Burj Khalifa in Dubai
As of 2025, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates remains the tallest building in the world, standing at an astonishing 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall with 163 floors.
Quick Facts About Burj Khalifa
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Completed: January 2010
- Height: 828 meters (2,717 feet)
- Floors: 163 (+2 additional mechanical floors)
- Architect: Adrian Smith (while at SOM)
- Developer: Emaar Properties
- Function: Mixed-use (residential, commercial, hotel, observation)
How Tall Is Burj Khalifa Compared to Other Buildings?
Burj Khalifa is over 300 meters taller than the second tallest building. It stands far above other global landmarks like:
- Shanghai Tower (China) – 632 meters
- Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower (Saudi Arabia) – 601 meters
- Ping An Finance Center (China) – 599 meters
- Lotte World Tower (South Korea) – 555 meters
Each of these buildings is a feat of architecture. Yet, Burj Khalifa continues to tower over them all, both in scale and public attention.
Engineering Marvel: What Makes Burj Khalifa So Tall?
The construction of such a massive skyscraper required cutting-edge design and innovation.
Key Engineering Elements:
- Y-shaped Tripod Design: Improves stability and wind resistance.
- High-Performance Concrete: Special materials resist extreme temperatures.
- Tuned Mass Damping System: Reduces sway from wind forces.
- Modular Construction Techniques: Ensures precision and speed.
Why Dubai Built the Tallest Building
Dubai’s ambition is more than just vertical expansion. The Burj Khalifa was created to:
- Boost tourism
- Diversify economy beyond oil
- Establish Dubai as a global icon
- Create luxury living and business space
The tower has since become a symbol of the UAE’s rapid development and futuristic vision.
Tallest Building vs. Tallest Structure: Is There a Difference?
Yes! While the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building, there are other structures that may exceed it in height, such as:
- Tokyo Skytree (634 m) – Not habitable
- KVLY-TV Mast (USA) – A transmission tower
- Jeddah Tower (under construction) – Planned to exceed 1,000 m
Buildings are habitable structures by definition, while towers and masts are not used for regular occupation.
Future Contenders: Will Burj Khalifa Be Surpassed?
Several mega-projects aim to break the 1,000-meter mark.
1. Jeddah Tower (Saudi Arabia)
- Projected Height: 1,000+ meters
- Status: Construction halted and delayed multiple times
- Original Completion Goal: 2020, now uncertain
2. Dubai Creek Tower (UAE)
- Designed Height: Over 1,300 meters
- Status: On hold since 2020 due to the pandemic and funding
While the dream of a kilometer-high skyscraper lives on, no building has surpassed Burj Khalifa as of 2025.
What’s Inside the Tallest Building in the World?
The Burj Khalifa is a vertical city, offering:
- Armani Hotel (luxury 5-star hotel)
- Residential apartments
- Corporate suites
- Observation decks (At The Top)
- Restaurants and lounges
- Sky lobbies and swimming pools
It’s not just tall—it’s a masterpiece of modern mixed-use design.
Visiting Burj Khalifa: What to Expect
If you’re planning to visit, you’ll enjoy:
- Spectacular Views from the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors
- High-speed elevators reaching the top in under a minute
- Dubai Fountain shows at the base
- Luxurious lounges with panoramic views
Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended. Peak hours often sell out quickly.
FAQs
Q1: What is the tallest building in the world in 2025?
Burj Khalifa, Dubai, at 828 meters tall.
Q2: What is the tallest building under construction?
Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, planned to exceed 1,000 meters, though it remains incomplete.
Q3: Can tourists go to the top of Burj Khalifa?
Yes! The observation deck is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.
Q4: Who owns the Burj Khalifa?
It is owned by Emaar Properties, a real estate development company in the UAE.
Q5: Is Burj Khalifa earthquake-proof?
Yes. It’s engineered to withstand seismic activity and high wind loads.
Comparison Table of the Tallest Buildings in the World (2025)
| Rank | Name | Country | Height (m) | Floors | Completed |
| 1 | Burj Khalifa | UAE | 828 | 163 | 2010 |
| 2 | Shanghai Tower | China | 632 | 128 | 2015 |
| 3 | Abraj Al-Bait Clock | Saudi Arabia | 601 | 120 | 2012 |
| 4 | Ping An Finance Center | China | 599 | 115 | 2017 |
| 5 | Lotte World Tower | South Korea | 555 | 123 | 2016 |
