The Burj Dubai/Khalifa

Last week, 4 January 2010, the Burj was finally opened, making it officially the world's tallest skyscraper. Dubai put on its “let's show the world that we can put a good show” gloves, and staged a grand opening ceremony. The ceremony, which can be watched here, included vast amounts of fireworks being let off from the building itself, from top to bottom, a huge sound and lights show, and an accompanying, co-ordinated water show from the Dubai Fountain which lies in front of the building.

At the ceremony the Burj Dubai was newly renamed Burj Khalifa, presumably after the current President of the UAE and Emir of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The building has broken a large number of records, including, at 823m, the tallest man-made structure ever built. It trumped all previous record holders of various categories (tallest skyscraper, tallest structure, tallest freestanding structure) by over 200m. It is 160 storeys high. It also holds other stranger records such as world’s fastest elevators, and both the world’s highest mosque and swimming pool.

It is quite something driving into Dubai and seeing this futuristic building looming over absolutely everything, including buildings much taller than any in South Africa. We can’t wait to get up to the top as soon as we have the chance. (Hopefully it will be open for tourism while Virginia’s mom is here!!)

Just after it was built, this guy took a camera to the very top and made a video looking down from the top. It's worth a look, especially if you've ever been to Dubai.

*pics courtesy of wikipedia