Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, had been unveiled as the world’s tallest building with an official height of 828 metres. The official ceremony drew over 400,000 people and was heralded with a show of fireworks, lasers and fountain displays.
Burj Khalifa is developed by Emaar Properties and is the world’s tallest building according to the three criteria of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat: 'Height toArchitectural Top', 'Height To Highest Occupied Floor', and 'Height To Tip'.
The tower is 320 metres taller than the now former world’s tallest building since 2004 - Taiwan’s Taipei 101 (509.2m) and 376 metres taller than Malaysia’s Petronas Twin Towers (451.9m).
Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said that the tower represented a symbol of hope to the Arab world and a shining example of human achievement.
"Thousands of people from more than 100 countries have contributed to the realisation of 'Burj Khalifa'. The tower embodies the spirit and optimism of global collaboration, and shows to the world what can be achieved when communities work in partnership," said Alabbar.
Burj Khalifa comprises luxury residences and offices, the world’s first Armani Hotel, and the world’s highest observation deck which is located on the 124th floor. It had been reported that around 90 per cent of the offices and apartments have been sold.
The observation deck is open to the public on January 5 while the handover of offices and apartments starts in February. Giorgio Armani will officially open the Armani Hotel on March 18.