Officially built with 163 floors, the Burj Khalifa is currently still the tallest skyscraper on the planet. Imagine my sheer excitement the day I finally met her face to face.
Residing on an Architectural Paradise
I used to live and work in Dubai, one of the best if not the most progressive metropolis in the United Arab Emirates. In all my years in this Middle Eastern location, I barely spared the chance to explore its popular attractions due to my busy worklife. That included missing out on the internationally acclaimed architecture the city is recognized for.
However, that hectic routine changed after a couple of years there. "This rich nation's treasures must be discovered, so my stay here would be worthwhile. Great opportunities don't present themselves often. If not today, then when?" I pondered deeply.
And so began my relentless pursuit of that nation's marvelous landmarks, particularly the iconic sites, environments, and buildings that have adorned its majestic urban skyline.
In Time for a Birthday Celebration
Of course, why ignore Burj Khalifa, a global titleholder of being the world's highest tower? This colossal behemoth of architecture used to be called Burj Dubai but was later renamed in honor of the UAE's supreme ruler and president, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who rescued the city's ailing economy from suffering further financial turmoil.
Out of pure coincidence, my French associate and dear friend also informed me beforehand that she was visiting Dubai for business, and planned to spend her natal day there. "Hmm, let me see. Should I surprise her with an unexpected visit to the Burj Khalifa? Wouldn't it be a glorious way to commemorate her birthday?" These were my humble plans.
That moment finally arrived. We traveled together to many fascinating places around Dubai, yet the Burj Khalifa was the grand finale and core highlight of our tour. You should have witnessed the massive smile on her face the instant we arrived at our prestigious destination!
Our restless feet were itching as we entered Dubai Mall and then towards the welcome lobby of the skyscraper's elevator system - ascending to its observation deck called "At The Top" that was situated at the 124th level. You see, it was the world's highest viewing terrace during that time! And it was simply a rare privilege that couldn't be taken for granted.
Meeting Burj Khalifa in the Flesh
While waiting for our turn in going up, we were entertained by a smorgasbord of interesting information about the iconic landmark. From historical facts, technical background about its architecture and design to other eye-opening trivia, it was a mini museum that offered us a delicious appetizer on what to expect.
But it was nothing compared to what we were about to experience next.
How does it feel to be transported inside an elevator that shoots rapidly with a vertical speed of a staggering 10 meters per second? If you do the math, it took us approximately 60 seconds (1 minute) to reach the sightseeing platform on the 124th floor with an elevation of 452 meters from the ground level. Unbelievable! Isn't that mind-boggling or what?
If you're terrified of heights, this type of adventure is obviously not meant for the faint of heart. Since both of us were curious and daring explorers, we took the challenge without hesitation. From that heavenly perspective, we were visually flooded with mesmerizing panoramas of Dubai's urban landscape. You can even see the rooftop of Dubai Mall and the busy traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road from that point. Oh wow, the views merely took our breath away!
Are you planning to visit Burj Khalifa in the future? If so, I suggest you schedule it during the evening. I'm not saying that experiences during the day aren't satisfying but personally, sightseeing at night seems to be more romantic due to the chilling atmosphere plus interplay of vibrant city lights. The weather would also be more pleasant due to the prevailing cool breeze, contrary to the scorching heat during the earlier hours. It's your choice.
We spent a considerable amount of time there, maximizing the sensual pleasures derived from the spellbinding sights that surrounded us 360 degrees from where we stood. Like little children, we were jumping for joy as the world became our playground. While conversing with each other, we pointed and glimpsed at famous landmarks that were only previously encountered by foot but were now approached from a bird's eye advantage.
"A glorious birthday indeed, right?" I asked my pretty date. "Yes, of course Erne! Thank you for spending time with me. This is definitely one for the record - an extraordinary milestone that I'll remember for the rest of my life!" She responded back with a big smile.
Aside from the viewing extravaganza, we had spare time to shop as there were souvenir kiosks in strategic areas both at the observation deck and the welcome lobby below. Well, we also made sure that while we were there, our cameras were loaded with numerous photos to bring home. You wouldn't want to skip this incredible opportunity to immortalize the experiences, would you?
Plenty of wonderful memories to be cherished! What an ecstatic evening it was!
Culminating with an Entertaining Spectacle
Our exit after that fantastic experience from the sky was back to the ground levels of Dubai Mall. But, was our tour of Burj Khalifa over? No, not yet! There was still one more sought-after attraction that we didn't expect to catch there.
As we went outside to the exterior spaces of the shopping center, we were surprised to encounter crowds of people congregating alongside the artificial lake of the commercial and residential complex.
"What's the commotion about?" I asked one of the female bystanders. "The Dubai Fountain is about to perform any second now!" The lady answered.
OMG! We were absolutely speechless when the majestic jets of this popular water feature began serenading us with Arabic and international musical scores! Never have we seen so much grace, coordination, and beauty in its magnetic presentation. Here are some quick movies of that night's astonishing dance of the Dubai Fountain. Are you amazed?
The Address Hotel beside the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE
If you noticed in the photos, people were not wearing face masks and shields. That's because my narrated events happened before the pandemic of 2020. Therefore, we were quite fortunate to have experienced the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain at a time when public gatherings were still not worldwide hazards.
Sentimental Experience of a Lifetime
The expression "On Top of the World" could be interpreted in 2 versions. First, my extraordinary encounters with Burj Khalifa, being able to stand on the world's highest floor and be up high on the clouds - literally.
Second, as an idiomatic expression, it signifies the peak of human happiness. And because words are not enough to describe my feelings during that occasion, let's just say it was one of my life-changing moments. Plus, as a bonus, I got to share this unforgettable experience with someone special!
What are your thoughts about the Burj Khalifa? Do you find its architecture and design appealing? Would you venture to the top of that skyscraper and dare the high altitude?
#Hive, have you been here?
References and Notes
All technical data were obtained at the site of the Burj Khalifa.
All photographs and GIFs in this post are the author's digital properties.
STORIES OF ERNE™
Meet the Author
ERNE, also known as STORIES OF ERNE™ (@storiesoferne), is an Architect, Environmentalist, Lifehacker, and Adventurer. On the Hive Blockchain, he is the Creator of the Architecture+Design Community. If you share similar interests and are passionate about the built environment, natural habitat, existential problems plus their solutions, and international travel, feel free to connect with him. He will be more than happy to welcome you into his world. Have fun!
Experience his content portfolio here.
Self-Expression Empowers Human Evolution™
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Wow! my friend @storiesoferne you have had a religious experience along with your friend. Being in the Burj Khalifa is every architecture lover's dream. So much modernity compacted into an amazing skyscraper like the view you see from its height. I have enjoyed the spectacle of the fountains and I have lived the emotion of being at the top of the sky thanks to your publication. I congratulate you my friend and thank you for sharing this exciting and unforgettable visit. It has been a success for you to be there 👍🙂
Thank you for your beautiful words dear friend @sorprendente. It truly was an unforgettable event that I'll keep in my heart for as long as I live. The architectural and travel experiences that the Burj Khalifa offered to me and my French friend were absolutely priceless! Add to that the spectacular performance of the Dubai Fountain and other activities, the entire package was worth our time and effort. 😊👍
What do you think of the GIF presentation quality of the Dubai Fountain? Does it meet your expectation?
Dear friend @storiesoferne, I'm back after a few weeks away from the good action on Hive. About your Gifs... 😊 They are excellent work.
I was and still am very surprised. You have done an Amazing job 😉 The water jets follow a perfect rhythm. Good job dear friend. I wish you and your family well. Blessings!
Thank you so much dear friend @sorprendente for the positive feedback! Your wonderful remarks have truly inspired me to create more interesting GIFs for my future content. Take care and more blessings! 😊
Sure, every Gif will be worth watching 👍 Cheers dear friend @storiesoferne. I also wish you blessings in family 🙂
Much appreciated dear friend @sorprendente. Have an enjoyable week! Stay safe! 😊
The speed must make ones knees buckle on the way up, and send you to the ceiling going down???
Those are some spectacular views, I'm glad your friend had an incredible birthday 🎁
This post has been manually curated by the VYB curation project
No, not really. If I'm not mistaken, the state-of-the-art elevator of Burj Khalifa is designed to mimic a pressurized cabin, similar to the feeling a passenger experiences inside an airplane flying fast on high altitudes. It's a technological marvel! Thus, the ride to the top was completely safe as there was nothing to worry about. 👍
Yeah, my friend had a blast on her birthday. And I was truly glad to have been instrumental in making that occasion a delightful and memorable one. Thank you for your beautiful remarks! 😊
Oh, the old elevators were safe too - just lots of fun going down!
I thank you for the beautiful pictures you included :)
!PIZZA !ALIVE
Exactly, vintage elevators were not bad at all! The only thing that annoys me about these old transport systems is sometimes it just takes forever to arrive at your desired floor level. And if you're lucky, hopefully you don't get stuck and trapped somewhere in between - in the event of an electrical failure, lol 🤣
Thanks a lot for the tokens! 😊
It could be an experience though 😂 I'm glad you had fun :)
!PIZZA !ALIVE
That's right, life is full of surprises. And if we are flexible to whatever it throws at us, we have discovered the secret to longevity, including access to a world of incredible experiences. My thrilling adventures at the Burj Khalifa was definitely one of them. Again, thank you for the tokens and most especially your time spent in this interesting conversation. Cheers! 😊👍
😍The architecture of the skyscraper is so majestic from the height of the tower, you can see the expanse of the beauty of the city view that is so amazing and thank you for these interesting architectures with your trip that is so pleasant, my friend.
Exactly friend @deltasteem! The Burj Khalifa is a majestic experience of architecture that must not be missed! It's simply a legendary skyscraper that's breathtaking - fully deserving our undivided attention. Cheers! 😊
Hi dear @storiesoferne Seems like you have unforgettable evening over amazing Burj Khalifa.
It indeed is a dreamy place to visit. the beauty of the structure and the views are extraordinary.
I hope you have such beautiful experiences life long and you keep sharing with us.:)
Certainly my dear Sahiba @sahiba-rana. My epic adventures at the Burj Khalifa were one of the most unforgettable moments of my life! Architectural encounters like these events are astonishingly rare, and should not be missed. 😊👍
I'm curious. What's the tallest skyscraper in New Delhi? Have you already explored that building?
Absolutely, Cheers to your ventures :)
Actually Delhi do jot have a skyscraper due to pollution restriction otherwise there are plenty of tall buildings out here and I have certainly visited them.
Have a great day Dear Erne:)
Oh I see dear Sahiba. Well, the absence of skyscrapers would likewise help in canceling the proliferation of environmental pollution as the exploitation of natural resources would be minimized. Thank you for the nice feedback! Have a lovely day! 😊👍
I remember we went to "The Top", but could not remember when exactly, so I had to go to my FB notes, scrolled for an eternity to find an entry dated October 9, 2010! Omg, it's been a long, a comeback is definitely overdue. Here's what I wrote about the elevator ride:
I am not sure I ever got copies of those pictures we had during the visit though. I have to ask my friend. 😁
Hey Arlyn @arrliinn, nice to see you again. I'm always thrilled to receive your valuable comments because they're interesting to engage with. 👍
That's true! The elevator ride going up to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa was definitely surreal. Personally, it was also like being astronauts cramped inside a rocket ship shooting up into the heavens but without the space suits, lol 🤣 The scenario of traveling thru a pressurized tunnel was likewise relatable. 😊
I'm truly glad that our mutual experiences of the Burj Khalifa have sparked your nostalgia. There are other world-class buildings sprouting up in Dubai right now as we speak such as the Museum of The Future along Sheikh Zayed Road. Have you been there yet?
Thanks Erne! Indeed, the Museum of the Future is in our list. Have you seen their launch video? For a time I thought there really was a spaceship that's flying over Dubai. Hehe. Believe it or now, I've not been to Dubai since the pandemic started. That's almost three years! Hopefully on our next visit there, we can add the Museum of the Future to our itinerary.
Oh, is that so Arlyn? That's quite a long time since your last visit to Dubai. And to think of it, the city is just one hour away from where you live, haha. 😁
Anyway, we're nearing the finish line of the pandemic, and hopefully you can finally visit the Museum of The Future (the launch video was unbelievable!) and other spectacular attractions there. Can't wait to read and experience your interesting stories about the latest adventures from that fascinating part of the world! 😊👍
Hi @storiesoferne, you had a splendid trip to the tallest building in the world, I really enjoyed reading your post, it is as if I were in Dubai, visiting the highest architectural jewel in the world,it is impressive how fast the elevators go up.
Your friend had an excellent birthday present, I think it is an experience that she will treasure with much affection and how not to do it? if she was literally close to the clouds, the night lights offer a great spectacle impossible to admire.
Coinciding with the fountain lighting was the extra gift for your friend's birthday, lights, singing, musical notes and more, definitely the perfect birthday gift.
Blessings!
Warm greetings @belkyscabrera. Thank you for following my travel story and its important details. It was certainly a nostalgic experience for me and my friend. Not many times do we enjoy opportunities like that, right? Burj Khalifa plus the magnificent fountains were definitely instrumental in making her birthday celebration a special moment she will cherish forever. 😊
What about you? May I ask what was your most unforgettable birthday experience?
One of my best birthday experiences was a surprise cake at the university, my friends invited me to one of the squares or places of meeting and rest of the students and when I arrived they had a cake for me, it was a nice detail from my friends and fellow students, the cake was delicious, it was chocolate my favorite dessert, it is a beautiful memory that I keep with much affection.
Greetings!
Oh that's nice! Such an inspiring memory indeed @belkyscabrera. Those moments must have been one of the best surprises you had for your birthday. If I was in your shoes, I'd probably end up with tears of joy upon receiving your favorite chocolate cake. Cherished experiences are priceless! Thanks a lot for sharing this intimate detail about your life! 😊
I actually cried a little, because I never imagined I would receive such a surprise; these are details that, no matter how small they may seem, make you happy and remain treasured in your heart.
Have a happy day!
Exactly! The little pleasures of life are actually what make our human experiences worthwhile. Some of them may be quite ordinary, but at the end of the day, it's all about the wonderful relationships we create and develop along the way. 😊👍
Have an enjoyable day! Blessings! 🙏
What a spectacular view of the skyscraper! It even become more amazing with the presence of a special someone. Surely it made your day with a big smile in your heart.
How time flies so fast, it happened during the pandemic wherein everyone was not wearing any face covering. Perhaps to be in Burj Khalifa feels like being in the most amazing place.
Have a nice to and have more safe travels my friend. Take care both.
Precisely my dear friend @pinkchic. Life experiences will constantly be worthwhile if they're invested with people you trust, cherish, respect, and love. What made my thrilling escapades at the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain amazing was that my French friend and I were in sync with what made us truly happy. And since it was also her birthday, the special occasion became even more enjoyable. 😊👍
Do you also fancy architectural adventures and design tours? Are you fascinated by iconic buildings? Which one do you aspire to visit someday?
I have not been here in Burj Khalifa, so most probably this would be one of my bucket lists, my dear friend, erne. Thank you for a wonderful response. Have a great day and keep safe always.
Oh that's interesting CJ or Pink! The Burj Khalifa seems to be a massive magnet for tourists from all over the world that many desire to enter its doors. May all your dreams come true. Amping diha @pinkchic! 😊
Awww, puhon. Heheh. I did not know, bisaya ka erne? Thanks for the time and attention.
Aw puhon gyud. Bisdak kaayo liwat nimo hahaha. 🤣 With great pleasure always! 😊👍
Wow! di mailhan. Master man kaayo mu iningles. Abi kog Asian country gehapon pero di Pinas. Hehe. My salute!
😃Such lovely photos and what an awesome experience that must had been.
I’m scared of heights but visiting Dubai, seeing and experiencing the Burj Khalifah is on my list.
It’s amazing how fast that elevator goes. Great minds…
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hey @fruityfruitz. That's true, this majestic skyscraper is not for those who are scared of heights. However, going to the top could be a lifetime experience you'd never forget. It's a worthy challenge though, and an incredible achievement you could proudly mark on your travel list. Thank you for immersing in my story. Cheers! 😊
😂It’s not necessarily for me but would be a big challenge and achievement. I hope to get close to it even if I can’t make it to the top. Lol!
😃Have a great week.
No worries. Your actual presence in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa (even at ground level), and other remarkable architecture would already matter as an outstanding feat. Just stay away from the scorching heat of the sun when traveling there, haha. 😁
😃I imagine so. I’ve always heard of the lovely architecture there.
Thanks for the advice re the heat. Heat and Heights are 2H’s I need to be careful of. 😂
LOL! 🤣 Have lots of fun! 😊
Thank you. 😃
Wow, what a great adventure, spectacular and surprising the Burj Khalifa, behind its height record is the most modern construction processes and simulation technology... it is wonderful.
I have also read that the city of Budai is struggling because it has some infrastructure problems, besides that it is fighting against nature; Despite the opinion of many colleagues, I think that everything has an engineering solution, I hope they achieve it and that the city shines as it does.
I think it can not be better!
Cheers
Definitely the mega city of Dubai is an impressive wonder of iconic architecture and engineering. Picture this. This modern metropolis used to be a humble fishing village in a barren, scorching desert a few decades ago. However, they managed to push the boundaries of construction technologies to the limits by creating crazy, out-of-this-world infrastructure that were only pigments of the imagination and were thought to be only possible in science fiction. 👍
One concrete example is the irrigation of their natural landscapes with a network of several tubes mounted on the soil surface to maintain a constant flow of desalinated water. Isn't that remarkable? 😊
Nevertheless, no urban environment is perfect and Dubai including the rest of the UAE also have their issues. Despite those shortcomings, they succeeded in leapfrogging their various city developments in a span of only a few years. Now, that alone is an absolutely marvelous feat! 😎
That the city is a wonder is a wonder;
and the reverse osmosis water supply network must be colosar;
The issue that everyone talks about, especially as a result of the World Cup, is that they have hinted at the deficiencies it has and the great energy expenditure to solve the problems, the most notable being the lack of a sewage network, called much of the international attention the rows of sister trucks taking out the waste; I hope you find an engineering solution that stands out from the rest of the cities, you have to do it.
A curious fact is that in Europe, precisely in the soccer championships, the water companies are put on alert precisely at halftime of a soccer match, since the demand becomes a peak because everyone goes to the bathroom at that time.
I would love to go to Dubai, it would be another goal achieved, I hope to do it one day...
Greetings friend!
That's an awesome point! Sewage, drainage, and waste disposal technologies are some of the major issues of urban environments and are not a joke. For super cities like Dubai to continue thriving, these types of architectural and engineering systems must be properly constructed and maintained for its smooth operations. I could simply imagine a huge disaster if these utility networks fail to perform well especially during events like soccer matches where a tremendous amount of people are involved. Anyway, there's always room for improvement, and I'm pretty sure the concerned professionals would be able to find the best solutions. 👍
Definitely, you need to make Dubai a priority on the your travel bucket list. You won't regret it, I promise! Cheers friend! 😊
What an impressive adventure, I can't imagine the feeling of vertigo that must be felt up there.
Thanks for sharing.
Hello @guitarmcy. Yeah, it was truly an adventure of a lifetime! You need to collect the courage to be able to withstand the dizzy sensation especially on extremely high altitudes. Thank you for appreciating! 😊
The Burj Khalifa has a surprising neo-futurist architecture. Thanks for sharing photo about it. I also liked the fountains
Absolutely @stefano.massari. That iconic skyscraper is an epic symbol of architecture and a tremendous feast for the senses, including the awesome perks like the magical Dubai Fountain that made our entire experience worthwhile. Glad you enjoyed my travel story. Thank you for visiting! 😊
this is a nice place to explore
It truly is! Thanks @silviared945. 😊
Absolutely breathtaking!!!
Grateful for your wonderful remark and appreciation @clairemobey! 😊
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Thank you @claudio83. Kind regards! 😊