainability of Burj Khalifa

Despite its massive size, Burj Khalifa is an environmentally sustainable building. It uses a significant amount of natural light and has a sophisticated air conditioning system that reduces energy consumption. It also has a system for recycling greywater, which is used for irrigation and flushing toilets.

11. The Records Broken by Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa has broken several records since its completion. It is not only the tallest building in the world, but it also has the highest outdoor observation deck, the highest occupied floor, and the longest travel distance elevators in the world.

12. The Maintenance of Burj Khalifa

Maintaining a building as massive as Burj Khalifa is a massive undertaking. A team of over 300 maintenance personnel works around the clock to ensure that the building remains in top condition. They use specialized equipment to clean the exterior of the building, which takes several months to complete.

13. The Burj Khalifa in Popular Culture

Burj Khalifa has been featured in several movies and television shows, including "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" and "Fast and Furious 7." It has also been featured in video games, including "Assassin's Creed: Revelations."

14. The Burj Khalifa’s Contribution to Dubai’s Economy

Burj Khalifa has played a significant role in Dubai's economy. It has attracted tourists from all over the world and has become a symbol of Dubai's modernity and progress. It has also helped to boost the city's real estate industry, with several high-end apartments and commercial spaces located within the tower.

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15. Conclusion

In conclusion, Burj Khalifa is not only the tallest building in the world, but it is also a marvel of modern engineering and design. Its massive size and luxurious features have made it an icon of Dubai and a symbol of human achievement. The building's sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and record-breaking feats make it a fascinating subject of study for architects and engineers alike.

5 Unique FAQs About Burj Khalifa

1. How long did it take to build Burj Khalifa?

• It took almost seven years to complete the construction of Burj Khalifa.

2. What inspired the design of Burj Khalifa?

• The design of Burj Khalifa was inspired by Islamic architecture, specifically the Hymenocallis flower.

3. How much did it cost to build Burj Khalifa?

• The cost of building Burj Khalifa was estimated at $1.5 billion.

4. How many elevators are there in Burj Khalifa?

• Burj Khalifa has a total of 57 elevators, including the fastest elevators in the world.

5. What is the significance of Burj Khalifa to Dubai's economy?

• Burj Khalifa has played a significant role in Dubai's economy by attracting tourists and boosting the real estate industry.