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

Dubai is certainly a city like no other; it is rich with culture, buzzing with life, vibrant with business opportunities, and stands proud of some of the most remarkable real estate in the world. One of its most distinctive monuments is probably Burj Khalifa. This man-made structure towers over the city at a height of 2,717 feet. Completed in 2010 after a little under 6 years of construction, Burj Khalifa, which boasts 163 floors, was developed by Emaar Properties. This multi-use building comprises residential apartments, an observation deck with a 360-degree view of Dubai, a restaurant, and even a hotel. This article delves deeper into this architectural wonder.

Among its many highlights, the Burj Khalifa is also home to the luxurious Armani Hotel Dubai, a true reflection of refined elegance and world-class hospitality. Designed by Giorgio Armani himself, the hotel offers guests an exclusive stay experience with sleek interiors, bespoke service, and unparalleled comfort. From fine dining restaurants to a serene spa and direct access to the iconic Burj Khalifa observatory, the Armani Hotel is the ultimate choice for those seeking a blend of sophistication and convenience in the heart of Dubai.

Burj Khalifa Height

Dubbed “the tallest building in the world”, Burj Khalifa isn’t just an architectural marvel. It has broken so many world records as it stands at 828m (2,716.5 ft) above ground. Due to its height, a 6-degree temperature difference is recorded between its ground floor and its top floor. To understand the sheer size of this building, one can look at some numbers: the Empire State Building in the US is half the height of Burj Khalifa and the Eiffel Tower in Paris is one-third its height. This iconic tower, visited yearly by countless tourists, cost USD 1.5 billion, which was paid off within the first year of inauguration.

Height Against Other Iconic Skyscrapers

Burj Khalifa is world-renowned for being the tallest building on the planet, but how does it compare to other towers? Here’s a table with some numbers to shed more light on Burj Khalifa vs other skyscrapers.

Burj Khalifa Design and Architecture 

Burj Khalifa was designed by Adrian Smith and the architecture firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in collaboration with Samsung C&T Corporation. This skyscraper, which took six years to complete, was inspired by the desert lily, the tiger lily, and the spider lily, flowers that grow natively in the UAE desert. If you look at it from the top, the tower has a “Y” shape reminiscent of these flowers, which makes Burj Khalifa architecture so distinctive. This shape has also allowed the architects to optimize the structure to accommodate both residential and hospitality spaces.

The building’s floor area amounts to 309,473 sq.m. and requires about 12,000 workers and contractors to work on it daily at its peak construction stage. It is covered in 28,261 panels of glass and you’d need to climb 3000 stairs to get from bottom to top. The Burj Khalifa construction history itself is a feat of engineering and collaboration, with the project beginning in 2004 and culminating in its official opening in 2010. This timeline highlights not only the architectural ambition but also the immense manpower and resources required to bring the world’s tallest building to life.

How many floors are there in Burj Khalifa?

Burj Khalifa comprises 160 floors which include residential studios, apartments, and suites; as well as an observation deck, a restaurant, and much more. Here’s how these floors are split in details:

• Concourse Level to Level 8, and Levels 38 and 39 are occupied by the Armani Hotel Dubai. This hotel is the first hotel in the world to be designed and developed by Giorgio Armani.
• On levels 9 to 16 of Burj Khalifa, you can find luxurious one and two-bedroom Armani Residences boasting truly unique interiors.
• Levels 45 to 108 offer private and ultra-luxurious residences consisting of studios, and 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments.
• Levels 112 to 154 are dedicated to Corporate Suites with the exception of Level 122, where you can find At.mosphere, an exclusive fine dining restaurant and lounge
• Level 124, occupied by At the Top, Burj Khalifa’s public observatory.
• Levels 43, 76, and 123 host the Sky Lobbies, the tower’s state-of-the-art fitness facilities, featuring Jacuzzis, swimming pools, and recreational rooms.
  

Burj Khalifa Tickets: Price & Other Details

The ticket prices for Burj Khalifa vary depending on the time of day and whether you want to go to the 124th or 148th floors. The ticket prices are as follows:

• Sunrise at At the Top, Burj Khalifa
  • Levels 124 and 125
  • 1 beverage and 1 morning bakery item per person
  • Valid from 5:00am – 6:30am
  • Price: AED 159
• The Lounge, Burj Khalifa
  • Guided tour of levels 124,125 and 148
  • Refreshments including assortments of canapés
  • Children under the age of 3 enter for free
  • Operational hours from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Price: AED 769
• At the Top SKY, Burj Khalifa
  • Guided tour of level 148 and access to levels 124 and 125
  • Refreshments including Arabic coffee, sweets and soft drinks
  • Children under the age of 3 enter for free
  • Operational hours from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Price: AED 399
• At the Top, Burj Khalifa
  • Access to levels 124 and 125
  • Children under the age of 3 enter for free.
  • Operational hours from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Price: AED 179

Special events are also organized at Burj Khalifa. You can book your tickets and learn more on their official website.

For many visitors, the best time to visit Burj Khalifa depends on the view they want, daytime offers clear panoramas, sunset provides a magical transition, and night reveals Dubai glittering in thousands of lights. Booking tickets online in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak hours, to avoid long queues.

This comparison makes it easier to decide which Burj Khalifa ticket types best match your budget, travel style, and the kind of experience you want while discovering the best time to visit Burj Khalifa.

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 150,000, and a 2-bedroom apartment is rented for an average of AED 300,000. 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 2 million; whereas those boasting Armani furnishings in the Armani Residence are sold within a range of AED 2 million to AED 5.2 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 in Downtown Dubai, so reaching it is not difficult. Public transport, taxis, and private cars all work well, though the route depends on where you are staying.

Metro route (Red Line)

The Dubai Metro Red Line is one of the easiest ways to reach the area. Visitors usually get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. From there, there is a connected walkway system that leads toward Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa area. The walk is not short, so comfortable footwear helps.

This route is useful for:

• Tourists staying near Red Line stations
• Visitors who want to avoid traffic
• Solo travelers and small groups

Bus routes

Several bus services connect major parts of Dubai with Downtown. Many visitors use buses that stop near Dubai Mall or connected transit points. Bus travel costs less than taxis, though travel time can be longer during busy hours. For budget-focused travel, it remains a reasonable option.

Taxi pricing

Taxis are easy to find across Dubai and remain one of the most direct options. Pricing depends on distance, traffic, and the time of travel. As a general guide:

• Short trips within nearby central areas can stay in a moderate fare range
• Airport to Burj Khalifa trips cost much more than local Downtown trips
• Late-hour traffic and longer routes increase the final fare

For visitors carrying shopping bags, traveling with children, or arriving in formal wear, a taxi is usually the easier choice.

Parking

Visitors arriving by car usually park through the Dubai Mall parking system, since the tower is directly linked with the mall area. Parking is usually more convenient during weekday mornings and early afternoons. During weekends, evenings, and festive dates, finding a close spot may take longer.

It is better to enter the area with extra time in hand. Downtown traffic can slow down the approach, especially near major junctions and mall access roads.

Top Attractions Near Burj Khalifa

The area around Burj Khalifa gives more than one landmark in a single trip. This is why many visitors do not keep the tower as a standalone stop. The nearby attractions can easily turn the visit into a full-day plan.

Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is the closest major attraction and one of the most visited destinations in the city. It offers luxury retail, family attractions, indoor dining, entertainment zones, and access points connected to Burj Khalifa. For many people, the mall becomes part of the same itinerary without extra planning.

A few visitors come for the tower first and then remain in the mall for shopping or dinner. Others do the reverse. Both options work well.

Dubai Aquarium

Dubai Aquarium is inside Dubai Mall, which makes it one of the easiest nearby attractions to combine with Burj Khalifa. It is a strong choice for families, school-age children, and visitors who want an indoor activity after the tower visit.

This pairing works especially well in hotter months, when outdoor movement feels tiring after some time.

Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame is not beside Burj Khalifa, but it is still a strong nearby attraction within a manageable city trip. It gives a different type of skyline view and a different visual experience from the tower. Visitors who like architecture, city views, and photo points often include both in the same day or on the same trip.

Desert Safari

A desert safari gives a full contrast to the Burj Khalifa experience. One part of the day is about towers, city roads, and urban views. The other part moves toward open desert landscapes, dune driving, cultural shows, and dinner camps. Many tourists combine Burj Khalifa with an evening safari because the two experiences feel very different and complete the Dubai trip well.

Things to Do Around Burj Khalifa

A Burj Khalifa visit does not need to end when you leave the deck. The surrounding district has enough activities for couples, families, solo travelers, and business visitors.

Watch the Dubai Fountain area

The fountain zone remains one of the strongest public attractions in Downtown Dubai. The open setting, water performances, and skyline background make it a common stop after sunset. Many visitors stand near the promenade or book nearby dining with a direct view.

Walk through Souk Al Bahar

Souk Al Bahar offers a more traditional-style retail and dining environment compared with Dubai Mall. It is useful for visitors who want a quieter meal setting or a short walk with views toward the fountain and tower district.

Book a dining experience with a view

The area includes many restaurants with tower-facing or fountain-facing seating. This works well for:

• Business meals
• Evening dinners
• Family celebrations
• Travel photography breaks

A meal in the district often fits better after the observation deck visit, since it gives time to rest and enjoy the setting without rushing.

Visit Dubai Opera district

The Dubai Opera area adds another layer to the neighborhood. The architecture, events calendar, and formal atmosphere make it a good option for visitors looking for a more cultural outing near Burj Khalifa. Even a short walk around that part of Downtown feels different from the mall side.

Enjoy an evening walk in Downtown Dubai

For many visitors, the most pleasant part is simple movement around the district. The area is planned for walking, sightseeing, dining, and short stops. With the tower in view, even a basic evening route through the neighborhood feels complete and well spent.

Combine the area into one smooth plan

A strong order for the day can look like this:

• Arrive at Dubai Mall or Burj Khalifa access point
• Complete the tower visit
• Explore Dubai Mall or Aquarium
• Take a short break for coffee or dinner
• Move toward the fountain and nearby promenade
• End the outing with a calm walk through Downtown

This kind of plan keeps the visit organized and avoids rushing from one stop to another. It also helps visitors enjoy Burj Khalifa as part of a wider Downtown Dubai experience, not as a single entry-ticket attraction.

Conclusion

Burj Khalifa is truly a testament to the will, knowledge, and superiority of mankind. Standing proud and tall in the sky of Dubai, this tower attracts visitors from all around the world, who come to the UAE to get a taste of its magic, wonder, and luxury. Some wish to savor it further by enjoying a stay in its high-end apartments, suites, and hotel rooms like the Armani Hotel Dubai; or even enjoy the meal of a lifetime in its restaurants. Others wish to stand at the Burj Khalifa observatory and drink in Dubai’s mesmerizing skyline. This tower has enriched the architectural heritage of our world and proved once again that when vision, mastery, and a strong will are combined; the outcome is never short of outstanding.

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 as of 2026.

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.