Burj Khalifa Height, Features, Cost, and Visitor Information Explained
Welcome, explorers! Today, we are going on a magical trip—right from our screens—to one of the most astonishing buildings in the world. Are you ready to look up, up, and way up? Let’s discover the sparkling giant that touches the clouds: the Burj Khalifa!
Say Hello to the Cloud-Toucher: Burj Khalifa’s Story
Where in the World Is Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa stands proudly in Dubai, a super modern city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It’s not just any building—it holds the world record for being the tallest building ever made by humans! Finished in 2010, this landmark is loved by tourists, famous for its pointy top and shiny exterior.
What Makes Burj Khalifa Super Special?
- It rises to a jaw-dropping 828 meters (2,717 feet) high!
- It has a whopping 163 floors you can actually visit, plus super secret basements and maintenance floors.
- There’s a hotel, apartments, offices, and even restaurants inside—imagine living in the clouds!
Why Did Dubai Build Such a Tall Tower?
Dubai wanted a new symbol—the kind that makes the world go “Wow!” The Burj Khalifa showed that Dubai could dream big and build even bigger, drawing visitors and businesses from across the globe. It’s a shining symbol of pride and progress for the country.
What’s Inside the Burj Khalifa? (And Can Kids Visit?)
Places You’ll Find in the Tallest Tower
- Armani Hotel: The world’s fanciest hotel from the ground up to the 8th floor!
- At The Top Observation Decks: See Dubai from the 124th, 125th, or super-high 148th floor.
- Luxury Apartments: Some lucky people call Burj Khalifa ‘home’.
- Super Fast Elevators: Reach almost any floor in seconds—whoosh!
- Sky Lobbies and Pools: Swim high above the city!
- Shops and Cafés: Tasty treats with an unbeatable view.
Can Anyone Visit the Burj Khalifa?
Absolutely! Visitors of all ages—including kids—can enjoy the observation decks. Tickets start at around 169 AED (about ₹3,800). If you want to feel extra special, there are VIP tickets to the highest deck (Level 148), too.
How Did the Burj Khalifa Get So High? Bricks, Steel, and Big Dreams!
Quick Timeline: From Sand to Star Skyscraper
- 2003: Plan and design for a new record-breaker began.
- 2004: Construction started—an army of builders and machines got to work!
- 2009: The tower’s outside was totally finished.
- 2010: The big opening! They even gave it a new name: “Burj Khalifa” to honor the UAE’s president.
Who Dreamed Up the Design?
The Burj Khalifa came from the mind of architect Adrian Smith, working with the famous firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The tall, flowery look was inspired by the desert flower “Hymenocallis.” The idea? To create a tower that would shimmer and stand out, just like a new wonder of the world.
Why Do People Love the Burj Khalifa? (It’s Not Just for Selfies!)
Symbolic, Fun, and a Bit Fancy
- It’s an engineering marvel—with design secrets that protect it from strong winds!
- It gives Dubai a super skyline—day or night, it looks amazing.
- The high views, sparkling lights, and dancing fountains nearby pull in millions of tourists and families every year.
- It shows what’s possible with teamwork, imagination, and hard work.
- It’s a hot topic in CBSE GK and other exams, so knowing about it helps you shine in quizzes!
What Makes It an Exam Favorite?
For students, Burj Khalifa pops up in questions about modern wonders, world records, and engineering. You may find it featured in quizzes like: “Which building is the tallest in the world?” Or, “Who owns the Burj Khalifa?” (It’s Emaar Properties!) Keep these facts handy for exam day!
Burj Khalifa vs. Other Towers – Who’s the Tallest of Them All?
Skyscraper Showdown!
| Building | Location | Height (meters) | Floors | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa | Dubai, UAE | 828 | 163 | 2010 |
| Shanghai Tower | Shanghai, China | 632 | 128 | 2015 |
| Abraj Al-Bait | Mecca, Saudi Arabia | 601 | 120 | 2012 |
| One World Trade Center | New York, USA | 541 | 104 | 2014 |
As you can see, the Burj Khalifa is still the champion skyscraper—way taller than the others!
Whiz Through Cool Burj Khalifa Facts! (Cheat Sheet Table)
| Feature | What It Means | Fun to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 828 meters (2,717 feet) | Tallest in the world! |
| Floors | 163 (plus special levels) | You can look down on clouds! |
| Elevator Speed | 10 meters/second | Zooming to the top! |
| Owner | Emaar Properties | Famous UAE real estate company |
| Cost | ~$1.5 billion | That’s a LOT of money! |
| Opened | 2010 | Named after UAE's president |
Fun Example Q&A: Which Fact Will You Remember?
- Q: How tall is the Burj Khalifa?
A: 828 meters (2,717 feet)—the tallest building anywhere! - Q: Who owns this sky-high tower?
A: Emaar Properties, a huge UAE company. - Q: Is it true you can see Dubai from the observation decks?
A: Yes! You get an amazing view from way up high. - Q: How fast can you go up in the elevator?
A: Zoom at up to 10 meters per second!
Let’s Practice! (Quiz Yourself)
Can You Answer These?
- Where is the Burj Khalifa located?
- How many floors does it have?
- What flower inspired its design?
- Who was the main architect?
- What is the highest floor visitors can reach?
- How much did it cost to build?
Tip: Answers are sprinkled throughout this page! Practice before your next school quiz or competitive exam.
Don’t Get Mixed Up! (Common Confusions)
- Burj Khalifa is NOT in Saudi Arabia or the USA—it's in Dubai, UAE.
- It’s named “Khalifa” after the UAE president, not just “Dubai Tower.”
- Not all tall towers are skyscrapers—this one is special because people can live and work inside.
For more on world wonders and awesome records, check Vedantu’s GK pages like Top 10 Biggest Aeroplanes or Longest Bridges in the World. Learn, remember, and amaze your friends!
Look Up and Dream! (Wrap-Up)
The Burj Khalifa teaches us that huge dreams (even as big as a skyscraper!) can come true with courage and creativity. Whether for a quiz, a project, or just to wow your classmates, now you know why this tower is the king of the clouds.
Keep visiting Vedantu for more cool facts, smart quizzes, and fun comparisons. Next time you see a skyscraper, maybe you’ll remember: the sky really is the limit!
FAQs on Burj Khalifa: The World's Tallest Building – Key Facts & Exam Guide
1. What is Burj Khalifa?
Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Key facts about Burj Khalifa:
- Height: 828 meters (2,717 feet)
- Floors: 163 habitable plus maintenance and basement levels
- Owner: Emaar Properties
- Opened: 2010
2. What is the height of Burj Khalifa?
Burj Khalifa stands at a record height of 828 meters (2,717 feet).
This makes it the tallest skyscraper ever constructed, surpassing all other buildings worldwide as of 2025, and a common reference point for exam questions in CBSE, UPSC, and SSC.
3. Who is the owner of Burj Khalifa?
Emaar Properties, a leading real estate developer in Dubai, owns the Burj Khalifa.
- Emaar Properties is headquartered in the UAE
- The building was officially named after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
4. How much did it cost to build Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa cost approximately $1.5 billion USD to build.
Main cost points:
- Initial budgeting was around $1 billion, but final costs exceeded this amount
- Significant investments made during Dubai's rapid economic rise
5. What is inside the Burj Khalifa?
Burj Khalifa houses luxury, business, and leisure facilities.
Major highlights include:
- Armani Hotel Dubai (Luxury hotel on lower floors)
- Private residences (Apartments)
- Corporate office suites
- Observation decks on floors 124, 125, and 148
- ‘At.mosphere’ restaurant (122nd floor)
- Fitness and recreation areas
6. Why is Burj Khalifa important in world history and culture?
Burj Khalifa is a global symbol of modern engineering and Dubai's ambition.
Burj Khalifa's significance:
- It showcases Middle Eastern architectural achievement
- Inspires economic growth and tourism in the UAE
- Represents rapid modernization in global cities
- Frequently featured in international media and examinations
7. How many floors are there in the Burj Khalifa?
Burj Khalifa has 163 habitable floors, plus 2 basement levels and 46 maintenance levels.
Floors are divided as follows:
- Residences and hotel: lower to mid-floors
- Corporate offices: upper middle floors
- Observation decks: 124th, 125th, and 148th floors
8. What is the ticket price to visit the Burj Khalifa observation deck?
The base ticket price for Burj Khalifa’s ‘At The Top’ observation deck starts at AED 169 (about ₹3,800 or $46).
Key ticket details:
- General ticket (Levels 124/125): from AED 169
- Premium ticket (Level 148): higher price, offers exclusive access
- Tickets can be bought online or at the venue
9. Why was Burj Khalifa built?
The Burj Khalifa was built to position Dubai as a leading global city and tourist destination.
Main reasons for construction:
- To create a world-class tourism landmark
- To stimulate economic and urban development in Dubai
- To set new records in modern architecture and engineering
10. Who designed the Burj Khalifa?
Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) designed the Burj Khalifa.
Design features include:
- Tapered form to reduce wind loads
- Multiple set-back shapes inspired by Islamic architecture
- Innovative use of reinforced concrete and glass
11. What records does Burj Khalifa hold?
Burj Khalifa holds several world records, making it a focal topic for general knowledge exams.
Key records:
- Tallest building in the world
- Highest occupied floor
- Fastest elevators (10 meters per second)
- World’s highest outdoor observation deck
