Burj Dubai: World's tallest building opens January 4th in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Apparently, keeping mum about the height is part of the mystique. The official word is that it is more than 2, 625 feet tall. And that is tall enough to wrest the title of world's tallest building from Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

However, Malaysian National News Agency reported today that the date of Monday January 4th chosen for the official opening marks the fourth anniversary of the Accession Day of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the Ruler of Dubai.

The Burj will be home for approximately 1,100 families purchasing the one- to three-bedroom residences in the tower, while a luxury hotel will occupy the bottom floors. Floors 45 through 108 are private ultra-luxury residences while Corporate Suites occupy most of the remaining floors. The exceptions are the restaurant on the 122nd floor and the public observation deck on the 124th floor.

As befitting the tallest building, Burj Dubai will also have the world's tallest elevator system -- a total of 57 elevators and eight escalators. The main service elevator rises 1,654 ft.

Designed by Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) with Adrian Smith FAIA, RIBA, consulting designer, the architecture is inspired by the regional Hymenocallis flower and incorporates patterns from traditional Islamic architecture.

The design also calls for  extensive greenery and water features -- including a promenade along the Dubai lake, outdoor spaces, outdoor dining, prow lookout, leisure forest grove, playing area.

For more information visit http://www.burjdubai.com

 

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