You’ve seen the photos—the Burj Khalifa’s needle-like spire piercing the Dubai skyline. But here’s what surprises most visitors: the very top of the world’s tallest building isn’t a luxury penthouse or a sky lounge—it’s mostly mechanical equipment.
Height: 828 m (2,722 ft) ·
Floors: 163 ·
Construction started: 2004 ·
Opened: 2010 ·
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates ·
Total cost: $1.5 billion USD
Quick snapshot
- World’s tallest building at 828 m (Emaar Burj Khalifa Fact Sheet (official developer data))
- 163 floors above ground (Skyscraper Center (tall building database))
- Owned by Emaar Properties (Skyscraper Center, same source) (Emaar Burj Khalifa Fact Sheet (official developer data))
- Exact owner of the 100th floor (BBC News (international news outlet))
- Whether Tom Cruise owns an apartment (he stayed during filming, no purchase confirmed) (BBC News (international news outlet))
- Detailed occupancy rate for residential floors (BBC News (international news outlet))
- Construction started 2004, opened 2010 (Skyscraper Center, same source)
- Remains tallest building since 2010 (Skyscraper Center, same source)
- Dubai’s 2036 urban plan may affect surrounding infrastructure (At the Top Burj Khalifa official ticketing)
- Visitors should book tickets online in advance (At the Top Burj Khalifa official ticketing)
Eleven facts, one pattern: the Burj Khalifa holds records not just for height but for the sheer complexity of its mixed-use design.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Architect | Adrian Smith (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill) |
| Developer | Emaar Properties |
| Construction start | 2004 |
| Opening | 2010 |
| Height | 828 m (2,722 ft) |
| Floors | 163 |
| Elevators | 57 |
| Top floor | 163 (mechanical) |
| Floor area | 309,473 m² (3,331,100 sq ft) |
| Structural material | Reinforced concrete and steel |
| Record | World’s tallest building since 2010 |
The implication: the tower’s height is matched by its internal diversity—residential, hotel, office, and observation all coexist within a single buttressed core.
How many floors are in Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa has 163 floors above ground, according to Skyscraper Center (tall building authority). The Emaar Burj Khalifa Fact Sheet counts 200 total floors including mechanical and service levels, with 160 habitable storeys—the most of any building in the world.
What is the total height of Burj Khalifa?
The official height is 828 metres (2,716.5 ft) to the tip of the spire, as stated in the Emaar fact sheet. That’s more than twice the height of the Empire State Building.
What are the different zones in Burj Khalifa?
- Floors 1–39: Armani Hotel
- Floors 45–108: Residential apartments
- Floors 111–121: Corporate offices
- Floors 124, 125: At the Top observation deck (452 m / 1,483 ft)
- Floor 148: At the Top Sky observation deck (555 m / 1,821 ft)
- Floors 160–163: Mechanical and service floors
The Burj Khalifa structure page (official building site) notes seven double-storey mechanical floors that house essential equipment.
How many elevators are in the building?
The tower contains 57 elevators and 8 escalators, according to Skyscraper Center. The service elevators travel at speeds up to 10 m/s.
The pattern: the floor count is impressive, but the real story is how much of the building is given over to infrastructure—nearly 40 floors are non-habitable mechanical or service zones.
How much does it cost to go into the Burj Khalifa?
Ticket prices vary by deck and time slot. The At the Top Burj Khalifa official ticketing site lists the following options:
What are the ticket options?
- At the Top (124 & 125): From 149 AED for adults (general admission)
- At the Top Sky (148): From 299 AED
- Children under 4: Free entry
- Children 4–12: Discounted tickets
- VIP packages and combo deals: Available online
Viator (travel booking platform) confirms the 148th-floor deck sits at 555 m and is the highest observation area in the world.
Are there discounts for children?
Yes. The At the Top ticketing site states children under 3 enter for free, and ages 4–12 receive a reduced rate. Online booking is recommended and may offer additional discounts.
Can I buy tickets online?
Absolutely. The official site offers timed-entry e-tickets. Walk-up purchases are possible but subject to availability and higher prices.
The trade-off: the higher the deck, the steeper the price—but the 124th floor already offers views that make the building famous.
For the best experience at the best price, book the 124th floor slot at sunset. The 148th floor adds height but the view angle isn’t dramatically different—the real upgrade is shorter queues and a dedicated elevator.
Who is the owner of Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa is owned by Emaar Properties, a Dubai-based real estate developer, per Skyscraper Center. Individual floors are sold to private buyers, but the building’s common areas and structure remain under Emaar’s management.
Who owns the 100th floor of Burj Khalifa?
The 100th floor is reportedly owned by an Indian billionaire, though the exact identity has not been publicly confirmed. BBC News reported in 2012 that many offices in the tower stood empty, adding to the mystery of who holds title to specific floors.
Who owns 22 flats in Burj Khalifa?
An Indian businessman named George V Nereamparambil from Kerala purchased 22 flats in the tower, according to multiple media reports. The acquisition was widely covered in Indian news outlets, though the exact price was not disclosed.
Does Tom Cruise own an apartment in Burj Khalifa?
No. Tom Cruise stayed in the tower during the filming of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol but does not own a unit there. The scene where he climbs the building’s exterior was filmed with special permits and safety rigs.
Which celebrities own property in Burj Khalifa?
Several high-net-worth individuals, including Indian billionaires and Middle Eastern investors, own residences. BBC News noted that the building’s residential floors attract wealthy buyers, but the exact occupancy rate remains private.
What this means: ownership is fragmented—Emaar holds the building, but individual floors are a patchwork of private investors, and some spaces remain unoccupied years after opening.
How many years will Burj Khalifa last?
The Burj Khalifa was designed for a lifespan of at least 100 years, according to structural engineering reports. The Burj Khalifa structure page details the use of high-strength concrete and steel to withstand high winds and earthquakes.
What is the designed lifespan of Burj Khalifa?
The tower’s central buttressed core system—a Y-shaped plan that provides lateral stability—is a key factor in its longevity. The Emaar fact sheet notes that the foundation is reinforced with concrete piles extending 50 m into the ground.
How is Burj Khalifa maintained?
- Regular facade cleaning by building maintenance units
- Structural health monitoring systems
- Annual inspection of mechanical and electrical systems
What structural features ensure longevity?
The buttressed core, combined with a high-strength concrete mix and steel reinforcement, allows the building to deflect up to 1.5 m at the top during strong winds without damage. Skyscraper Center confirms the tower’s design meets international seismic codes.
The catch: a 100-year design life means the building will likely outlast its original purpose—the question is whether Dubai’s economy will adapt to maintain it.
A 100-year lifespan is standard for supertalls, not exceptional. What matters is the maintenance budget: Burj Khalifa’s annual upkeep runs into tens of millions of dollars, and only sustained tourism revenue justifies that cost.
Is there a dress code for the Burj Khalifa?
There is no strict dress code for the observation decks, but modest attire is recommended. The At the Top ticketing page advises smart-casual clothing.
What is recommended attire?
- Shoulders and knees covered
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- No swimwear, gym wear, or athletic clothing
Are there any prohibited clothing items?
Swimwear, gym wear, and clothing with offensive slogans are not allowed. The dress code is similar to that of a fine-dining restaurant—neat and respectful.
Why this matters: the lack of a strict code makes the Burj Khalifa accessible to casual tourists, but the recommendation for modesty aligns with local cultural norms in Dubai.
Why are the top floors of Burj Khalifa empty?
Floors above 160 are primarily mechanical and service floors, not residential or office spaces. The Burj Khalifa structure page explains that seven double-storey mechanical floors house elevators, water tanks, air conditioning units, and structural systems.
What are the top floors used for?
- Elevator machinery and counterweights
- Water supply tanks for the entire building
- HVAC equipment for ventilation
- Structural bracing and wind damping systems
Are there any occupied spaces above floor 160?
No. The highest occupied spaces are the observation decks on floors 124, 125, and 148, and the restaurants on 122 and 123. The crown above 160 is purely functional.
What is the highest occupied floor?
The highest residential floor is 108, and the highest office floor is 121. The Burj Khalifa structure page confirms that the mechanical floors occupy the top of the tower.
The world’s tallest building dedicates its highest floors to machinery, not people. The decision reflects the harsh economics of supertall construction: the cost of making the top floors habitable—extra structural reinforcement, longer elevator shafts, emergency egress—outweighs the premium rent they could command.
The implication: the empty top floors are not a sign of failure but a deliberate engineering choice. The building’s crown is a machine, not a penthouse—and that’s the real story of the Burj Khalifa’s economics.
How to Visit Burj Khalifa: Step-by-Step Guide
Visiting the world’s tallest building requires planning. Here are the steps to make the most of your trip.
- Book tickets online at the At the Top Burj Khalifa official ticketing site to secure your time slot and often get a discount.
- Choose your deck: 124/125 for general views (from 149 AED), or 148 for the highest observation deck in the world (from 299 AED).
- Plan your timing: The observation decks are open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with last entry at 7:00 PM. Sunset slots are the most popular.
- Dress appropriately: Smart-casual attire is recommended; avoid swimwear and gym wear.
- Arrive early: Allow 30 minutes for security and elevator queues. The elevator ride to the 124th floor takes about 60 seconds.
- Explore the multimedia exhibits on the 124th floor before heading to the outdoor terrace.
- Consider a dining experience: The Atmosphere restaurant on floor 122 offers fine dining with views, or grab a coffee at the café on 124.
For visitors, the choice is clear: book a sunset slot and pay the premium for the 148th floor if you want the highest experience, otherwise the 124th floor delivers the same iconic view at a lower price.
For comparison, the Tokyo Skytree: Height, Tickets, Views & Night vs Day offers a different approach to observation deck pricing and queue management that Dubai visitors may find useful. Similarly, our Cruise Ship Guide: Slang, Costs, and Tips for First-Timers covers travel logistics that apply to any major tourist destination.
What’s Confirmed vs. Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building at 828 m (Emaar fact sheet)
- 163 floors above ground (Skyscraper Center)
- Owned by Emaar Properties (Skyscraper Center)
- Observation decks on 124, 125, and 148 (At the Top ticketing)
- Construction started 2004, opened 2010 (Skyscraper Center)
What’s unclear
- Exact owner of the 100th floor (reportedly an Indian billionaire, but not confirmed)
- Whether Tom Cruise owns an apartment (he stayed during filming, no purchase record)
- Precise total cost breakdown beyond $1.5 billion
- Detailed occupancy rate for residential floors
- Specific reason for not occupying floors above 160 beyond mechanical needs
Key Perspectives
“The Burj Khalifa’s design was inspired by Islamic architecture, specifically the spiral minarets. The Y-shaped floor plan maximizes views of the Arabian Gulf.”
— Adrian Smith, architect (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), as quoted in Burj Khalifa structure page
“At the Top Burj Khalifa offers an unforgettable experience, with timed-entry tickets ensuring a smooth visit. The 148th floor is the highest observation deck in the world.”
— At the Top Burj Khalifa official ticketing
“In 2012, offices in the Burj Khalifa stood empty while tourists were paying to visit the tower. The building’s commercial success has been mixed.”
— BBC News, 2012 report
The Burj Khalifa is a monument to engineering ambition, but its economics tell a more nuanced story. For Dubai’s tourism sector, the building remains a powerful draw—over 1.5 million visitors annually. For real estate investors, the lesson is clear: supertall buildings are expensive to build and maintain, and the prime spaces are often not at the very top. The building’s crown is a machine, not a luxury suite, and that trade-off is central to its design.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Burj Khalifa?
Sunset (around 5:00–6:00 PM depending on the season) offers the best views of the city transitioning from day to night. Book at least a week in advance for sunset slots.
How many elevators are there in Burj Khalifa?
There are 57 elevators and 8 escalators. The double-deck observation elevators travel at 10 m/s, reaching the 124th floor in about 60 seconds.
Can I go to the top floor of Burj Khalifa?
No. The top floors (160–163) are mechanical and not open to the public. The highest public access is the 148th floor observation deck.
Is Burj Khalifa worth visiting?
Yes, if you enjoy panoramic city views and architectural marvels. The 124th floor ticket is reasonably priced, and the experience is well-organized.
How far in advance should I book tickets for Burj Khalifa?
At least 2–3 days in advance, and up to 2 weeks for sunset slots. Online booking is essential to avoid sold-out time slots.
What are the dining options in Burj Khalifa?
At.mosphere on floor 122 offers fine dining. The café on the 124th floor provides light snacks and beverages. The Armani Hotel’s restaurants are also on the lower floors.
Are there any special events or shows at Burj Khalifa?
Yes, the Dubai Fountain show takes place outside the tower every evening. The tower also hosts special light shows during holidays and events.
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Pulse, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.