Some structures are so emblematic of their cities that they serve as their symbols. In Dubai, the 828-meter-tall Burj Khalifa stands as this iconic landmark, visible from 60 miles away. Construction of this glass-and-steel marvel began in 2004, and by its opening in 2010, it had already set numerous records, including being the tallest building and housing one of the fastest double-deck elevators.
From transforming into a massive billboard for light shows to featuring in a Mission Impossible film, here are 15 memorable moments from the Burj Khalifa’s history.
When it became an Instagram sensation
The Burj Khalifa impresses for many reasons—it’s the world’s tallest building, holds numerous records, and looks stunning in photos, especially during storms. During intense rainstorms with thunder and lightning, sparks often strike the building. Thankfully, it has a lightning protection system with 18 rods to protect against electrical storms, so no harm is done. It still looks spectacular.
2010: The grand debut
As the skyscraper gradually took shape, its unveiling on January 4, 2010, captured global attention. The world was captivated as Dubai showcased a symbol of recovery from the 2008-09 financial crisis. The tallest building on Earth had arrived.
2010: Spectacular fireworks
Each year, the New Year’s Eve celebrations at Burj Khalifa become more extravagant, with cheering crowds growing louder. This tradition started with the building’s launch. By 2023, the display featured 828 meters of fireworks, 2,500 firing directions, 287 firing positions, and 4,000 watts of lasers.
2011: Mission possible with Tom Cruise
Burj Khalifa has appeared in numerous films, but its most notable role was in 2011’s Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. Actor Tom Cruise, famous for performing his own stunts, scaled and dangled from the Burj Khalifa in a sequence that left global audiences in awe. He executed the stunt at about 1,700 feet above ground.
2011: Spiderman scales the heights
If it’s tall, it must be climbed. In 2011, Alain Robert, also known as the French Spiderman, decided to scale the building. It took him six hours to ascend the glass façade, using a rope and harness. “I understand the precautions,” he said before the climb. “This is an iconic building, and they care for both my safety and the Burj Khalifa’s integrity.”
2014: Record-breaking jump
Would you dare to jump from the world’s tallest building? French adventurers Fred Fugen and Vince Reffet accepted the challenge in 2014, performing the highest base jump from a building. The duo trained in Switzerland, jumping off Lauterbrunnen mountain, comparable in height to the Burj Khalifa, before the event organized by Skydive Dubai.
2015: Recognized for romance
Accolades continue to pour in. In 2015, Attractiontix named the tower the world’s best attraction. Its eateries, like At.mosphere, and observation deck, At the Top, were crowd-pullers. Burj Khalifa was also dubbed a top romantic spot, alongside the Eiffel Tower and Empire State Building.
2020: A unique gender reveal
An Arab YouTube influencer couple raised the bar for gender reveals. Anas and Asala Marwah revealed their second child’s gender on the Burj Khalifa, which lit up in neon for the announcement. Their 15-minute video went viral on social media. (It was a boy, if you were curious).
2020: Sheikh Hamdan’s ascent
Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, thrives on physical challenges, including scaling Burj Khalifa. Attached to its spire, 828 meters high, he captured and shared a video of his ascent with social media followers. Other celebrities who’ve reached the top include Will Smith and Mr. Beast.
2020: Gaming spotlight
Iconic landmarks are often featured in video games, and for Dubai, it’s the Burj Khalifa. In 2020, the building appeared in games like Microsoft Flight Simulator and Assassin’s Creed Origins, thanks to its impressive CGR.
2021: Emirates’ unique announcement
During the pandemic, flying restrictions dampened spirits. When the UAE was removed from the UK’s travel red list, Emirates made the announcement uniquely. A ‘cabin crew member’ (Nicole Smith-Ludvik, a skydiving instructor) stood atop the Burj Khalifa holding placards with the news. Once the shock subsided, the video went viral.
2021: Armin van Buuren’s high-altitude performance
Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren performed on the 149th floor of Burj Khalifa. Against Dubai’s glittering skyline, he played a set featuring Transmission, Futuro, and Reflexion. Performing at such heights required careful planning and safety measures; van Buuren’s 40-minute set was captured in 4k by 18 cameras.
2021: A proposal to remember
How much would you invest in a perfect proposal? Ibrahim Zoroub, 25, proposed to his girlfriend Kamilla Bakytova by renting Burj Khalifa’s lights. The building displayed ‘Kamilla, look behind you!’ She turned to find him on one knee with a ring. (She said yes.) Such a proposal costs about Dh250,000 for a three-minute display.
2022: The ring concept
In an idea straight from comic books, ZNera Space proposed a design for a five-storey ring encircling the skyscraper. Named Downtown Circle, the design would stand 550 meters (1,804 feet) above street level, with a circumference over three kilometers. It’s not reality yet, but hasn’t been dismissed either.
2024: Bollywood tribute
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is well-known in the UAE beyond his films. On his 59th birthday, Burj Khalifa displayed a birthday message and his photo. He was among the first Indian stars to have his movie trailer and birthday message showcased on the tower’s screen.
ALSO READ:
After Burj Khalifa: How did the tallest building in the world change Dubai?
‘The Burj Khalifa has aged incredibly well’: architect Adrian Smith
Burj Khalifa structural engineer Bill Baker on the groundbreaking systems that safeguard the building
