The New Year spectacle of the Burj Khalifa witnessed skydivers brandishing LED lights in the sky even before the countdown. When the clock struck midnight, spectacular fireworks lit the Downtown Dubai skyline as more than 2 billion people tuned in to observe the record-breaking show. You may think the spectacle is done and dusted, but Burj Khalifa is turning 10 on January 4, 2020, so we know, the show is not over.
You can check offers on Burj Khalifa at VoucherCodesUAE to get all the more reasons to love this iconic building, as of now here’s what to expect.
What to expect on Burj Khalifa’s 10th anniversary
When Burj Khalifa turned 5 in 2015, it bagged the Guinness World Record for its LED illumination featuring the UAE national flag. Now that it is turning 10, expect even more grandeur. There will be three series of specially-curated light shows at 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm on January 4. The celebratory bash will be held at the Dubai Fountain showcasing the world’s longest choreographed fountain show.
Burj Khalifa’s signature fireworks will light up the sky, followed by mesmerizing animation and LED façade displays. Gifts will be distributed to the visitors of the Burj Khalifa’s Observation Deck, At The Top, and The Dubai Mall.
As Dubai enters a big fat 2020, with a line-up of record-breaking events in store, this 10th anniversary is a teaser of the grand year that awaits the city.
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary, here are 10 reasons why we love Burj Khalifa.
10 reasons why Burj Khalifa is dearly loved
The tallest building in the world
Three times taller than the Eiffel Tower and two times the height of the Empire State Building, Burj Khalifa stands at a staggering height of 2716.5 feet (828 meters). Access to the tallest building in the world, of course, delivers a breath-taking view of the cityscape, making Burj Khalifa the iconic building to create memories unlike anywhere in the world.
Signature fireworks
The 2020 New Year is a testament to how seriously Burj Khalifa takes its pyrotechnic duty. Creating unbeatable memories, not only for the visitors but also for the onlookers, the Burj Khalifa fireworks spectacle is something everyone looks forward to. Its inauguration in 2010 witnessed 10,000 fireworks, we wonder what’s in store in this department for its 10th anniversary.
So many world records
Besides the fact that it is the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa holds six other world records including the tallest and highest service elevators, highest occupied floors, highest outdoor restaurants and bars, making it the tallest freestanding structure in the world.
Sustainable structure
Picture courtesy: Ezhire.com
The tallest building hosting the grandest of cafes and activities, you can clearly imagine the amount of energy the building consumes. You will be surprised to know that every year 15 million gallons of water are sustainably collected and reused. The water is used for irrigation purposes, cooling systems, and The Dubai Fountain.
Historic in the making
When Burj Khalifa was at the peak of its construction, there were over 12,000 workers working on the building each day. In the end, it took more than 110,000 tons of concrete, 55,000 tons of steel, and 22 million man-hours to complete the iconic building. It is also said that the total weight of aluminum used is equivalent to five A380 aircraft. The excavation of the building started in 2004.
Can be spotted from far away
Even if you are almost 100 km away from the building, you can still see the tip of the spire. To be precise, it can be spotted from 95 km distance and on a clear day, it is visible from a 120 km distance. How cool is that?
Burj Khalifa represents a desert flower
Picture courtesy (Quora)
The concept of the building is actually a Hymenocallis flower. The flower is found predominantly in Mexico and the Southern US States. It features white petals elegantly tapering outwards from the central core. Burj Khalifa’s entire structure culminates in a sculpted spire at the top and the triple lobed base of the building represents this flower.
Symbol of towering ambition
The inauguration of Burj Khalifa was made to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the Accession Day of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the Ruler of Dubai. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar, stated on the website that “Burj Khalifa goes beyond its imposing physical specifications. In Burj Khalifa, we see the triumph of Dubai’s vision of attaining the seemingly impossible and setting new benchmarks. The project is a declaration of the emirate’s capabilities and of the resolve of its leaders and people to work hand in hand on truly awe-inspiring projects.”
An art piece
Picture courtesy: Jaumeplensa.com
On the same note, Mohamed Alabbar added that “Burj Khalifa is the Arab world’s tribute to the art and science of modern engineering and design.” The inside of the building is much an art as the outside. The SOM design, a Chicago firm that basically invented the glass box of skyscrapers, took over the 3 million square feet interior of Burj Khalifa. The inspiration for the highest floors is celestial bodies and stationary spacecraft since it is the tallest building in the world. The lower floors are inspired by earthly elements of the land including polished dark stones, Silver Travertine flooring, Venetian stucco walls, and handmade rugs. The art program of the tower placed and specified over 500 pieces of individual local and international fine art pieces. The highlight is an art piece for the tower’s residential lobby by the internationally renowned artist Jaume Plensa titled “World Voices.”
An Indian mechanic-turned businessman owns 22 apartments in Burj Khalifa
George V Nereaparambil, a mechanic who became a businessman is the largest private owner within the Burj Khalifa. He owns 22 out of the 900 apartments and in an interview with Khaleej Times, he said, he is not stopping at 22. He will continue to buy more if he gets a “good deal.” The reason why he bought these apartments is that his relative teased him that he could “not enter” the iconic building.
