Thousands to take part in inauguration of Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building

Thousands to take part in inauguration of Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building

6,000 invited guests to watch dramatic inauguration ceremony

Live broadcast on Dubai TV and several international channels


Dubai, UAE; January 3, 2010: Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, will open today (January 4, 2010) in a carefully orchestrated ceremony before a crowd of thousands. Developed by Emaar Properties, Burj Dubai is the focal point of the 500-acre master planned community Downtown Burj Dubai.

A giant screen on Burj Park Island, as well as several television screens placed across Downtown Burj Dubai including the Waterfront Promenade, will broadcast the inauguration in real-time. Hundreds of international media, including Dubai TV, will report live from the scene. The public can watch at the inauguration ceremony from the Waterfront Promenade adjacent to The Dubai Mall.

A short film will be shown followed by an integrated display of fountain performances, fireworks and searchlight beams that tell the story of Burj Dubai, from concept to reality The inauguration’s coup de grace will be a spectacular firework display conducted on and around the tower illuminating the entire Downtown Burj Dubai area.

Mr. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said that the inauguration of Burj Dubai is a public event because the tower is a source of pride for the whole UAE community. The Burj Dubai now belongs to the people of Dubai and the UAE.

“Burj Dubai touches everyone in Dubai and the UAE, as well as the millions of people who visit this great city and country every year. The inauguration of Burj Dubai is therefore an occasion for the people; a celebration of their achievements.”

He said: “Burj Dubai is another demonstration of Dubai’s ability to achieve what few people thought possible. The tower is a global icon. Moreover, it represents the determination and optimism of Dubai as a truly world city. It is a powerful symbol for the entire Arab world.”

A festive atmosphere will mark Downtown Burj Dubai throughout the day on January 4, with a variety of activities taking place themed on UAE culture and heritage. There will be traditional music and theatre, handicrafts, and Emirati cuisine will be served. A traditional Emirati wedding will also be held.

Burj Dubai is over 800 metres (2,625 ft) tall and has more than 160 storeys, the most of any building in the world. Besides an observation deck on its 124th floor affording 360-degree views of the entire city, Burj Dubai is home to the world’s first Armani Hotel, luxury offices and residences, and a variety of other sophisticated leisure and entertainment facilities.

Burj Dubai will ultimately be the place of residence, work and leisure for a community of up to 12,000 people.

Burj Dubai World Records

Burj Dubai, at over 800 metres (2,625 ft) and more than 160 storeys, holds the following world records:

Tallest building in the world – surpassing Taipei 101 in Taiwan, which at 508 metres (1,667 ft) held the title since it opened in 2004.
Tallest man-made structure in the world – surpassing the height of the KVLY-TV mast in North Dakota in the United States, which stands at 628.8 metres (2,063 ft)
Tallest free-standing structure in the world – breaking the 31-year-old record of the CN Tower, which stands at 553.33 metres (1,815.5 ft)
Largest number of storeys in the world – more than 160
Highest occupied floor in the world – Level 160
Highest outdoor observation deck in the world – Level 124
Vertically pumping concrete over the greatest distance – 600 metres, beating the previous record of 448 metres (1,470 ft) set by Taipei 101
Highest service elevator – 504 metres (1,654 ft), higher than Taipei 101’s service lift, which reaches 448 metres, and nearly one-and-a-half times higher than the elevator in the Empire State Building in New York, which travels as high as 381 metres
Highest installation of an aluminium and glass façade
Highest swimming pool – the pool on Level 76 at Burj Dubai is more than 260 metres (853 ft) above ground

Burj Dubai Milestones

Excavation started January 2004
Piling started February 2004
Superstructure started March 2005
Level 50 June 2006
Level 100 January 2007
Level 110 March 2007
Level 120 April 2007
Level 130 May 2007
Level 141 (world’s tallest building) July 2007
Level 150 (world’s tallest free-standing structure) September 2007
Level 160 (world’s tallest man-made structure) April 2008

Completion of spire and topping out January 2009
Exterior cladding completed September 2009
Tower inauguration January 4, 2010