At the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa we want to propose guests to visit the Burj Khalifa. For several years it was the tallest structure in the world, standing at 829.8 metres, it broke many records and received a lot of awards. It was opened in 2010 as part of the project known as Downtown Dubai, and it takes its name from the emir of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE (United Arab Emirates), Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, although before its inauguration the tower was known as the Burj Dubai.
With the aim to increase international recognition, the tower was built to expand from oil-based economy to tourism, that’s the reason why apart from houses and residential towers, it features some parklands, the Dubai Mall, or an artificial lake. The following are some of Burj Khalifa main places of interest:
–The Dubai Fountain: a 275 metres fountain with many lights and colour projectors, which shoots water 150 metres into the air while visitors listen to music. It was officially inaugurated in 2009.
–“At the Top”: that’s the name given to an outdoor observation deck inaugurated in 2010 on the 124th floor at 452 metres n of Burj Khalifa building, but in 2010 another deck was opened on the 148th floor under the name of Sky at 555 metres. “At the Top” deck holds an electronic telescope to view both real-time and previously saved images.
–The Dubai Mall: with more than 1.200 stores it was 2011 most visited building in the world. It features an ice rink; an aquarium; an underwater zoo; an indoor themed park (SEGA Republic); a mini-city for children known as KidZania; several cinemas, restaurants, cafés and much more.
–Burj Khalifa Park: palm lined paths, gardens and plants watered by the building’s cooling system are what visitors find when walking this area. The place also holds six water features.
Burj Khalifa is one of those places visitors have to go when travelling to Dubai. At our hotel in Bur Dubai we will be pleased to give you additional details, you only have to ask for further information at our reception desk.
Luke Durden travels the world 