Helicopter tour Dubai VIP ride

Helicopter tour Dubai VIP ride

Helicopter tour Dubai sightseeing ride

There are cities that only make complete sense when you see them from above, and Dubai is one of them. On the ground, the city can feel like a series of bold statements strung along a coast-glittering malls, glass towers, a sail-shaped hotel rising from the sea. But lift into the air, and the pieces lock into place. A helicopter tour in Dubai, especially the VIP kind, is less a ride than a revelation: a map unrolling beneath you, ambition rendered in geometry, and the improbable made tangible.


The experience begins before the rotors spin. In a quiet lounge near the shoreline, the desert heat stays outside while a chilled towel, a safety briefing, and a discreet bustle set the tone. The VIP label doesn't shout; it whispers. Staff remember your name. Headsets fit snugly. A route is discussed that sounds like a poem of place names: Atlantis. Burj Al Arab. Jumeirah. Downtown. The pilot-calm, genial-has the self-assurance of someone who flies these lines daily and still finds something new every time.


And then the lift. The helicopter crouches, trembles, and rises as the city loosens its grip. The Gulf flashes emerald and pewter. The Palm Jumeirah unfurls below like an art project turned into a neighborhood: a meticulous pattern of fronds and villas, a crescent that corrals the sea. From the ground you never quite understand the Palm; from the sky, you admire it and question it in the same breath. It is both audacity and spreadsheet, a dream sketched with a ruler.


The helicopter tilts and slides north along the coast. The Burj Al Arab appears as an apparition of white and shadow, a sail forever catching an offshore wind. There's a thrill in recognizing postcard icons from an angle that postcards don't show. Ain Dubai's skeletal circle on Bluewaters Island is a compass marker; the beaches below paint narrow bands of gold. Farther out, the World Islands scatter across the water like punctuation marks in an unfinished sentence. Their outlines are more suggestive than literal, but the concept-that a city can redraw geography-is unmistakable.


Turn inland, and Dubai resolves into layers. Highways cross in practiced loops. The old creek snakes through the heart, where wind towers still peek above courtyards and wooden dhows crowd the water. Up here, the timeline compresses: trading posts and souks, then cranes and concrete, then steel and glass. It's easy to forget the city's age-that most of this is younger than many of the passengers-and the helicopter makes the tempo of change impossible to ignore.


The Burj Khalifa punctures the skyline with a kind of serene aggression. Even from a few hundred meters up, it looks impossibly tall, like a needle stitching together desert and sky. Orbiting Downtown, the fountains below carve choreography into blue pools. Business Bay's gridded canals reflect the sun in moving squares.

Helicopter tour Dubai luxury adventure

  • Helicopter tour Dubai sightseeing ride
  • Helicopter tour Burj Khalifa
  • Helicopter tour Dubai luxury adventure
  • Dubai helicopter palm view
  • Helicopter tour Burj Al Arab
  • Helicopter tour Dubai helicopter experience
  • Helicopter tour Dubai Palm Jumeirah heliport
The pilot points out landmarks with a mix of pride and routine: the museum with a hole in the middle, the racecourse, the stretch of warehouses that once handled goods before they turned into galleries and cafés. Helicopter tour Burj Khalifa His voice, crisp through the headset, provides context that anchorage alone can't.


A VIP helicopter tour is partly about the small luxuries-a guaranteed window seat, a route tweaked to your curiosity, the hum of a private transfer waiting on the tarmac-but the true indulgence is time and perspective. Up here, you can trace the coastline like a fingertip across a map and watch the city's contradictions coexist without clashing. The desert begins where the irrigation stops. Neighborhoods press against empty land and then retreat, unsure if they belong there yet. You might glimpse the faint ripples of inland dunes beyond the suburbs, a reminder that the sand is patient and the city is young.


If you're lucky enough to fly at golden hour, the light softens everything. Towers blush; glass warms; even the highways look tender. Helicopter tour Dubai luxury adventure Morning flights have their own clarity-a crispness that sharpens edges and makes the sea's shallow gradients unmistakable. Midday, by contrast, is a mirror and a glare, though the helicopter's bubble nose still delivers the thrill of hovering over a city that behaves, improbably, like a model.


The ethics of spectacle are always present in Dubai, and they tag along in the sky. The city builds for astonishment, and a helicopter delivers it wholesale. But the view also reveals the glue: the ports and free zones that churn below the glamour, the workers' neighborhoods arranged with pragmatic density, the never-ending construction sites that are as much part of Dubai's identity as its finished icons. From above, it feels less like a theme park and more like a living machine, humming, adjusting, learning.


There are pragmatic takeaways too, the kind that VIP experiences smooth into the background. Helicopter tour Dubai private ride . The headset muffles the rotor thrum to a pleasant undertone and carries the pilot's commentary without strain. The air-conditioning holds its own against the sun. Cameras work better with a polarizing filter, though the plexiglass behaves unpredictably with reflections. If you bring nothing else, bring curiosity and the willingness to press your forehead lightly against the window and let the city pour past.


Landing returns you to gravity and to scale. The helicopter flares, the skids kiss the pad, and the world's noise rushes back as the rotors slow. You step out blinking, hair tousled by the tailwind, and exchange that half-sheepish smile with the other passengers-the shared acknowledgment that you've just seen something rare, even in a city that specializes in rarity. A car door opens. Dubai helicopter palm view A bottle of water appears in your hand. The VIP choreography resumes.


What lingers isn't only the glamour. It's the way the helicopter stitches a coherent story from disparate marvels-the way it lets you grasp how the coast, the creek, the towers, and the desert argue and agree. You go aloft thinking you'll collect views; you come down realizing you've collected a point of view. A helicopter tour in Dubai, especially with the unfussy ease of a VIP ride, isn't just an elevated photo opportunity. It's a lesson in perspective, delivered on spinning blades: about ambition, about place, and about the quiet wisdom of stepping back-or up-to truly see.

 

The World Islands (Dubai)
View of the World in 2010
Geography
Location United Arab Emirates
Coordinates 25°13′00″N 55°10′00″E / 25.21667°N 55.16667°E / 25.21667; 55.16667
Archipelago The World
Length 9 km (5.6 mi)
Width 6 km (3.7 mi)
Administration
United Arab Emirates
View of The World from the Burj Khalifa
The development's logo

The World Islands (Arabic: جزر العالم, romanized: Juzur al-Ālam) are an archipelago of small artificial islands constructed in the shape of a world map, located in the Persian Gulf, off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.[1] The World Islands are composed mainly of sand dredged from Dubai's shallow coastal waters and are one of several artificial island developments in the emirate.[1] The World's developer is Nakheel Properties. Construction was done by two Dutch joint-venture specialist companies, Van Oord and Boskalis, who also created the Palm Jumeirah.

Construction of the 300 islands began in 2003, before being halted due to the 2008 financial crisis.[2] Though 60% of the islands were sold to private contractors in 2008, development on most of the project has not started.[3] As of July 2012, Lebanon Island was completed and was the only island that had so far been developed commercially, being used for private corporate events and public parties. As of late 2013, only two of the islands had been developed. In January 2014, Kleindienst Group announced the launch of "the Heart of Europe" project.[4] By February 2014, JK Properties, one of Kleindienst Group's brands, announced that the project was "well underway".[5] The first of these series of islands will be Europe, Sweden, and Germany, with development led by Kleindienst Group.

The World Project

[edit]

Islands in the project range from 1.4 to 4.2 hectares (3.5 to 10.4 acres) in area.[1] Distances between islands average 100 metres (110 yd); they are constructed from 321 million cubic metres of sand and 386 million tons of rock.[1] Designed by Creative Kingdom Dubai, the development is an area that covers 6 by 9 kilometres (3.2 by 4.9 nmi) and is surrounded by an oval-shaped breakwater island. Roughly 232 km (144 mi) of shoreline has been created. The World's overall development costs were estimated at $13 billion CAD in 2005.[citation needed]

The archipelago consists of seven sets of islands, representing the continents of Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Antarctica, and Oceania.[6] Each artificial island is named after its representative country, landmark, or region, such as France,[7] California,[8] Rio de Janeiro, Mount Everest,[9] Australia,[10] New Mexico,[11] Upernavik,[12] Buenos Aires,[13] New York,[14] Mexico,[15] Saint Petersburg,[16] São Paulo, and India.[17]

History

[edit]

The project was unveiled in May 2003 by Al Maktoum,[18] and dredging began four months later.[18] By January 2008, 60% of the islands were sold, with 20 being bought in the first four months of 2007.[1][18] On 10 January 2008, the final stone on the breakwater was laid, completing development of the archipelago.[18] As of July 2012, a second island, the Lebanon Island (1.5 hectares, or 3.7 acres and 482.21 metres of perimeter) was developed and was 'the only island that has so far been developed commercially, is used for private corporate events and public parties'.[19]

Difficulties

[edit]

The Times reported in September 2009 that work on the World had been suspended due to the effects of the 2008 financial crisis.[20][21] Nakheel denied 2010 reports that the islands were sinking into the sea as wholly inaccurate.[22] Despite the denial, The Daily Telegraph reported in January 2011 that an independent company, Penguin Marine, provided verification on the erosion of the islands and the silting of the passageways between the islands.[23] Due to financial and technical problems, Penguin Marine, contracted to provide transportation to the archipelago, attempted to get out of the annual fees of $1.6 million paid to Nakheel properties.[23]

Until early 2012, only one of the islands had been occupied by a building (a show home),[2] and commercial or residential properties were not being constructed on any of the other islands. Property prices in the Emirates had fallen 58% from their peak in the fourth quarter of 2008.[24] The world economic recovery from the Great Recession resulted in a rebound for the Dubai real estate market: it was reported that "residential prices [in Dubai] rose by 17.9% from August 2012 to 2013, while rents soared by 14.9% in the same period".[25]

Purchase and development plans

[edit]
The World 2010 (aerial view)

The World was supposed to be serviced by four major transportation hubs linked by waterways. Land parcels were supposedly zoned for various uses: estate, mid-density, high density, resorts, and commercial.[26]

The plan was for utilities to be routed underwater, with pumping stations at each of the hubs pumping fresh water to the islands. Power was to be supplied by the Dubai grid and distributed through underwater cables. However, as of May 2025, no cables had been laid, and developers had to provide their own power using diesel generators. Wastewater and refuse systems are an individual concern for each island.[26]

A show house island for prospective buyers

Nakheel Group is itself further developing a resort named Coral Island, covering over 20 islands that make up the North American part of the World. The low-rise development will include a marina and hotel village.[27] The second largest confirmed development is the purchase of 14 islands that make up Australia and New Zealand by Investment Dar of Kuwait. The islands are being developed as a resort named OQYANA.[28]

The Irish business consortium Larionovo had plans to develop the Ireland island into an Irish-themed resort.[29] The plans included a large internal marina, apartments and villas, a gym, hotel, and an Irish-themed pub. In July 2007, it was announced that the island would feature a recreation of Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway. However, on 25 November 2008, a provisional liquidator was appointed for Larionovo. As of October 2022, this has not happened.[30]

In April 2008, Salya Corporation announced that it had acquired the islands of Finland and Brunei and planned to develop them into fashion-themed resorts. Salya spent about Dh800 million (US$218 million) to purchase the islands and plans to spend a further Dh2.4 billion (US$654 million) on development. Brunei Island will be turned into a Fashion TV resort and Finland Island into a fashion community called FTV palace.[31]

Safi Qurashi[32] at the head of Premier, and his business partner Mustafa Nagri, paid an estimated US$64 million for the 4.5-hectare (11-acre) piece of land; he was later convicted for non-payment of cheques and sentenced to seven years in jail.[33] However, on appeal, he was later found not guilty and released from prison in July 2012, when he was declared innocent of two of the three charges.[34][35]

Josef Kleindienst and his firm JK Properties are developing the Heart of Europe, a collection of seven islands (Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, Main Europe, Switzerland, and Monaco) in the European section of the World, into an island luxury resort.[36] It is meant to create a fully immersive European experience, with outdoor snow[37] and stores accepting only the Euro as a currency.[38] It was set to open in 2020 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.[39]

In June 2020, a street called Raining Street was being built as part of the Heart of Europe project, with plans to create artificial rainfall once the outdoor temperature exceeds 27 degrees Celsius, with the objective to make a close copy of southern European climate.[40]

In December 2022, it was announced that the first hotel within the project, Cote d'Azur Monaco, had opened.[41]

Timeline of construction

[edit]
See also: List of Developments on The World Islands
Undeveloped islands on 1 May 2007
Undeveloped islands on 11 April 2015
  • May 2003: The World development was announced by Nakheel, total completion scheduled for 2008. It was initially to have 200 islands and an area of 5,600,000 square metres (60,000,000 sq ft).[42]
  • February 2004: It was announced that the World would comprise 260 islands, and its area would be 6 km by 9 km, with an area of 23–83,613 square metres (250–900,000 sq ft) for each island, with 50–100 m (160–330 ft) of water between each island.[42]
  • August 2004: It was announced that land reclamation would cost AED 7.3 billion ($2 billion).[42]
  • April 2005: Sand dredging 55 percent complete, 88 islands completed.[42]
  • 30 March 2006: Richard Branson appeared at a media conference on the Great Britain island. However, this was to announce direct London-to-Dubai flights by Virgin Atlantic and was not related to his investing in the project.[43]
  • December 2006: The World reclamation 90 percent complete.[42]
  • October 2007: Nakheel announced the sale of Ireland and Shanghai in October 2007.[42]
  • January 2008: The World breakwater is completed.[42]
  • 19 February 2008: Cinnovation Group acquired a 37,000-square-metre (400,000 sq ft) island as part of a project valued at $200 million USD. Guest and residential villas and a hospitality complex are planned.[44]
Taken from the International Space Station in 2010
Taken from the Hodoyoshi-1 satellite in 2016
Taken from the International Space Station in 2022
  • 25 February 2008: Dubai Multi Commodities Centre announced that it will establish a 6,000-square-metre (65,000 sq ft) pearling and marine entertainment center in association with Paspaley Pearling Corporation. It will be located on an island in the Antarctic region of the World.[45]
  • September 2008: Dubai's Limitless announced plans to develop a $161 million USD wellness resort on an island in "Siberia". Pearl Dubai paid US$27.2 million for a 150,000-square-metre (1,600,000 sq ft) island nearby.[46]
  • 28 December 2008: Turkey Island was bought by MNG Holding in June 2008 for US$19 million.[46]
  • 28 December 2008: China's Zhongzhou International announced that it will be developing a hotel resort on Shanghai island.[46]
  • 28 December 2008: Nakheel said 70 percent of the World had been sold.[42]
  • October 2009: An Emirates Business report on 13 October 2009 stated that two islands were sold in July and August 2009.[42]
  • December 2009: Dubai-based Kleindienst Group said they would start construction of the Heart of Europe in early 2010. Islands include Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Ukraine, Sweden, and Switzerland.[42]
  • January 2010: On 28 January 2010, Emirates Business reported that Major Trade had started development of their projects on an island in the Greenland area, a villa and hotel resort.[42]
  • 23 February 2010: Kleindienst Group started work on the Germany island of the World.[47]
  • 17 July 2012: The Royal Island Beach Club opened on Lebanon Island.
  • 6 May 2013: Nakheel announced that an out-of-court settlement had been reached between itself and Kleindienst Group, allowing construction on "The Heart of Europe" to resume.[48]
  • 10 June 2013: Construction began on "Taiwan".[49]
  • 2 July 2013: Nakheel announced that settlements "with São Paulo Development Ltd for São Paulo Island and a GCC investor for the purchase of Nord Island", totaling "AED 185 million", along with the earlier settlement with Kleindienst Group (valued at AED 622 million), have "put The World back on the map".[50]
The World islands map, annotated with existing developments
  • 10 December 2013: Nakheel announced plans to connect the islands with a road.[51]
  • January 2014: Kleindienst Group's JK Properties announced that "work has commenced on The Heart of Europe".[52]
  • January 2014: Website "The Heart of Europe" publishes monthly construction updates for the project.[53]
  • February 2014: JK Properties announced that the "Heart of Europe" islands construction is "well underway".[54]
  • 7 December 2016: The Heart of Europe project makes major progress when the Dubai-based company JK Bauen, part of the Kleindienst Group, appointed Chinese-based companies Wuchang Ship Building Industry Group and Sino Great Wall International Engineering in a joint venture to develop facilities on the six islands.[55]
  • January 2022: Anantara World Islands opens.[56]

See also

[edit]
  • List of developments of The World (archipelago)
  • Palm Islands
  • The Universe
  • Dubai Waterfront

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Dubai's Palm and World Islands – progress update". AMEInfo. 4 October 2007. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 2 February 2008.
  2. ^ a b Spencer, Richard (28 January 2011). "'The World' is sinking". Stuff.
  3. ^ Schaffer, Sierra (23 May 2016). "The "World" Is Sinking Back Into the Sea, Dubai's World Islands That Is – TechMalak". TechMalak. Archived from the original on 24 May 2016.
  4. ^ "Phase two of The Heart of Europe project launched". Khaleej Times. 17 December 2014.
  5. ^ "Work continues to progress at a pace on the heart of Europe". JK Properties. February 2014. Archived from the original on 18 March 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  6. ^ "The World Islands". Atlas Obscura. 26 September 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  7. ^ 186483481 France on OpenStreetMap 25°13′24″N 55°09′34″E / 25.22334°N 55.15937°E / 25.22334; 55.15937 (France)
  8. ^ 2713321 (x j a h) California on OpenStreetMap 25°12′11″N 55°08′38″E / 25.20300°N 55.14376°E / 25.20300; 55.14376 (California)
  9. ^ 87185503 Mount Everest on OpenStreetMap 25°14′13″N 55°10′31″E / 25.23683°N 55.17535°E / 25.23683; 55.17535 (Mount Everest)
  10. ^ 87185938 Australia on OpenStreetMap 25°13′53″N 55°11′40″E / 25.23149°N 55.19435°E / 25.23149; 55.19435 (Australia)
  11. ^ 8402261 (x j a h) New Mexico on OpenStreetMap 25°12′05″N 55°09′06″E / 25.201379°N 55.151797°E / 25.201379; 55.151797 (New Mexico)
  12. ^ 87184344 Upernavik on OpenStreetMap 25°13′17″N 55°08′22″E / 25.22142°N 55.13939°E / 25.22142; 55.13939 (Upernavik)
  13. ^ 202033673 Buenos Aires on OpenStreetMap 25°12′04″N 55°10′10″E / 25.20106°N 55.1695°E / 25.20106; 55.1695 (Buenos Aires)
  14. ^ 87184265 New York on OpenStreetMap 25°12′51″N 55°09′04″E / 25.21421°N 55.15101°E / 25.21421; 55.15101 (New York)
  15. ^ 8402263 (x j a h) Mexico on OpenStreetMap 25°12′07″N 55°09′16″E / 25.201824°N 55.154394°E / 25.201824; 55.154394 (Mexico)
  16. ^ 200489433 St. Petersburg on OpenStreetMap 25°14′05″N 55°09′53″E / 25.23475°N 55.16479°E / 25.23475; 55.16479 (St. Petersburg)
  17. ^ 170773643 India on OpenStreetMap 25°13′52″N 55°10′47″E / 25.23110°N 55.1796°E / 25.23110; 55.1796 (India)
  18. ^ a b c d "The World islands in Dubai complete". ArabianBusiness.com. 10 January 2008. Archived from the original on 11 January 2008. Retrieved 2 February 2008.
  19. ^ Simpson, Colin (9 May 2013). "The World is back on Dubai's map". The National News.
  20. ^ McLean, James (12 September 2009). "Credit crunch signals end of The World for Dubai's multi-billion dollar property deal". The Times.
  21. ^ Hari, Johann (7 April 2009). "The dark side of Dubai". The Independent. Archived from the original on 7 May 2022.
  22. ^ Shane McGinley (4 February 2010). "Island owners hit back at 'sinking' claims". Arabian Business. Archived from the original on 6 February 2010.
  23. ^ a b Spencer, Richard (20 January 2011). "The World is sinking: Dubai islands 'falling into the sea'". The Daily Telegraph.
  24. ^ "The End of The World". Kompas.com. Archived from the original on 24 January 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  25. ^ "JK Properties Monthly Newsletter (Nov. 2013) "A bright Outlook for Dubai's property Market"". JK Properties. November 2013. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  26. ^ a b Nakheel. "The World Video Gallery". Archived from the original on 22 June 2008.
  27. ^ "Nakheel unveils super-luxury resort at Coral Island of The World". National Media Council UAE. 5 March 2007. Archived from the original on 26 April 2008. Retrieved 26 March 2008.
  28. ^ "Nakheel sells Australasia segment of The World". AsiaTravelTips.com. 13 April 2005. Retrieved 29 December 2006.
  29. ^ "The Island of Ireland". Retrieved 23 July 2007.
  30. ^ "Larionovo".
  31. ^ "World's Finland and Brunei to be hub of fashion". Emirates Business 24/7. 24 April 2008. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2008.
  32. ^ Leftly, Mark. Anger over pay is just the free market in action, The Independent 10 June 2012
  33. ^ Syal, Rajeev (23 July 2010). "Owner of Dubai's 'little Britain' jailed for non-payment of cheques". The Guardian. London.
  34. ^ McGinley, Shane (23 July 2012). "Exclusive: Two Safi Qurashi judgements quashed". Arabian Business. Dubai.
  35. ^ Hyslop, Leah (24 July 2012). "Briton Safi Qurashi has convictions overturned in Dubai". The Telegraph. London.
  36. ^ "The Heart of Europe". Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  37. ^ "Heart of Europe in Dubai: Streets with snow". Emirates 24/7. 20 January 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  38. ^ "Video: Plans to make it snow in Dubai are not a gimmick, says CEO". 7Days. Archived from the original on 14 August 2015. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  39. ^ "Dubai's The World islands: inside the first 'country' set to open at The Heart of Europe". The National. 14 August 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2019.
  40. ^ "Dubai to construct 'Raining Street' where it pours down all year round". The National. 23 June 2020. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  41. ^ "Heart of Europe's first hotel opens for bookings 13 years after being unveiled". Hotelier Middle East. 30 November 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  42. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Dubai FAQs. "The World Dubai". Dubaifaqs.com. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  43. ^ smh (30 March 2006). "Sir Richard Branson 'Stakes his Claim' on The World in Dubai". Asiatraveltips.com. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  44. ^ "Cinnovation acquires Nova Island on The World (UAE/SG)". Europe-re.com. 1 June 2010. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  45. ^ "Dubai unveils 'Pearls of Arabia' at The World | DMCC". AMEinfo.com. 20 June 2012. Archived from the original on 29 September 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  46. ^ a b c "'The World' three-quarters sold out – The National". Thenational.ae. 6 June 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  47. ^ "First developer breaks ground on The World | Real Estate". AMEinfo.com. 20 June 2012. Archived from the original on 4 October 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  48. ^ "The World LLC settles with Kleindienst Properties". Nakheel PJSC. 6 May 2013. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  49. ^ System Administrator (10 June 2013). "Dubai's The World: Construction on Taiwan begins post-Ramadan". Emirates 24-7. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  50. ^ "Settlements worth AED807 million put The World back on the map". Nakheel PJSC. 2 July 2013. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  51. ^ "Road could be built to man-made World development". Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  52. ^ "JK Properties Monthly Newsletter (January 2014), "Kleindienst Group launches iconic The Heart of Europe project"". JK Properties. January 2014. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  53. ^ "The Heart of Europe – Construction Updates". The Heart of Europe. January 2014. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  54. ^ "JK Properties Newsletter (February 2014), "The Construction of the Heart of Europe Islands is Now Well Underway"". JK Properties. February 2014. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  55. ^ Fahy, Michael (7 December 2016). "Heart of Europe development at The World Islands off Dubai coast takes major step forward". The National.
  56. ^ Evans, Tom (5 June 2023). "What's happening in the Dubai World Islands?". Time Out Dubai. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to The World.
  • Nakheel.com: The World (Web archive)
  • "The Heart of Europe" website
  • List of islands in The World by Nakheel, Dubai (DubaiFAQs)
 
 

 

 

Dubai Marina
مرسى دبي
District
Marsa Dubai
Dubai Marina skyline
Dubai Marina skyline
Official logo of Dubai Marina
 
Map
Interactive map of Dubai Marina
Coordinates: 25°4′52.86″N 55°8′38.67″E / 25.0813500°N 55.1440750°E / 25.0813500; 55.1440750
Country United Arab Emirates
Emirate Dubai
City Dubai
Established 2003; 23 years ago (2003)
Area
 
 • Total
 4.9 km2 (1.9 sq mi)
Population
 (2024)[1]
 • Total
 70,550
 • Density 14,000/km2 (37,000/sq mi)
Community number 392
Website www.bayut.com/area-guides/dubai-marina/ Edit this at Wikidata
Dubai Marina skyline

Dubai Marina (Arabic: مرسى دبي), also known as Marsa Dubai, is a district in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is built around an artificially constructed canal along a 3-kilometre (2 mi) stretch of the Persian Gulf shoreline. In 2024 it had a population of 70,550.[2][3]

The district can accommodate over 120,000 people,[4] and is located on Interchange 5 between Jebel Ali Port and the area which hosts Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and the American University in Dubai. The Dubai Marina was inspired by the Concord Pacific Place development along False Creek in Vancouver, Canada.[5] There have been many instances of marine wildlife, especially whales and sharks, entering the marina because of its proximity to the open sea.[6]

Development

[edit]
An aerial view of Dubai Marina towers, with Jumeirah Lake towers in the background

To create the marina, the developers brought the waters of the Persian Gulf into the site of the Dubai marina, creating a new waterfront. There is a large central waterway excavated from the desert and running the length of the 3-kilometre (1.9 mi) site.[4] More than 12% of the total land area on the site has been given over to this central public space.[4] Although much of this area is occupied by the marina water surface, it also includes almost 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) of landscaped public walkways.[4]

The marina is entirely human-made and has been developed by the real estate development firm Emaar Properties of the United Arab Emirates and designed by HOK Canada.[4] There is a publicly accessible foreshore-way around the marina and some sections of public ocean way along the beach with views to Palm Jumeirah. Its largest development is the Jumeirah Beach Residence. In October 2013, Dubai Marina opened its first mosque, Masjid Al Rahim, which is situated at the southern end of the Marina; its second mosque, Mohammed Bin Ahmed Almulla Mosque, opened in December 2016.[citation needed][7]

Phase I

[edit]

The first phase of Dubai Marina covers 10 hectares (25 acres), which includes six freehold apartment buildings called the Dubai Marina towers. Phase I of Dubai Marina cost more than AED 1.2 billion.[4] Three of the towers are named after precious stones: Al Mass, Fairooz, and Murjan; the other three are named after Arabic scents: Mesk, Anbar, and Al Yass. The scheme was designed by HOK and the contractors were Al-Futtaim Carillion and Nasah Multiplex.[4]

Phase II

[edit]

Phase II of Dubai Marina consists of high rise buildings which are mainly clustered into a block, known as Tallest Block in the world,[8] with the majority of the skyscrapers ranging between 250 metres (820 ft) to 300 metres (984 ft) in height. This includes Cayan Tower,[9] Ocean Heights,[10] Marina Pinnacle,[11] Sulafa Tower,[12] and Ciel Dubai Marina which rises to 366 metres (1,201 ft).

Jumeirah Beach Residence

[edit]

The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence is a 1.7-kilometre (1.1 mi) strip at the ground and plaza level of the complex, developed by Dubai Properties. Completed in 2007, since opening officially in August 2008[13] it has become a tourist attraction.[14]

Al Sahab

[edit]

Al Sahab is a residential high-rise development that consists of two towers; the complex is on the waterfront and directly overlooks the largest bay of water at Dubai Marina.[15] The buildings are in the northern end of the marina across from the Al Majara towers near the Marina Quays.[16]

Marina Quays

[edit]

Marina Quays is a complex designed by Arif & Bintoak, also responsible for the Concorde Tower. As of 2016, luxury penthouses in the buildings have sold for more than 10 million Dirham.[relevant?][17] In 2018, 5 million tonnes (11 billion pounds) of rock was added to create a breakwater for Marina Quays.[18]

Dubai Marina Mall

[edit]
Interior view in the mall

Dubai Marina Mall is a shopping mall located in the centre of Dubai Marina. It features 140 retail outlets, spread over 3.6 hectares (9.0 acres) of gross leasable space. Opened in December 2008, the mall is linked to the 5-star JW Marriott Hotel Marina.[19][citation needed]

Transportation

[edit]

Sobha Realty (Dubai Metro)

[edit]
Main article: Sobha Realty (Dubai Metro)
Sobha Realty

Sobha Realty (شوبا العقارية), originally called Dubai Marina, then Damac Station, is a rapid transit station on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro in Dubai. It was opened on 30 April 2010 as part of an extension to Ibn Battuta. Sobha Realty is located near Interchange 5 of Sheikh Zayed Road, around 20 kilometres (12 mi) southwest of downtown Dubai; to the east of the northern half of the Dubai Marina and the west of the northern portion of Jumeirah Lake Towers. The elevated station lies on a viaduct paralleling the eastern side of Sheikh Zayed Road.[20] Pedestrian access to the station is aided through walkways above Sheikh Zayed Road, connecting to developments on either side of the road. In September 2014, it was renamed to Damac Station.[21] The station's name was changed back to Dubai Marina in November 2020,[22] before it was renamed to Sobha Realty on August 9, 2021.[23]

Dubai Tram

[edit]
Main article: Dubai Tram

Al Sufouh Tram operates in Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, running 14.5 kilometres (9.0 mi) along Al Sufouh Road from Dubai Marina to the Burj Al Arab and the Mall of the Emirates. It interchanges with two stations of Dubai Metro's Red Line. The Sufouh Tram also connects with the Palm Monorail at the entrance of the Palm from Sufouh Road. Since completing in 2014, it has served the residences of Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach.[24]

Attractions

[edit]

A zipline was installed which links Dubai Marina with the Dubai Marina Mall.[25] The take-off platform is located at the top of a Amwaj Tower and is 170 metres (560 ft) above ground level. It has a top speed of 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph). XLine is a two-row ride where two people can ride side by side at the same time.[26] There can only be one adult per row. XLine is located in the Dubai Marina Mall on level P. Another attraction is the Dubai Marina Walk, situated along the shoreline. The Dubai Marina Mall is a shopping and entertainment centre. In addition, Dubai Marina has a 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles) long marina that is serviced by the Dubai Marina Yacht Club for yacht and dhow tours.[27][28] Another major attraction in Dubai Marina is Skydive Dubai,[29] which is arranged to give skydivers a bird's-eye view of Palm Jumeirah.[30][31]

Education

[edit]

Emirates International School is close to Dubai Marina.[32]

Incidents

[edit]

On 27 April 2006, a protest broke out among workers in Al Ahmadiya Contracting. During the protest, workers blocked the company's construction site at Dubai Marina and destroyed office property and documents. They also damaged eight cars and two buses and battered a site engineer. The crowd was later dispersed by the riot control wing of Dubai Police.[33]

In August 2015, people including police officers were arrested after they were caught with prostitutes and illegal alcohol on a boat in Dubai Marina.[34]

In 14 June 2025, a huge fire broke out in the 67-storey Marina Pinnacle, causing 4,000 people to flee.[35]

[edit]
  • Dubai Marina panorama
    Dubai Marina panorama
  • The tallest block
    The tallest block
  • Another view
    Another view
  • View of Dubai Marina from the 64th floor of the Marina Torch Tower
    View of Dubai Marina from the 64th floor of the Marina Torch Tower
  • Graffiti in Marina Promenade
    Graffiti in Marina Promenade
  • View from the harbor
    View from the harbor

See also

[edit]
  • Bluewaters Island
  • List of tallest buildings in Dubai
  • List of tallest residential buildings in Dubai

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Dubai Statistics Centre" (PDF). Dubai Statistics Centre. 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  2. ^ "UAE: Division of Dubai (Sectors and Communities) - Population Statistics, Charts and Map". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
  3. ^ "Digital Dubai" (PDF). dsc.gov.ae. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "The Dubai Marina in Dubai Designed by Architects HOK Canada Inc". Design Build Network. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
  5. ^ Brody, Trevor (24 December 2021) [2006]. "False Creek, Dubai". CharterClick. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  6. ^ "Whale shark spotted in Dubai Marina". GulfNews.com. 27 August 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  7. ^ Khan, Mohammed N. Al. "Dubai Marina community grows with new mosque". The National. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  8. ^ "The World's Tallest Residential City Block Dubai Off-Site Program | CTBUH 2018 Conference". Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  9. ^ "Beyond Infinity: World's tallest twisted tower in Dubai gets new name". Emirates 24/7. 11 June 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  10. ^ "Ocean Heights". SkyscraperPage.com. Retrieved 26 September 2007.
  11. ^ "Tiger ready to hand over new Marina Pinnacle Tower to owners". Gulf News. 19 December 2010. Retrieved 14 May 2015.
  12. ^ "Fire breaks out at luxury Dubai tower". Yahoo News. 20 July 2016. Archived from the original on 31 December 2022. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  13. ^ Published: 14:56 August 17, 2008 (17 August 2008). "The Walk opens at Jumeirah Beach Residence". GulfNews.com. Retrieved 20 January 2018.cite web: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ "The Walk at JBR | Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah, Dubai | Attractions". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  15. ^ Gillett, Katy (18 October 2019). "The evolution of a city: when Dubai Marina broke ground nearly 20 years ago". The National. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
  16. ^ "Al Sahab Towers (Dubai Marina)". vistadubai.com. Visit Dubai. Archived from the original on 1 January 2020. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  17. ^ "Five of the best Dubai penthouses for sale – in pictures". thenational.ae. The National. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
  18. ^ Sadaqat, Rohma (20 February 2018). "First look: Sharjah's Dh25 billion Waterfront City on track for 2019 completion". Galadari Printing and Publishing LLC. khaleejtimes. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
  19. ^ "Emaar Announces AED 1.5 billion Expansion of Dubai Mall". www.dubaichronicle.com. 4 June 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  20. ^ Haq, Qazi Raza Ul (20 June 2024). "How to Go Marina Beach by Metro – Living in UAE". Living in UAE.
  21. ^ "Dubai Marina station is now Damac". Lookup.ae. 17 September 2014. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  22. ^ Tesorero, Angel (17 December 2020). "Roads and Transport Authority to update Dubai Metro platforms addressing system". Gulf News. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  23. ^ Abbas, Waheed (9 August 2021). "Dubai Marina Metro Station renamed Sobha Realty". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  24. ^ Dubai FAQs. "Dubai Metro & Tram System - Getting Around". discover-dubai.ae. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  25. ^ "Xline Zipline Dubai - The World's Longest Urban Zipline". Visit Dubai. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  26. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". XDubai. 2020. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
  27. ^ "Boat tours, watersports: Explore Dubai's marine activities to keep cool in summer". Khaleej Times. 23 July 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  28. ^ Pile, Tim (6 March 2025). "6 marinas around the world that are destinations in themselves". PostMag, by South China Morning Post. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  29. ^ "Pilot fine as Skydive Dubai plane crashes off runway". Khaleej Times. 4 October 2015 [3 October 2015 – Original publication date]. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  30. ^ "Why you need to check out Skydive Dubai". Time Out Abu Dhabi. 16 September 2019. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  31. ^ Wilson, Chris; Neath, Amelia (21 February 2025). "8 best things to do in Dubai Marina and where to stay in 2025". The Independent. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  32. ^ "Home". Emirates International School – Meadows. Archived from the original on 17 August 2019. Retrieved 15 November 2015. Conveniently located in the heart of the beautiful Meadows community within easy access of the Lakes and Dubai Marina developments [...].
  33. ^ "Al Ahmadiya Contracting workers to be prosecuted for violent protest". Khaleej Times. 4 April 2015 [10 May 2006 – Original publication date]. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  34. ^ "Police officers jailed over Dubai Marina yacht sex parties". The National. 6 April 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  35. ^ "Fire breaks out in Dubai Marina building; successfully extinguished". Gulf News. 14 June 2025. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
[edit]
  • Official website Edit this at Wikidata
  • Media related to Dubai Marina at Wikimedia Commons
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Burj Khalifa
برج خليفة
Wordmark and logo based on official website and Facebook page
The Burj Khalifa viewed across the Dubai Fountain in October 2012
Map
Interactive map of the Burj Khalifa area
Record height
Tallest in the world since 2009 [I]
Preceded by Taipei 101
General information
Status Completed
Type Mixed-use
Architectural style Neo-futurism
Location 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai, Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Named for Sheikh Khalifa
Construction started 6 January 2004; 22 years ago (2004-01-06)
Topped-out 17 January 2009; 17 years ago (2009-01-17)
Completed 1 October 2009; 16 years ago (2009-10-01)
Opened 4 January 2010; 16 years ago (2010-01-04)
Cost US$1.5 billion
Owner Emaar Properties
Height
Architectural 828 m (2,717 ft)
Tip 829.8 m (2,722 ft)
Antenna spire 242.5 m (796 ft)
Roof 739.4 m (2,426 ft)
Top floor 585.4 m (1,921 ft)
Observatory 555.7 m (1,823 ft)
Technical details
Structural system Reinforced concrete, steel, and aluminium
Floor count 154 + 9 maintenance
Floor area 309,473 m2 (3,331,100 sq ft)
Lifts/elevators 57 (mall included)
Design and construction
Architect Adrian Smith
Architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Structural engineer Bill Baker
Main contractor Samsung C&T
BESIX
Arabtec
Other information
Parking 2 subterranean levels
Public transit access Metro interchange  M1  At Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
Website
burjkhalifa.ae
References
[1]
Photographic silhouette of the Dubai skyline; the Burj Khalifa is visible at the center

The Burj Khalifa[a] (known as the Burj Dubai before its inauguration) is a megatall skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it is the world's tallest structure, with a total height of 829.8 m (2,722 ft, or just over half a mile) and a roof height (excluding the antenna, but including a 242.6 m spire)[2] of 828 m (2,717 ft). It has also been the tallest building in the world since its topping out in 2009, surpassing Taipei 101, which had held the record for a half-decade.[3][4]

Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004; the exterior was completed five years later. The primary structure is reinforced concrete. Some of the structural steel for the building was salvaged from the demolished Palace of the Republic in East Berlin.[5] The building was opened in 2010 as part of a new development called Downtown Dubai. It was designed to be the centerpiece of large-scale, mixed-use development.

The building is named after the former president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.[6] The United Arab Emirates government provided Dubai with financial support as the developer, Emaar Properties, experienced financial problems during the Great Recession. Then-president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed, organized federal financial support. For his support, Mohammad bin Rashid, Ruler of Dubai, changed the name from "Burj Dubai" to "Burj Khalifa" during inauguration.

The design is derived from the Islamic architecture of the region, such as in the Great Mosque of Samarra. The Y-shaped tripartite floor geometry is designed to optimise residential and hotel space. A buttressed central core and wings are used to support the height of the building. The Burj Khalifa's central core houses all vertical transportation except egress stairs within each of the wings.[7] The structure also features a cladding system which is designed to withstand Dubai's hot summer temperatures.[8] It contains a total of 57 elevators and 8 escalators.

Development

[edit]

Construction began on 12 January 2004, with the exterior of the structure completed on 1 October 2009. The building officially opened on 4 January 2010[9][10] and is part of the 2 km2 (490 acres) Downtown Dubai development at the 'First Interchange' along Sheikh Zayed Road, near Dubai's main business district.[citation needed]

The tower's architecture and engineering were performed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill of Chicago, with Adrian Smith as chief architect, and Bill Baker as a chief structural engineer.[11][12] The firm had designed the Sears Tower in Chicago, a previous record holder for the world's tallest building.[13]

Hyder Consulting was supervising engineer and NORR Group Consultants supervised the architecture. The primary contractor was Samsung C&T of South Korea, together with the Belgian group BESIX and the local company Arabtec.[14]

Numerous complaints concerned migrant workers from South Asia, the primary building labour force, who were paid low wages and sometimes had their passports confiscated.[15]

Conception

[edit]

Burj Khalifa was designed to be the centerpiece of a large-scale, mixed-use development to include 30,000 homes,[16] nine hotels (including The Address Downtown Dubai), 3 hectares (7.4 acres) of parkland, at least 19 residential skyscrapers, the Dubai Mall, and the 12-hectare (30-acre) artificial Burj Khalifa Lake. The decision to build Burj Khalifa was reportedly based on the government's decision to diversify from an oil-based economy to one that is service and tourism based. According to officials, projects like Burj Khalifa needed to be built to garner more international recognition and hence investment. "He (Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum) wanted to put Dubai on the map with something really sensational," said Jacqui Josephson, a tourism and VIP delegations executive at Nakheel Properties.[17]

The tower was known as Burj Dubai ("Dubai Tower") until its official opening in January 2010.[18] It was renamed in honour of the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Abu Dhabi and the federal government of UAE lent Dubai tens of billions of US dollars so that Dubai could pay its debts – Dubai borrowed at least $80 billion for construction projects.[18] In the 2000s, Dubai started diversifying its economy but it suffered from the 2008 financial crisis and the Great Recession, leaving large-scale projects already in construction abandoned.[19]

Records

[edit]

The Burj Khalifa set several world records, including:

  • Tallest existing structure: 829.8 m (2,722 ft) (previously KVLY-TV mast – 628.8 m or 2,063 ft)
  • Tallest structure ever built: 829.8 m (2,722 ft) (previously Warsaw radio mast – 646.38 m or 2,121 ft)
  • Tallest freestanding structure: 829.8 m (2,722 ft) (previously CN Tower – 553.3 m or 1,815 ft)
  • Tallest skyscraper (to top of spire): 828 m (2,717 ft) (previously Taipei 101 – 509.2 m or 1,671 ft)[20]
  • Tallest skyscraper to top of antenna: 829.8 m (2,722 ft) (previously the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower – 527 m or 1,729 ft)
  • Building with most floors: 163 (previously World Trade Center – 110)[21]
  • World's highest elevator installation (situated inside a rod at the very top of the building)[22]
  • World's longest travel distance elevators: 504 m (1,654 ft)[22][23]
  • Highest vertical concrete pumping (for a building): 606 m (1,988 ft)[24]
  • World's tallest structure that includes residential space[25]
  • World's highest installation of an aluminium and glass façade: 512 m (1,680 ft)[26]
  • World's highest restaurant (At.mosphere): 122nd floor at 442 m (1,450 ft) (previously 360, at a height of 350 m (1,148 ft) in CN Tower)[27]
  • World's highest New Year display of fireworks.[28]
  • World's largest light and sound show staged on a single building.[29][30][31]

Architecture and design

[edit]
A cross-section of comparisons of various towers, from ground level from top to bottom: Burj Khalifa, Taipei 101, Willis Tower, and the original World Trade Center

The tower was designed by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM), which also designed the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) in Chicago and the One World Trade Center in New York City. Burj Khalifa uses the bundled tube design of the Willis Tower, invented by Fazlur Rahman Khan.[32][33] Due to its tubular system, proportionally only half the amount of steel was used in the construction, compared to the Empire State Building.[32][34] Khan's contributions to the design of tall buildings have had a profound impact on architecture and engineering. It would be difficult to find any worldwide practices in the design of tall buildings that have not been directly or indirectly influenced by his work.[35] The design is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright's vision for The Illinois, a mile-high skyscraper designed for Chicago, as well as Chicago's Lake Point Tower. When Adrian Smith was conceiving the project at SOM, he looked out his office window toward Lake Point Tower's curved three-wing layout and thought, "There's the prototype".[36] According to Strabala, Burj Khalifa was designed based on the 73 floor Tower Palace Three, an all-residential building in Seoul. In its early planning, Burj Khalifa was intended to be entirely residential.[37]

After the original design by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, Emaar Properties chose Hyder Consulting to be the supervising engineer and NORR Group Consultants International Ltd to supervise the architecture of the project.[38] Hyder was selected for their expertise in structural and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) engineering.[39] Hyder Consulting's role was to supervise construction, certify the architect's design, and be the engineer and architect of record to the UAE authorities.[38] NORR's role was the supervision of all architectural components including on-site supervision during the construction and design of a 6-storey addition to the office annex building for architectural documentation. NORR was also responsible for the architectural integration drawings for the Armani Hotel included in the Tower. Emaar Properties also engaged GHD,[40] an international multidisciplinary consulting firm, to act as an independent verification and testing authority for concrete and steelwork.

The design is derived from Islamic architecture.[22] As the tower rises from the flat desert base, there are 27 setbacks in a spiral pattern, decreasing the cross-section of the tower as it rises and creating convenient outdoor terraces. These setbacks are arranged and aligned in a way that minimizes vibration wind loading from eddy currents and vortices.[7] At the top, the central core emerges and is sculpted to form a finishing spire. At its tallest point, the tower sways a total of 1.5 m (4.9 ft).[41]

The spiral minaret at the Great Mosque of Samarra

The spire of Burj Khalifa is composed of more than 4,000 tonnes (4,400 short tons; 3,900 long tons) of structural steel. The central pinnacle pipe weighs 350 tonnes (390 short tons; 340 long tons) and has a height of 200 m (660 ft). The spire also houses communications equipment.[42] This 244-metre (801 ft) spire is widely considered vanity height, since very little of its space is usable. Without the spire, Burj Khalifa would be 585 metres (1,919 ft) tall. This was reported in a Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat study, which notes that the empty spire "could be a skyscraper on its own".[2] Such a skyscraper, if located in Europe, would be the 11th tallest building on that continent.[43]

In 2009 architects announced that more than 1,000 pieces of art would adorn the interiors of Burj Khalifa, while the residential lobby of Burj Khalifa would display the work of Jaume Plensa.[44]

The cladding system consists of 142,000 m2 (1,528,000 sq ft) of more than 26,000 reflective glass panels and aluminium and textured stainless steel spandrel panels with vertical tubular fins.[42] The architectural glass provides solar and thermal performance as well as an anti-glare shield for the intense desert sun, extreme desert temperatures and strong winds. The glass covers more than 174,000 m2 (1,870,000 sq ft) in area.[citation needed] The Burj's typical curtain wall panels measure 4 ft 6 in (1.4 m) wide by 10 ft 8 in (3.3 m) high and weigh about 800 pounds (360 kg) each, with wider panels near the building's edges and taller ones near the top.[45]

The exterior temperature at the top of the building is thought to be 6 °C (11 °F) cooler than at its base.[46][needs update]

A 304-room Armani Hotel, the first of 4 by Armani, occupies 15 of the lower 39 floors.[3][47] The hotel was supposed to open on 18 March 2010,[48][49] but after several delays, it finally opened to the public on 27 April 2010.[50] The corporate suites and offices were also supposed to open from March onwards,[51] yet the hotel and observation deck remained the only parts of the building which were open in April 2010.

The sky lobbies on the 43rd and 76th floors house swimming pools.[52] Floors 20 through 108 have 900 private residential apartments (which, according to the developer, sold out within eight hours of being on the market). An outdoor zero-entry swimming pool is located on the 76th floor of the tower. Corporate offices and suites fill most of the remaining floors, except for the 122nd, 123rd, and 124th, where the At.mosphere restaurant, sky lobby, and an indoor and outdoor observation deck are located respectively. In January 2010, it was planned that Burj Khalifa would receive its first residents in February 2010.[52][53]

The building has 57 elevators and 8 escalators.[42] The elevators have a capacity of 12 to 14 people per cabin, and include the world's fastest double-deck elevators, rising and descending at up to 10 m/s (33 ft/s). Engineers initially considered installing the world's first triple-deck elevators.[25] The double-deckers are equipped with LCD displays to amuse visitors during their travel to the observation deck.[54] The building has 2,909 stairs from the ground floor to the 160th floor.[55]

Plumbing systems

[edit]

The Burj Khalifa's water system supplies an average of 946,000 L (250,000 U.S. gal) of water per day through 100 km (62 mi) of pipes.[22][56] An additional 213 km (132 mi) of piping serves the fire emergency system, and 34 km (21 mi) supplies chilled water for the air conditioning system.[56]

Air conditioning

[edit]

The air conditioning system draws air from the upper floors where the air is cooler and cleaner than on the ground.[57] At peak cooling times, the tower's cooling is 46 MW (62,000 hp), equivalent to that provided by 13,000 short tons (26,000,000 lb; 12,000,000 kg) of melting ice in one day.[56] Water is collected via a condensate collection system and is used to irrigate the nearby park.[22]

Window cleaning

[edit]

To wash the 24,348 windows, totaling 120,000 m2 (1,290,000 ft2) of glass, the building has three horizontal tracks, each holding a 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) bucket machine. Above level 109, and up to tier 27, traditional cradles from davits are used. The top of the building is cleaned by a crew that uses ropes to descend from the top to gain access.[58][59] Under normal conditions, when all building maintenance units are operational, it takes 36 workers three to four months to clean the entire exterior.[42][60]

Unmanned machines clean the top 27 additional tiers and the glass spire. The cleaning system was developed in Melbourne, Australia, by CoxGomyl, a manufacturer of building maintenance units,[61] at a cost of A$8 million.[60]

Features

[edit]

Fountain

[edit]
The Dubai Fountain
Main article: The Dubai Fountain

Outside the Burj Khalifa, WET Enterprises designed a fountain system at a cost of Dh 800 million (US$217 million). Illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 coloured projectors, it is 270 m (900 ft) long and shoots water 150 m (500 ft) into the air while accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and other music. It is the world's largest choreographed fountain.[62] On 26 October 2008, Emaar announced that based on results of a naming contest the fountain would be called the Dubai Fountain.[63]

Observation deck

[edit]
Main article: At the Top (Burj Khalifa)
View of The Dubai Fountain from the observation deck
View from the observation deck

An outdoor observation deck, named At the Top, opened on 5 January 2010 on the 124th floor, at 452 m (1,483 ft).[64] It opened the 148th floor SKY level at 555 m (1,821 ft), giving it the highest observation deck in the world on 15 October 2014.[65][66] However, in June 2016 the Shanghai Tower opened with an observation deck at a height of 561 metres, thus taking the title of the world's highest observation deck. Subsequently, the Burj Khalifa reclaimed the record on February 18, 2019, when it opened The Lounge observatory at 585 m (1,919 ft), which is also the highest lounge in the world.[67]

The Burj Khalifa's 124th floor observation deck also features a so-called electronic telescope, an augmented reality device developed by Gsmprjct° of Montréal, which allows visitors to view the surrounding landscape in real-time, and to view previously saved images such as those taken at different times of day or under different weather conditions.[68][69][70] To reduce the daily rush of sightseers, management allows visitors to purchase tickets in advance for a specific date and time, at a 75% discount on tickets purchased on the spot.[71]

On 8 February 2010, the observation deck was closed to the public for two months after power-supply problems caused an elevator to become stuck between floors, trapping a group of tourists for 45 minutes.[72][73][74][75][76]

When the tide is low and visibility is high, people can see the shores of Iran (which is around 153 km or 95 mi away) from the top of the skyscraper.[77]

Park

[edit]
Main article: Burj Park

Burj Khalifa is surrounded by an eleven-hectare (27-acre) park designed by landscape architects SWA Group.[78] Like the tower, the park's design was based on the flower of the Hymenocallis, a desert plant.[79] At the centre of the park is the water room, which is a series of pools and water jet fountains. Benches and signs incorporate images of Burj Khalifa and the Hymenocallis flower.[80]

The plants are watered by water collected from the building's cooling system. The system provides 68,000,000 L (18,000,000 US gal) annually.[80] WET Enterprises, who also developed the Dubai Fountain, developed the park's six water features.[81]

Floor plan

[edit]
Floors Purpose[42][82] Dimetric projection with floors colour-coded by function[83]
160–163 Mechanical
 
156–159 Communication and broadcast
155 Mechanical
152–154 The Lounge observatory
149–151 Corporate suites
148 At the Top Sky observatory
139–147 Corporate suites
136–138 Mechanical
125–135 Corporate suites
124 At the Top observatory
123 Sky lobby
122 At.mosphere restaurant
111–121 Corporate suites
109–110 Mechanical
77–108 Residential
76 Sky lobby
73–75 Mechanical
44–72 Residential
43 Sky lobby
40–42 Mechanical
38–39 Armani Hotel suites
19–37 Residential
17–18 Mechanical
9–16 Armani Residences
1–8 Armani Hotel
Ground Armani Hotel, Lobby
Concourse Armani Hotel, Lobby
B1–B2 Parking, Mechanical

Ramadan observance

[edit]

On the higher floors, the sun is seen for several minutes after it has set at ground level. Those living above the 80th floor should wait two extra minutes to break their Ramadan fast, and those living above the 150th floor should wait three minutes.[84]

Construction

[edit]
Animation of construction process
Aerial closeup of Burj Khalifa under construction in March 2008

The tower was constructed by Samsung C&T from South Korea, which also did work on the Petronas Twin Towers and Taipei 101.[85] Samsung C&T built the tower in a joint venture with BESIX from Belgium and Arabtec from the UAE.[86][87] Turner was the project manager on the main construction contract.[88] Hong Kong-based Far East Aluminium combined to provide the exterior cladding for Burj Khalifa.[89][90]

The contractor and the engineer of record was Hyder Consulting.[91] Under UAE law, the contractor and the engineer of record is jointly and severally liable for the performance of Burj Khalifa.

The primary structure is reinforced concrete. Putzmeister created a new, super high-pressure trailer concrete pump, the BSA 14000 SHP-D, for this project.[24] Burj Khalifa's construction used 330,000 m3 (431,600 cu yd) of concrete and 55,000 tonnes (61,000 short tons; 54,000 long tons) of steel rebar, and construction took 22 million man-hours.[11] In May 2008 Putzmeister pumped concrete with more than 21 MPA ultimate compressive strength of gravel to surpass the 600 metres weight of the effective area of each column from the foundation to the next 4th level, and the rest was by metal columns jacketed or covered with concrete to a then world record delivery height of 606 m (1,988 ft),[24] the 156th floor. Three tower cranes were used during the construction of the uppermost levels, each capable of lifting a 25-tonne load.[92] The remaining structure above was constructed of lighter steel.

In 2003, 33 test holes were drilled to study the strength of the bedrock underlying the structure.[93] "Weak to very weak sandstone and siltstone" was found, just metres below the surface.[94] Samples were taken from test holes drilled to a depth of 140 metres, finding weak to very weak rock all the way.[95] The study described the site as part of a "seismically active area".[citation needed] Another challenging element was the shamal which often creates sandstorms.[20]

Over 45,000 m3 (58,900 cu yd) of concrete, weighing more than 110,000 tonnes (120,000 short tons; 110,000 long tons) were used to construct the concrete and steel foundation, which features 192 piles; each pile is 1.5 metre in diameter by 43 m in length, buried more than 50 m (164 ft) deep.[25] The foundation was designed to support the total building weight of approximately 450,000 tonnes (500,000 short tons; 440,000 long tons). This weight was then divided by the compressive strength of concrete which is 30 MPa which yielded 450 sq. metres of vertical normal effective area, which then yielded 12 metres by 12 metres dimensions.[96] A cathodic protection system is under the concrete to neutralise the sulphate and chloride-rich groundwater and prevent corrosion.[42][20]

During the construction of the Burj Khalifa, over 35,000 tonnes of structural steel was obtained from the Palace of the Republic in Berlin, which had served as the parliament building for the Volkskammer of the former East Germany. The steel was shipped to Dubai after the Palace's demolition was completed in 2008.[5]

The Burj Khalifa is highly compartmentalised. Pressurised, air-conditioned refuge floors are located every 13 floors (on floors G, 13, 26, 39, 52, etc.) where people can shelter on their long walk down to safety in case of an emergency or fire.[42][97]

Special mixes of concrete were made to withstand the extreme pressures of the massive building weight; as is typical with reinforced concrete construction, each batch of concrete was tested to ensure it could withstand certain pressures. CTLGroup, working for Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, conducted the creep and shrinkage testing critical for the structural analysis of the building.[98]

The consistency of the concrete used in the project was essential. It was difficult to create a concrete that could withstand both the thousands of tonnes bearing down on it and Persian Gulf temperatures that can reach 50 °C (122 °F). To combat this problem, the concrete was not poured during the day. Instead, during the summer months, ice was added to the mixture and it was poured at night when the air was cooler and the humidity was higher. Cooler concrete cures more evenly and is, therefore, less likely to set too quickly and crack. Any significant cracks could have put the entire project in jeopardy.[99][100][101][102][103]

Milestones

[edit]
Burj Khalifa and skyline of Dubai, 2010
  • January 2004: Excavation commences.[26]
  • February 2004: Piling starts.[26]
  • 21 September 2004: Emaar contractors begin construction.[104]
  • March 2005: Structure of Burj Khalifa starts rising.[26]
  • June 2006: Level 50 is reached.[26]
  • February 2007: Surpasses the Sears Tower as the building with the most floors.
  • 13 May 2007: Sets record for vertical concrete pumping on any building at 452 m (1,483 ft), surpassing the 449.2 m (1,474 ft) to which concrete was pumped during the construction of Taipei 101, while Burj Khalifa reached the 130th floor.[26][105]
  • 21 July 2007: Surpasses Taipei 101, whose height of 509.2 m (1,671 ft) made it the world's tallest building, and level 141 reached.[26][106]
  • 12 August 2007: Surpasses the Sears Tower antenna, which stands 527 m (1,729 ft).
  • 12 September 2007: At 555.3 m (1,822 ft), becomes the world's tallest freestanding structure, surpassing the CN Tower in Toronto, and level 150 reached.[26][107]
  • 7 April 2008: At 629 m (2,064 ft), surpasses the KVLY-TV Mast to become the tallest human-made structure, level 160 reached.[26][108]
  • 17 June 2008: Emaar announces that Burj Khalifa's height is over 636 m (2,087 ft) and that its final height will not be given until it is completed in September 2009.[109]
  • 1 September 2008: Height tops 688 m (2,257 ft), making it the tallest human-made structure ever built, surpassing the previous record-holder, the Warsaw Radio Mast in Konstantynów, Poland.[110]
  • 17 January 2009: Topped out at 829.8 m (2,722 ft).[111]
  • 1 October 2009: Emaar announces that the exterior of the building is completed.[112]
  • 4 January 2010: Burj Khalifa's official launch ceremony is held and Burj Khalifa is opened. Burj Dubai was renamed Burj Khalifa in honour of the President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan.[4]
  • 10 March 2010: Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat certifies Burj Khalifa as world's tallest building.[113]

Real estate values

[edit]

In March 2009, Mohamed Ali Alabbar, chairman of the project's developer, Emaar Properties, said office space pricing at Burj Khalifa reached US$4,000 per sq ft (over US$43,000 per m2) and the Armani Residences, also in Burj Khalifa, sold for US$3,500 per sq ft (over US$37,500 per m2).[114] He estimated the total cost for the project to be about US$1.5 billion.[6]

The project's completion coincided with the Great Recession, and with vast overbuilding in the country, leading to high vacancies and foreclosures.[115] With Dubai mired in debt from its huge ambitions, the government was forced to seek multibillion-dollar bailouts from its oil-rich neighbor Abu Dhabi. Subsequently, in a surprise move at its opening ceremony, the tower was renamed Burj Khalifa, said to honour the UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his crucial support.[4][116]

Because of the slumping demand in Dubai's property market, the rents in the Burj Khalifa plummeted 40% some ten months after its opening. Out of 900 apartments in the tower, 825 were still empty at that time.[117][118] Over the next 30 months, overseas investors steadily bought up available apartments and office space.[119] By October 2012, Emaar reported that around 80% of the apartments were occupied.[120]

Official launch ceremony

[edit]
The opening ceremony of Burj Khalifa

The ceremony was broadcast live on a giant screen on Burj Park Island and on smaller screens elsewhere.[121] Hundreds of media outlets from around the world reported live from the scene.[122] In addition to the media presence, 6,000 guests were expected.[123]

The opening was held on 4 January 2010.[124] The ceremony featured a display of 10,000 fireworks, light beams projected on and around the tower, and further sound, light and water effects.[122] The celebratory lighting was designed by UK lighting designers Speirs and Major Associates.[125] Using the 868 powerful stroboscope lights that are integrated into the façade and spire of the tower, different lighting sequences were choreographed, together with more than 50 different combinations of other effects.[citation needed]

Controversies

[edit]

Incidents

[edit]

On 10 May 2011, an Asian migrant worker in his mid-30s jumped to his death from the 147th floor onto the 108th floor's deck. Dubai police said he killed himself because his company refused to let him leave the country.[126]

On 18 May 2015, Dubai police disputed a report that a Portuguese tourist named Laura Vanessa Nunes fell to her death from the Burj Khalifa the prior 16 November, claiming that she fell from the Jumeirah Lake Towers.[127][128] Nine News obtained emails from Portugal's embassy in the UAE under freedom of information laws, which indicated that the female tourist jumped from the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa.[129]

Labour

[edit]
Further information: Human rights in the United Arab Emirates

The Burj Khalifa was built primarily by workers from South Asia and East Asia.[130][131] This is generally because the current generation of UAE locals prefer governmental jobs and do not have an attitude favouring private sector employment.[132][133] On 17 June 2008, there were about 7,500 skilled workers employed at the construction site.[109] Press reports indicated in 2006 that skilled carpenters at the site earned £4.34 a day, and labourers earned £2.84.[130] According to a BBC investigation and a Human Rights Watch report, the workers were housed in abysmal conditions, and worked long hours for low pay.[134][135][136] During construction, one construction-related death was reported.[137] Workplace injuries and deaths in the UAE are poorly documented, according to Human Rights Watch.[134]

In March 2006 about 2,500 workers, upset over buses that were delayed for the end of their shifts, protested and triggered a riot, damaging cars, offices, computers, and construction equipment.[130] A Dubai Interior Ministry official said the rioters caused almost £500,000 in damage.[130] Most of the workers involved in the riot returned the following day but refused to work.[130]

New Year's Eve

[edit]

Emaar New Year's Eve is an annual event held every 31 December at Burj Khalifa, organised by Emaar Properties.[138][139] The event consists of fireworks launched from Burj Khalifa, a light and laser show on the facade of Burj Khalifa, and an accompanying soundtrack and a special fountain show on The Dubai Fountain choreographed to the soundtrack.[140][141] The Emaar New Year's Eve fireworks celebration originated in 2010 with the inauguration of the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa. The celebration was broadcast live to more than 2 million people and lasted for 3 minutes.[142]

Since 2011, national live broadcasting rights have been held by Dubai Media Incorporated and Dubai TV.[142]

Emaar New Year's Eve has won two Guinness World Records, including "Largest LED-Illuminated Facade" in 2015 and 2019.[143][144][145]

In 2017 and 2018, Emaar New Year's Eve was broadcast live on Twitter,[146][147] and YouTube. In 2020, it was broadcast live for the first time on Zoom.[148]

In 2021, Emaar celebrated solidarity in honour of frontline workers of the COVID-19 pandemic.[149]

For the 2022 event, a laser feature was installed on The Dubai Fountain in sync with the Burj Khalifa's laser and fireworks show.[150]

BASE jumping

[edit]

The building has been used by several experienced BASE jumpers for authorised and unauthorised BASE jumping:

In May 2008, Hervé Le Gallou and David McDonnell, dressed as engineers, entered Burj Khalifa (around 650 metres (2,130 ft) at the time), and jumped off a balcony situated several floors below the 160th floor.[151][152]

On 8 January 2010, with permission of the authorities, Nasr Al Niyadi and Omar Al Hegelan, from the Emirates Aviation Society, broke the world record for the highest BASE jump from a building after they leapt from a crane-suspended platform attached to the 160th floor at 672 m (2,205 ft). The two men descended the vertical drop at a speed of up to 220 km/h (140 mph), with enough time to open their parachutes 10 seconds into the 90-second jump.[153][154]

On 21 April 2014, with permission of the authorities and support from several sponsors, highly experienced French BASE jumpers Vince Reffet and Fred Fugen broke the Guinness world record for the highest BASE jump from a building after they leapt from a specially designed platform, built at the very top of the pinnacle, at 828 metres (2,717 feet).[155][156][157]

Climbing

[edit]

On 28 March 2011, Alain "Spiderman" Robert scaled the outside of Burj Khalifa. The climb to the top of the spire took 6 hours. To comply with UAE safety laws, Robert, who usually climbs in free solo style, used a rope and harness.[158]

Awards

[edit]
Burj Khalifa artwork project made of Lego in Bricksworld 2014

In June 2010, Burj Khalifa was the recipient of the 2010 "Best Tall Building Middle East & Africa" award by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.[159] On 28 September 2010 Burj Khalifa won the award for the best project of the year at the Middle East Architect Awards 2010.[160] Awards Chair Gordon Gill, of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, said:

We are talking about a building here that has changed the landscape of what is possible in architecture – a building that became internationally recognized as an icon long before it was even completed. 'Building of the Century' was thought a more apt title for it.[161]

Burj Khalifa was also the recipient of the following awards.[162][163]

Year Award
2012 Award of Merit for World Voices Sculpture, Burj Khalifa Lobby from Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI), Chicago.
2011 Interior Architecture Award, Certificate of Merit from AIA – Chicago Chapter.
Distinguished Building Award, Citation of Merit from AIA – Chicago Chapter.
Interior Architecture Award: Special Recognition from AIA – Chicago Chapter.
Design Excellence Award: Special Function Room.
Excellence in Engineering from ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) – Illinois Chapter.
Outstanding Structure Award from International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering.
Decade of Design, Presidential Commendation in Corporate Space Small from International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Decade of Design • Best of Category/Mixed Use Buildings from International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
GCC Technical Building Project of the Year from MEED (formerly Middle East Economic Digest).
Project of the Year from MEED.
2010 International Architecture Award.
Arab Achievement Award 2010: Best Architecture Project from Arab Investment Summit.
Architecture Award (Mixed Use) Dubai from Arabian Property Awards.
Architecture Award (Mixed Use) Arabian Region from Arabian Property Awards.
International Architecture Award from Chicago Athenaeum.
American Architecture Award from Chicago Athenaeum.
Commercial / Mixed Use Built from Cityscape.
Best Mixed Use Built Development in Cityscape Abu Dhabi.
Skyscraper Award: Silver Medal from Emporis.
Award for Commercial or Retail Structure from Institution of Structural Engineers.
International Architecture Award (Mixed Use) from International Commercial Property Awards.
Special Recognition for Technological Advancement from International Highrise Awards.
Best Structural Design of the Year from LEAF Award.
International Projects Category: Outstanding Project from National Council of Structural Engineers Associations.
Best of What's New from Popular Science Magazine.
Spark Awards, Silver Award.
Excellence in Structural Engineering: Most Innovative Structure from SEAOI.

See also

[edit]
  • List of buildings in Dubai
  • List of buildings with 100 floors or more
  • List of development projects in Dubai
  • List of tallest buildings and structures
  • List of tallest freestanding structures
  • List of tallest buildings in Dubai
  • List of tallest buildings in the United Arab Emirates
  • List of tallest buildings
  • List of tallest structures
  • Jeddah Tower

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Arabic: بُرْج خَلِيفَة, Burj Khalīfah, pronounced [bʊrd͡ʒ xaˈliːfa], lit. 'Khalifa tower'

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[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Burj Khalifa (category)
  • Official website
  • "The Burj Dubai Tower Wind Engineering" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2026. (597 KB) (Structure magazine, June 2006)
  • "The Wind Engineering of the Burj Dubai Tower" (PDF). Archived from the original on 14 September 2017.cite web: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) (620 KB) (Irwin et al., November 2006)
  • BBC reports: Burj Khalifa opening, with video and links; Maintaining the world's tallest building
  • Geographic data related to Burj Khalifa at OpenStreetMap
 
 
 
 

25°11′50″N 55°16′27″E / 25.1972°N 55.2742°E / 25.1972; 55.2742

 

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Reviews for Helicopter Ride and Tours Dubai

Helicopter Ride and Tours Dubai, Al Warsan Building - near Media Rotana, Ground Floor - Al Thanyah First - Barsha Heights - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Cristina Farrugia

(5)

We booked this as a surprise for my son's birthday and we nailed it - he loved the thrill of the helicopter ride itself, but also the spectacular views from above. The pilot was very friendly and knowledgeable. We learned so much more about Abu Dhabi than we would have ever done from walking around - and the views from above of the Mosque and of the palaces are unmatched.It is MUST experience in Abu Dhabi.

Helicopter Ride and Tours Dubai, Al Warsan Building - near Media Rotana, Ground Floor - Al Thanyah First - Barsha Heights - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Bhaskara Rao Molleti

(5)

Excellent ride experience, super view of Dubai with safety .

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Helicopter Tour Dubai follows strict UAE aviation regulations with experienced pilots and well maintained helicopters.

A Helicopter Tour Dubai is a luxury aerial sightseeing experience that lets you see Dubai’s skyline, coastline, and iconic landmarks from above.

You can book Helicopter Tour Dubai online, by phone, or via email with instant confirmation options.