Burj Khalifa Guide 2026: Floors, Tickets, Height & Owner

Quick summary:

Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, rising 828 meters, or 2,716.54 ft, above Downtown Dubai. Developed by Emaar Properties, the tower opened on January 4, 2010, after nearly six years of construction. It has 163 floors and brings together the Armani Hotel Dubai, private residences, corporate suites, observation decks, restaurants, lounges, and direct access through Dubai Mall.

Key Facts:

• Height: 828 m / 2,716.54 ft
• Floors: 163
• Opened: January 2010
• Developer And Principal Owner: Emaar Properties
• Observation Decks: Levels 124, 125, and 148
• Premium Lounge Access: Levels 152, 153, and 154
• Ticket Prices: From AED 189, checked July 22, 2026
• Residential Floors: 19 To 108

Burj Khalifa is Dubai’s most recognized address and still the first landmark many visitors connect with the city. The tower stands 828 meters tall, or 2,716.54 ft, and has 163 floors. It opened in January 2010 and remains the tallest building in the world.

This 2026 guide explains the details people usually search for first: Burj Khalifa height, floors, ticket prices, owner details, hotel stays, residences, observation decks, nearby transport, and the best way to plan a visit. It also covers what to expect around Downtown Dubai, especially if you want to combine the tower with Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, or a real estate viewing in the area.

Burj Khalifa also houses Armani Hotel Dubai, the first hotel designed by Giorgio Armani. The hotel occupies the lower levels of the tower and gives guests direct access to Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall, and the At The Top visitor route. Its rooms, restaurants, spa, and residences appeal to travelers who want to stay inside one of the world’s most famous buildings rather than near it.

Burj Khalifa Height

Burj Khalifa stands 828 meters, or 2,716.54 ft, above Downtown Dubai. That makes it the tallest building in the world and one of the clearest symbols of Dubai’s rise as a global real estate, tourism, and business hub.

Its height is not only a visual record. The tower also holds records for the tallest free-standing structure, highest occupied floor, longest elevator travel distance, and highest outdoor observation deck. From the ground, the scale is difficult to judge. From the observation decks, the tower gives wide views across Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Creek, Sheikh Zayed Road, and the coastline on clearer days.

For comparison, Burj Khalifa is almost twice the height of the Empire State Building and far taller than the Eiffel Tower. The final construction cost is widely reported at around USD 1.5 billion, and the project remains one of Emaar Properties’ most important developments.

Height Against Other Iconic Skyscrapers

Burj Khalifa remains the tallest building in the world, but its scale becomes easier to understand when compared with other major skyscrapers. The table below shows how it ranks against some of the world’s best-known towers.

Burj Khalifa Design and Architecture

Burj Khalifa was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, with Adrian Smith as consulting design partner. Samsung C&T was part of the construction team that helped bring the tower to completion. The design takes inspiration from the Hymenocallis flower, a regional desert flower, which shaped the tower’s triple-lobed footprint.

Seen from above, Burj Khalifa follows a Y-shaped plan built around a central core. This form gives the tower better structural balance, reduces wind impact, and opens wider views from many residential and hotel levels. The stepped design also helps the tower narrow as it rises, ending in the sculpted spire that gives Burj Khalifa its final height.

The tower has a total floor area of 309,473 sq m. During peak construction, more than 12,000 workers were involved on site. Its exterior cladding uses close to 26,000 hand-cut glass panels, with aluminum and stainless steel elements designed for Dubai’s heat. Construction began in 2004, and Burj Khalifa officially opened on January 4, 2010.

How many floors are there in Burj Khalifa?

• Burj Khalifa has 163 floors. These levels are used for hospitality, branded residences, private apartments, corporate suites, restaurants, lounges, observation decks, and mechanical services.
• The lower levels include Armani Hotel Dubai, while Armani Residences occupy levels 9 to 16. Private residences are mainly located from levels 19 to 108, with studios and one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments available in different layouts.
• Corporate Suites are positioned on higher levels, mainly from 112 to 154. Level 122 is home to At.mosphere, one of Dubai’s most famous high-floor dining venues. Visitors usually access At The Top on levels 124 and 125, while premium tickets may include Level 148 or The Lounge on levels 152, 153, and 154.
• Burj Khalifa also includes sky lobbies, fitness areas, swimming pools, and service floors that support daily operations inside the tower.

Burj Khalifa Tickets: Price & Other Details

Burj Khalifa ticket prices are not fixed across all visits. A basic viewing-deck ticket costs less than the higher-level access, and sunset slots can change the final price as well. On a check made on July 22, 2026, the official At The Top booking page showed silver tickets from AED 189, gold tickets from AED 399, and platinum tickets from AED 769.

Visitors should book through the official At The Top ticket page for current rates, available time slots, offers, child ticket rules, and cancellation terms.

The best time to visit Burj Khalifa depends on the view you want. Morning slots usually have fewer crowds and clearer movement through the visitor route. Sunset slots are more popular because visitors can see Dubai in daylight, then watch the skyline light up. Evening visits work well for travelers who want city lights, fountain views, and dinner nearby.

Burj Khalifa Awards and World Records

Aside from its magnificent architecture and imposing height; Burj Khalifa has been granted many awards and has broken many world records. Here’s a list of the most prominent ones:

• The tallest building in the world.
• Tallest free-standing structure in the world.
• Highest number of floors in the world amounting to 163.
• The highest occupied floor in the world.
• Highest outdoor observation deck.
• The longest elevator travel distance.
• Tallest service elevator in the world.
• Second-highest swimming pool in the world on the 76th floor.
• World’s tallest art gallery displaying art pieces commissioned from over 85 artists.
• The world’s three largest self-jacking cranes with lifting capacities of 25 metric tons each used during the construction of Burj Khalifa.

Properties in Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa has broken another record by being the first of the world’s tallest towers to comprise residential spaces. In total, the tower boasts 900 residences located on floors 19 to 108 in the residential section. Property options available for rent include studios, apartments, 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom suites.

On floors 9 to 16, you can find the Armani Residence offering 144 suites of 1- or 2-bedroom apartments. Armani’s elevated style is clearly showcased in the Armani/Casa furnishings of all the suites. In terms of rent, a 1-bed apartment in the Armani Residence costs about AED 208,189, and a 2-bedroom apartment is rented for an average of AED 375,772. All suites come furnished in true Armani/Casa style.

Expats who wish to own a property in Burj Khalifa can still find some freehold options available for purchase. 1-bedroom suites for sale cost about AED 3,551,363, whereas those boasting Armani furnishings in the Armani Residence are sold within a range of AED 7.6 million to AED 8 million. With these figures, it’s clear that Burj Khalifa property prices remain among the highest in Dubai, reflecting the prestige of owning a home in the world’s tallest tower.

Emaar Properties is the developer and principal owner of Burj Khalifa, although investors and residents hold ownership of individual apartments and commercial spaces. So, for those wondering who owns Burj Khalifa, it is a mix of Emaar’s overall ownership and private buyers who have invested in its luxury residences.

Burj Khalifa Facts & Trivia

Here are some interesting Burj Khalifa facts:

• It was initially named Burj Dubai, then renamed in 2010 in honor of Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and the Emir of Abu Dhabi.
• Burj Khalifa has broken many records including the world’s highest outdoor observation deck and the world’s highest occupied floor in the world.
• The exterior of the Burj Khalifa is covered in 28,261 glass panels.
• Burj Khalifa has a total of 54 elevators traveling 40 miles per hour.
• A difference of 6 degrees Celsius can be recorded between Burj Khalifa’s base and top.

How to Plan Your Visit to Burj Khalifa

Planning the visit well can change the full experience. Time of entry, crowd levels, and weather conditions all affect what you see from the observation decks. A visitor who books the right slot usually gets a better view and a smoother entry process.

Best time: morning or sunset

Morning hours work well for visitors who want shorter lines and a calmer visit. The light is soft, and the city view looks more open when the air is clear. This timing also suits families with children and travelers with a full day schedule.

Sunset is the most requested period for a reason. You can watch Dubai in daylight, then see the skyline change as the city lights come on. The view feels more complete during this window, but the crowd level is also higher and ticket prices are often higher in that period.

How long to spend

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the full experience. This usually covers:

• Entry and security checks
• Elevator access
• Time at the viewing deck
• Photos and short rest stops
• Exit through the retail section

Visitors using premium access or lounge options may stay longer. Those combining the tower with Dubai Mall or the fountain area often plan half a day for the full outing.

Peak vs non-peak hours

Peak hours are usually linked with sunset, weekends, public holidays, and tourism seasons. These time slots are more crowded, and the waiting time can feel longer even with pre-booked tickets.

Non-peak hours are better for a more relaxed visit. Early morning and late evening slots are often easier for entry and movement. For people who prefer less crowd pressure, non-peak timing is the safer option.

A simple plan works best: book early, arrive before your slot, and keep some extra time in hand. That saves stress, and the visit feels more complete.

How to Reach the Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is located in Downtown Dubai and connects directly with the Dubai Mall. Visitors can reach it by metro, bus, taxi, private car, or ride-hailing service. The right option depends on where you are staying, your time slot, and how much walking you want to do.

By Metro

The easiest public transport route is the Dubai Metro Red Line. Get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, listed by RTA as station R25. From the station, use the connected walkway toward Dubai Mall and follow the signs for At The Top, Burj Khalifa. The walk is longer than many first-time visitors expect, so comfortable footwear helps.

Visitors planning a wider route across the city can also read Driven Properties’ guide to the Dubai Metro Red Line before choosing their stop.

By Bus

RTA bus routes F13 and 27 serve the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall area. Buses are useful for budget travel, but journey time can stretch during peak traffic. Visitors should check RTA timings before leaving, especially for late evening plans or public holidays.

By Taxi

Taxis are the most direct choice for families, hotel guests, business travelers, and visitors arriving in formal wear. RTA lists regular road pickup starting fares from AED 5 during the day and AED 5.5 at night. E-hail taxi bookings start from AED 9 or AED 13, depending on timing. Dubai airport taxis start from AED 20 for normal taxis and AED 25 for vans.

The final taxi fare depends on distance, waiting time, traffic, booking channel, and Salik tolls. A short Downtown Dubai ride will cost less than an airport-to-Burj Khalifa trip, so visitors should not treat one fare as fixed.

By Car And Parking

Drivers usually park through Dubai Mall because the tower’s visitor entrance is linked with the mall. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are easier. Weekend evenings, festive dates, and sunset slots need extra time for traffic, parking, and walking to the entrance.

Top Attractions Near Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa works best as part of a Downtown Dubai plan, not a single-stop visit. The tower connects with Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, Souk Al Bahar, and several hotels and restaurants within walking distance.

Dubai Mall is the closest major attraction. Visitors can shop, dine, visit indoor attractions, or continue toward the Burj Khalifa entrance from inside the mall. For a fuller area plan, read Driven Properties’ guide to Dubai Mall.

Dubai Aquarium is also inside Dubai Mall, making it easy to combine with a Burj Khalifa visit, especially for families. The Dubai Fountain area is strongest after sunset, when the tower, water show, and surrounding restaurants create one of Downtown Dubai’s busiest evening scenes.

Souk Al Bahar gives a more traditional dining and retail setting across the fountain area. Dubai Opera is also nearby and works well for visitors who want to add a performance, dinner, or short walk around the Opera District.

Things to Do Around Burj Khalifa

A Burj Khalifa visit does not need to end after the observation deck. Most visitors spend extra time around Downtown Dubai because the area has restaurants, public viewing points, retail, and evening attractions within a short walk.

Start with the tower visit, then move toward Dubai Mall if you want shopping, coffee, or an indoor break. Families can add Dubai Aquarium without leaving the mall. In the evening, the Dubai Fountain area usually becomes the main stop, especially for visitors who want photos with Burj Khalifa in the background.

For a slower plan, walk toward Souk Al Bahar for dining or continue toward Dubai Opera. Business travelers often choose restaurants with tower or fountain views, while tourists usually prefer the promenade after sunset.

A simple route works well: arrive through Dubai Mall, complete the Burj Khalifa visit, take a food or coffee break and then end near the fountain or Opera District. This avoids backtracking and keeps the visit easier to manage.

Conclusion

Burj Khalifa remains one of Dubai’s strongest landmarks because it brings tourism, real estate, hospitality, dining, and city views into one address. Visitors come for the observation decks, but the tower also has private residences, Armani Hotel Dubai, corporate suites, and some of Downtown Dubai’s most valuable property.

For the best visit, check current ticket prices before booking, choose the time slot carefully, and plan the route through Dubai Mall or the Dubai Metro Red Line. Anyone looking at property in or around Burj Khalifa should also compare residence type, floor level, view, service charges, and access to Downtown Dubai before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When did the construction of the Burj Khalifa begin and end?

Construction of the Burj Khalifa commenced on January 6, 2004. The building was officially opened to the public on January 4, 2010.

2. Who is the actual Burj Khalifa owner?

Burj Khalifa is owned by Emaar Properties, the company that developed the tower. Emaar Properties, headed by Mohamed Alabbar, is a public joint stock company listed on the Dubai Financial Market. Headquartered in Dubai, Emaar Properties was founded in 1997 and is currently one of the largest real estate developers in the world.

3. How much did the Burj Khalifa cost?

The construction of Burj Khalifa cost US$ 1.5 billion and it spanned nearly 6 years from 2004 till 2010. This amount that the tallest skyscraper in the world cost to build was recuperated within the year it was opened.

4. How long did it take to build Burj Khalifa?

Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004. The project took six years to complete, and the building was officially completed in 2010. At the time, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, where visitors can take an elevator to the top of the building to get a bird's eye view of Dubai from one of its observation decks.

5. How to rent an apartment in Burj Khalifa?

Burj Khalifa offers many residential options to choose from, whether you wish to rent or buy. These options include studios, apartments of various sizes, and suites. You can also choose to enjoy the luxury of Armani-branded homes within Burj Khalifa.To rent a flat in the tower, we advise you to work with a reputable real estate agency, such as Driven Properties. A reliable agency will understand your requirements and needs, and then find the right apartment for you. They would guide you through legal technicalities and ensure you have the best experience.

6. How much does a night cost at the Burj Khalifa Hotel?

Staying at Burj Khalifa’s Armani Hotel is certainly a treat. Prices for such a stay will vary based on the time of your visit as well as the room you choose. Below are the average prices for hotel rooms in Burj Khalifa.

7. What was Burj Khalifa built for?

Burj Khalifa was built for different purposes. It is a mixed-use development containing Burj Khalifa residential apartments, offices, hotels, and retail stores. The decision to build the Burj Khalifa was made in 2004, with construction starting in early 2005.