Burj Khalifa, Modern skyscraper in Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Three buttressed wings spiral upward from a central core, narrowing as they rise to form a tapering silhouette. Each wing features setbacks at intervals, creating outdoor terraces that interrupt the vertical mass. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels encase the exterior, supported by aluminum and stainless steel framework engineered to withstand temperatures exceeding 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) and sandstorms typical of the Arabian Desert.
Architect Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill began preliminary designs in 2003, with excavation starting the following year following favorable economic projections. Engineers drove 192 foundation piles more than 164 feet (50 meters) into the ground to anchor the structure in desert substrate. The project encountered difficulties during the 2008 financial crisis, prompting Abu Dhabi to provide emergency funding that kept workers on site and prevented delays.
Residences, office space and the Armani Hotel occupy a vertical complex where thousands work and live daily. The presence of this structure redefined architectural ambition across the Arabian Peninsula and set standards for tall building construction worldwide. Emirati craftsmanship and international engineering created a symbol of Dubai's shift from trading port to global metropolis, inspiring regional projects of similar scale.
The Red Line metro reaches Dubai Mall station, connected by pedestrian bridge to the entrance. Security screening precedes elevator access, and photography is allowed on all observation levels. The At.mosphere restaurant on floor 122 requires separate reservations and formal attire. Avoid visiting during summer midday hours when outdoor temperatures regularly exceed 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius), making post-visit exploration uncomfortable.
A condensation collection system harvests moisture from air conditioning units throughout the structure, recovering approximately 4 million gallons (15 million liters) annually. This recycled water supplies irrigation for landscaping around the base and reduces reliance on desalinated municipal sources. Temperature differences between floors can reach 27 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) from ground level to the spire due to atmospheric pressure changes at elevation.
Location: Dubai
Inception: 2010
Architects: Adrian Smith, Marshall Strabala, George J. Efstathiou, William F. Baker, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Official opening: January 4, 2010
Architectural style: high-tech architecture, neo-futurism
Floors above the ground: 163
Floors below the ground: 1
Elevators: 58
Height: 584.5 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Made from material: reinforced concrete, steel, aluminium, glass
Operator: Emaar Properties
Address: 1 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard دبي
Email: Info@atthetop.ae
Website: http://burjkhalifa.ae
GPS coordinates: 25.19722,55.27417
Latest update: November 30, 2025 19:43
Photo license: GFDL
Photo license: CC0
20th and 21st-century architecture has transformed city centers with structures that push engineering boundaries. Observation towers like the Seattle Space Needle and experimental residential complexes like Habitat 67 in Montreal demonstrate the evolution of construction techniques. Architects have explored new forms using materials such as steel, glass, and concrete, creating structures that meet the growing demands of metropolitan areas. This collection includes buildings that marked their time with innovative design. In Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí's Casa Milà features a wavy facade that breaks traditional norms, while in London, 30 St Mary Axe incorporates energy-saving technologies into its 180-meter structure. From Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum clad in titanium to artificial islands shaped in the Persian Gulf in Dubai, these projects illustrate the diversity of architectural approaches worldwide. Each building reflects its urban context while offering solutions to technical and functional challenges of its era.
This collection brings together skyscrapers that showcase advances in modern engineering and architecture worldwide. These structures rise above metropolises and reshape city horizons, from the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab in Dubai to the CCTV headquarters in Beijing with its two linked towers. Each building reflects a unique architectural approach and technical innovations tailored to its environment. The selection spans all continents and features buildings with various functions. The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, 452 meters high and connected by a sky bridge, stand alongside New York’s One World Trade Center, which reaches 541 meters. The Lakhta Center in Saint Petersburg is notable for its twisted glass facade, while the Torre Costanera in Santiago offers panoramic views of the Andes. Whether residential buildings like the Eureka Tower in Melbourne or commercial structures such as the Kingdom Centre in Riyadh, these constructions demonstrate how contemporary architecture shapes 21st-century cities.
This list entails the most iconic and exclusive skyscrapers across the globe including their fascinating architectural details.
A list of notable architectural structures in the United Arab Emirates that represent various styles and periods. These buildings showcase the technical expertise and design vision of contemporary as well as past architects.
These structures demonstrate engineering and architectural innovation. The locations include the world's tallest buildings, longest bridges, and fastest roller coasters. Features include the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, and Millau Viaduct in France.
The United Arab Emirates presents modern architecture and cultural sites. This selection features skyscrapers, art museums, historical forts, artificial islands, and mosques. The locations are situated in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates.
This collection brings together major technical achievements that have marked the history of modern engineering. From the Hoover Dam on the Colorado, built in 1936 to produce hydroelectric power, to the ITER nuclear fusion project in France, which represents the future of energy research, these structures exemplify human boldness and skill. Each structure serves a specific purpose: crossing natural obstacles like the Brooklyn Bridge, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn since 1883, facilitating maritime trade with the Panama Canal between the Atlantic and Pacific, or pushing height limits with the Burj Khalifa at 828 meters. These achievements are visited around the world and often offer remarkable experiences. The Eiffel Tower welcomes 7 million visitors each year who ascend to discover Paris from its 324-meter height. Shanghai's Maglev allows travel at 430 kilometers per hour thanks to magnetic levitation. The Millau Viaduct crosses the Tarn Valley at 343 meters above sea level over 2,460 meters in length. These engineering landmarks invite understanding of how industrial architecture has shaped our modern world, combining functional necessity with technical prowess that continues to fascinate visitors worldwide.
This collection brings together high rises and structures from different continents that redefine conventional building standards through their exceptional architecture. From the spiral rotation of Turning Torso in Malmö to the distinctive form of the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing, these buildings showcase innovative approaches to construction and design. The selection includes Burj Khalifa in Dubai, currently the world's tallest building at 2,717 feet (828 meters), as well as Marina Bay Sands in Singapore with its distinctive rooftop terrace. The collection also presents cultural facilities such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao by Frank Gehry with its sculptural titanium facades and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Additional examples are the Absolute World Towers in Mississauga, known as the Marilyn Monroe Towers for their twisted structure, as well as Shanghai Tower, which rises 2,073 feet (632 meters). The Guangzhou Opera House and the Helix Bridge in Singapore demonstrate the diversity of contemporary architectural solutions. Each of these structures combines technical innovation with architectural vision and shapes its city's skyline. From historic skyscrapers like the Empire State Building to modern developments like Bosco Verticale in Milan with its planted facades, this selection offers insights into the evolution of high rise construction worldwide.
A collection of architectural towers featuring unique twisted or spiral designs, showcasing innovative engineering and architectural achievements across different continents.
The Dubai Fountain
244 m
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
474 m
At the Top Burj Khalifa
505 m
Coca-Cola Arena
1.1 km
Address Downtown
608 m
The Index
1.2 km
Address Boulevard
88 m
Rolex Tower
1.4 km
21st Century Tower
1.5 km
Executive Towers
1.1 km
Chelsea Tower
1.6 km
Millennium Tower
884 m
Dusit Thani Dubai
999 m
Vision Tower
1.4 km
The Grand Boulevard Tower
369 m
Al Hekma Tower
631 m
Arabic Couple Statue together
256 m
Al Tayer Tower
1.1 km
Sky Views Dubai
590 m
One Business Bay
1.6 km
Arte Museum Dubai
620 m
KidZania
635 m
Infinity des Lumières
620 m
The Address Dubai Mall
431 m
Dubai Tower
1.2 km
SEGA Republic
652 m
The Bay Gate
1.4 km
Liberty House
1.4 kmReviews
Real people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes