Described as both a ‘Vertical City’ and ‘A Living Wonder,’ Burj Khalifa, developed by Dubai-based Emaar Properties PJSC, is the world’s tallest building.

Rising gracefully from the desert, Burj Khalifa honours the city with its extraordinary union of art, engineering and meticulous craftsmanship.

The focal point of Downtown Burj Khalifa, the flagship community project of Emaar Properties, Burj Khalifa stands as the world’s tallest building and its highest man-made structure.

At over 800 metres (2,625 ft), Burj Khalifa has 160 storeys, the most of any building in the world. The tower will be inaugurated on January 4, 2010, to coincide with Accession Day, the fourth anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum becoming Ruler of Dubai.

Arguably the world’s most prestigious address, Burj Khalifa is responsible for a number of world-firsts.

The tower became the world’s tallest man-made structure just 1,325 days after excavation work started in January 2004.

Burj Khalifa employs a record-breaking 330,000 cubic m (11.6 million cubic ft) of concrete; 39,000 m/t of reinforced steel; 103,000 sq m (1.1 million sq ft) of glass; and 15,500 sq m (166,800 sq ft) of embossed stainless steel. The tower took 22 million man hours to build.

With a total built-up area of 5.67 million sq ft, Burj Khalifa features 1.85 million sq ft of residential space and over 300,000 sq ft of prime office space. That is in addition to the area occupied by the Armani Hotel Dubai and the Armani Residences.

The tower offers luxurious recreational and leisure facilities including four swimming pools, a private library, an exclusive residents’ lounge, health and wellness facilities, and At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa,  the world’s highest fine dining restaurant at Level 122.

The Armani Hotel Dubai will be home to eight unique dining experiences. The hotel will also include Armani/Privé, an upscale lounge, and the world’s first in-hotel Armani/SPA, measuring 12,000 square feet, where guests can enjoy spa treatments, thermal suites, a fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel will also be home to an Armani/Dolci chocolates boutique; an Armani/Fiori florist; and an Armani/Galleria boutique.

The observation deck on level 124, At the Top, Burj Khalifa, is a must-see attraction and offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding emirate.

Connected to the tower are The Offices, a 12-storey annex of prime office space; The Club, a four-storey health and wellness centre; and Armani/Pavilion, an outdoor entertainment venue that opens onto the Burj Khalifa Lake and The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest ‘performing fountain.’

Over 1,000 pieces of art by prominent Middle Eastern and international artists adorn the interiors of Burj Khalifa and the surrounding Emaar Boulevard. Many of the pieces have been specially commissioned by Emaar as a tribute to the spirit of global harmony.