Burj Khalifa Spiderman : Finally, there was nothing more to climb, says Spiderman

“Finally, there was nothing more to climb. I was on top of the world,” said Alain Robert describing his feelings after completing his six hour-long climb to the top of the Burj Khalifa.


Finally, there was nothing more to climb, says Spiderman

Spiderman conquers Burj Khalifa - completes 828m climb by midnight

Spiderman conquers Burj Khalifa - completes 828m climb by midnight

Alain Robert says he is not done with Dubai yet as Burj Al Arab is next on his list


Spiderman conquers Burj Khalifa - completes 828m climb by midnight

'Spider-Man' prepares to climb Burj Khalifa - The National

'Spider-Man' prepares to climb Burj Khalifa - The National

'Spider-Man' prepares to climb Burj Khalifa

French climber Alain Robert, also known known as the French Spiderman, in front of Burj Khalifa, which he plans to climb.

I want to be on top of the world - National News , Burj Khalifa

A seven-year-old boy who is dying from a brain tumour is set to fulfil his last wish by travelling from America to Dubai to visit the Burj Khalifa.

Noah Larkin has been infatuated with the world’s tallest building since he can remember and is determined to go up the 828m structure so he can feel “on top of the world”. His mother Amber said: “When he was four he wanted to research the tallest building in the world and his love for Dubai was born. We watched the construction of the Burj Khalifa tower on the internet. Every week we would look for new YouTube postings,” she said.

“We watched every ‘How it’s Made’ show we could. He saw the host of one going to the top, and said, ‘That’s where I need to be - the top of the world!’”

Amber added: “As we watched and researched, he not only wanted to know about the building but all of Dubai as well. ‘Mum, do you know that they have amazing architecture!’

I want to be on top of the world - National News

World’s highest fireworks at Burj Khalifa welcome New Year

World’s highest fireworks at Burj Khalifa welcome New Year

• A spectacular showcase of laser, lights and fireworks positions Burj Khalifa New Year Gala among world’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations

Dubai, UAE; January 1, 2011: Dubai welcomed the New Year with an unprecedented spectacle – the world’s highest fireworks at Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building by Emaar Properties.

The 828 metres (2,716.5 ft) high Burj Khalifa was the centre of attention for a global audience as it marked New Year’s Eve with a spectacular laser-lights-fireworks show, telecast live to over 2 billion people around the world.

Close to half a million Dubai residents and visitors witnessed the New Year’s Eve Gala from Burj Park, an island set on The Burj Lake opposite Burj Khalifa, and from several other vantage points across Downtown Dubai.

The celebration, which also marked the first anniversary of the grand inauguration of Burj Khalifa, enveloped the whole of Downtown Dubai, the 500-acre mega development, which is anchored by the tower. The community was a sea of humanity, as people arrived to witness the spectacle several hours in advance.

Described as ‘The Centre of Now,’ for its diverse showcase of high-end lifestyle destinations including malls, hotels, homes and offices, Downtown Dubai created a stunning spectacle with lights and fog effects.

To mark the New Year’s Eve Gala, The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain overlooking Burj Khalifa, also hosted a special fire-water-music show, where fire elements and water sprouts were seamlessly integrated for the first time in the region.

Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “The New Year’s Eve Gala at Burj Khalifa has positioned Dubai as the must-visit destination to celebrate new beginnings. The show easily qualified as of the finest spectacles anywhere in the world, and we are confident that in the coming years, Dubai will be the place that visitors from across the world will choose to celebrate the New Year.”

In addition to the fireworks spectacle, set to the melody of a specially composed music, there were display screens across Downtown Dubai for visitors to enjoy live telecasts of New Year’s Eve celebrations from different parts of the world.

Visitors were also entertained with the after-party held at At the Top, Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest observation deck with an outdoor terrace – most recently voted as ‘Best Tourist Attraction at the Best in Dubai’ event. Guests attending the At the Top party had the privilege of celebrating the first day of the New Year taking in magnificent views of the city at night.

A fully-established community with world-class homes, commercial space and the world’s first Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa is now ‘A Living Wonder.’ It anchors Downtown Dubai, the most definitive lifestyle development in the city, which also features two malls - The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, and Souk Al Bahar.

The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping center with 1,200 retail stores including 160 F&B outlets, and features Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo; the Middle East’s first and only SEGA Republic; a dedicated children’s edutainment centre KidZania®; an Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink and Dubai’s largest megaplex, Reel Cinemas.

In addition to homes and offices, Downtown Dubai features six world-class hotels – Armani Hotel Dubai; The Address Downtown Dubai; The Address Dubai Mall; The Palace - The Old Town; and Al Manzil and Qamardeen at The Old Town. Emaar Boulevard, a 3.5 km boulevard, is another attraction at Downtown Dubai and hosts several lifestyle activities.

Photo Caption:
The world’s highest fireworks held at Burj Khalifa, Dubai by Emaar Properties to mark the New Year.

This New Year, Celebrate In Style At Level 124 Of Burj Khalifa

This New Year, Celebrate In Style At Level 124 Of Burj Khalifa

• At the Top, Burj Khalifa to host New Year’s Eve after-party
• Only 350 exclusive tickets available for the party
• Celebrations follow spectacular fireworks to ring in the New Year
• Arabic fusion band adds to the buzz of the event at the world’s tallest observation deck with an outdoor terrace

Dubai, UAE; December 28, 2010: When the spectacular firework display to ring in the New Year is over at Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, head straight for Dubai’s one of its kind New Year’s Eve after party at the most unique destination – At the Top, Burj Khalifa.

The world’s highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace is opening doors to an inimitable party experience – ‘Celebrate in Style’ - where guests can enjoy the first day of 2011 taking in unparalleled views of the city glittering in the sweeping spectacle of a million lights.

At the Top, Burj Khalifa’s New Year’s Eve after-party will be marked by a celebration of music, with an Arabic fusion band regaling the guests. Food and non-alcoholic beverages from The Address Dubai Mall will be served over the two-hour party from 1 am to 3 am. The ‘Celebrate in Style’ party will host up to 350 guests with the entry priced at AED550. The tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Counter, located in the Dubai Mall.

Mr Issam Galadari, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Properties – Dubai Operations, said: “Celebrate in Style is a perfect complement to the spectacular fireworks that will mark the beginning of the New Year at Burj Khalifa. For the first time, we are opening doors to guests for the unique opportunity of viewing the panoramic vista of the city on the first day of 2011. A get-together At the Top, Burj Khalifa will be a perfect occasion for friends and family to get together and celebrate the joy of new beginnings.”

Guests to the party also stand the chance to win an array of prizes through raffle draws. The prizes include a stay at Qamardeen Hotel for two people inclusive of breakfast and dinner at Esca restaurant; two dinner prizes for two people at Asado, the Argentinean grill at The Palace – The Old Town; two ‘One Desert Journey Spa Treatments’ at The Spa of The Palace – The Old Town; and six VIP ‘Immediate Entry’ passes to tour At the Top, Burj Khalifa, again.

While Burj Khalifa was honoured with the ‘Global Icon’ status by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) recently, an honour bestowed for tall structures only once in 10 to 15 years, At the Top, Burj Khalifa was most recently voted as the ‘Best Tourist Attraction’ at the ‘Best in Dubai’ awards.

The entrance to the At the Top experience is at The Dubai Mall’s Lower Ground level. The ascent to the 124th floor is by a double-deck elevator, each deck carrying up to 14 people and travelling at an amazing 10 metres per second.

A fully-established lifestyle community with world-class homes, office space and the world’s first Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, 828 metres (2,716.5 ft) high is at the heart of Downtown Dubai, the 500-acre mega development by Emaar Properties, described as ‘The Centre of Now.’ The most definitive lifestyle development in the city, Downtown Dubai features two malls – The Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar.

In addition to homes and offices, Downtown Dubai also features six world-class hotels – Armani Hotel Dubai; The Address Downtown Dubai; The Address Dubai Mall; The Palace - The Old Town; and Al Manzil and Qamardeen at The Old Town. Emaar Boulevard, a 3.5 km boulevard, hosts several lifestyle activities.

About Burj Khalifa:
A mixed-use tower featuring the world’s first Armani Hotel Dubai and Armani Residences, alongside corporate suites, residences, retail and leisure facilities, Burj Khalifa is at the centre of Downtown Dubai, a 500-acre mega-development by Emaar Properties. Among an array of lifestyle amenities, the tower has a public observation deck - At the Top - on level 124.
Described as ‘The Centre of Now,’ Downtown Dubai encompasses The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations; several hotels; offices and homes. A stellar attraction within the community is The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain.
At 828 metres (2,716.5 ft) high, Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest structure surpassing the KVLY-TV mast (628.8 metres; 2,063 ft) in North Dakota, USA. The tower is taller than Taipei 101 in Taiwan, which at 508 metres (1,667 ft) has held the tallest-building-in-the-world title since it opened in 2004. Burj Khalifa also surpassed the 31-year-old record of CN Tower, which at 553.33 metres (1,815.5 ft) has been the world’s tallest free-standing structure on land since 1976.
Designed by Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), Burj Khalifa is constructed by high-rise experts South Korea’s Samsung Corporation. New York-based Turner Construction International is the project and construction manager. The tower employs the latest in wind engineering, structural engineering, structural systems, construction materials and construction methods.

Set your date with Dubai for the Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve Gala

Set your date with Dubai for the Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve Gala

• Glittering fireworks, laser displays and fountain feats ring in the New Year
• An unprecedented spectacle to be unveiled at Downtown Dubai, the ‘Centre of Now’
• The world’s tallest fireworks display set in a surreal ambience
• Free entry for the public at Burj Park, overlooking Burj Khalifa

Dubai, UAE; December 27, 2010: This New Year’s Eve, the place to be in is Dubai, as the city’s ‘Global Icon,’ Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building by Emaar Properties – rings in 2011 with an unprecedented spectacular that will elevate the city to the league of the world’s most sought-after destinations for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

In the proud tradition of the gala celebrations marked around iconic structures such as the Sydney Opera House, Paris Eiffel Tower and at New York Times Square, Dubai is welcoming the world with the Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve Gala.

Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, said: “The Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve gala is our tribute to the celebratory spirit of Dubai, home to over 200 nationalities, and a truly global city. The celebrations will put the international spotlight on the city, and drive the destination as the must-visit place for New Year’s Eve celebrations.”

Also marking the first anniversary of Burj Khalifa, which soars high at 828 metres (2,716.5 ft), the New Year’s Eve Gala has a mystique theme that encompasses the entire Downtown Dubai community, the 500-acre mega development by Emaar, described as ‘The Centre of Now.’

At the heart of the flourishing lifestyle community is Burj Khalifa, which will usher in the New Year with a colourful countdown followed by a laser-fireworks-lights spectacle. Flagging off the celebrations is a fire-water performance of The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain overlooking Burj Khalifa.

The Dubai Fountain will sway to the rhythm of world music, with fire flames and water jets in harmonious flutter, creating a spellbinding effect on viewers. As the countdown for the New Year begins, the Downtown Dubai community will be enveloped with lights and lasers effects.

Large television panels will display the countdown, and the New Year will be ushered in with a dazzling fireworks-laser-lights display atop Burj Khalifa – marking it as the world’s highest fireworks celebration for the New Year.

Music, specially composed for the event, will add to the surreal ambience, offering spectators a never-before-experienced New Year’s Eve gala. The celebration will continue for another hour with The Dubai Fountain performing continuously to a range of world and Arabic music.

Party lovers can continue the celebration by heading to At the Top, Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest observation deck with an outdoor terrace, where they can enjoy panoramic night views of the city and beyond.

The Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve gala is open for the public, who can enjoy the celebrations from Burj Park, an island overlooking Burj Khalifa, and set on the Burj Lake. They can also view the sparkling extravaganza from the Waterfront Promenade lining the adjacent Dubai Mall.

The celebrations for New Year’s Eve will start way ahead with the television screens, erected in strategic locations, also relaying the New Year’s Eve celebrations from around the world.

While Burj Khalifa was honoured with the ‘Global Icon’ status by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) recently, an honour bestowed for tall structures only once in 10 to 15 years, At the Top, Burj Khalifa was most recently voted as the ‘Best Tourist Attraction’ at the ‘Best in Dubai’ awards.

A fully-established community with world-class homes, commercial space and the world’s first Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa is now ‘A Living Wonder.’ It anchors Downtown Dubai, the most definitive lifestyle development in the city, which also features two malls - The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, and Souk Al Bahar.

The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping center with 1,200 retail stores including 160 F&B outlets, and features Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo; the Middle East’s first and only SEGA Republic; a dedicated children’s edutainment centre KidZania®; an Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink and Dubai’s largest megaplex, Reel Cinemas.

In addition to homes and offices, Downtown Dubai features six world-class hotels – Armani Hotel Dubai; The Address Downtown Dubai; The Address Dubai Mall; The Palace - The Old Town; and Al Manzil and Qamardeen at The Old Town. Emaar Boulevard, a 3.5 km boulevard, is another attraction at Downtown Dubai and hosts several lifestyle activities.

About Burj Khalifa:
A mixed-use tower featuring the world’s first Armani Hotel Dubai and Armani Residences, alongside corporate suites, residences, retail and leisure facilities, Burj Khalifa is at the centre of Downtown Dubai, a 500-acre mega-development by Emaar Properties. Among an array of lifestyle amenities, the tower has a public observation deck - At the Top - on level 124.
Described as ‘The Centre of Now,’ Downtown Dubai encompasses The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations; several hotels; offices and homes. A stellar attraction within the community is The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain.
At 828 metres (2,716.5 ft) high, Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest structure surpassing the KVLY-TV mast (628.8 metres; 2,063 ft) in North Dakota, USA. The tower is taller than Taipei 101 in Taiwan, which at 508 metres (1,667 ft) has held the tallest-building-in-the-world title since it opened in 2004. Burj Khalifa also surpassed the 31-year-old record of CN Tower, which at 553.33 metres (1,815.5 ft) has been the world’s tallest free-standing structure on land since 1976.
Designed by Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), Burj Khalifa is constructed by high-rise experts South Korea’s Samsung Corporation. New York-based Turner Construction International is the project and construction manager. The tower employs the latest in wind engineering, structural engineering, structural systems, construction materials and construction methods.

DTCM to hold series of events at Burj Khalifa observation deck to mark country’s 39th National Day

DTCM to hold series of events at Burj Khalifa observation deck to mark country’s 39th National Day

November 30, 2010

Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has chosen to launch its activities to mark the UAE’s 39th National Day from the Top observation deck of Burj Khalifa. DTCM’s commemorative activities will be held on December 1 and 2, 2010.
“For the third year in a row DTCM is organising events to mark the country’s National Day, in line with the directives of Dubai Government that all government departments should coordinate to organise National Day celebrations. DTCM in particular has been focused on preparing an innovative and exciting events program each year for UAE nationals, residents and visitors,” said Nasser Juma, Head of Organising Committee for National Day Events and Activities.

“From the moment we started preparing the agenda for this year’s National Day festivities, we had plans of having events on top of Burj Khalifa. Accordingly we contacted the management of the tower and they readily welcomed the idea and agreed to extend their total support to DTCM to make this event a reality and offer something new and exciting to the public,” he added.

Nasser Juma also pointed out that the commemorative program covers a wide variety of activities that will also involve active participation from the public. This year’s event agenda includes a presentation about UAE’s culture and Arab hospitality depicted through mockup traditional houses, and also traditional furniture, clothes and jewellery. There will also be a dedicated calligraphy corner.

“Other events include a number of activities in Jumeirah Beach Residence (The Walk), where DTCM will be holding National Day celebrations for the second year running. Last year's celebration featured a miniature traditional village in which details of UAE’s history and past lifestyle were depicted. Various competitions and activities were also held on the sidelines which were appreciated by the public,” added Juma.
“This year we decided to repeat The Walk experience but in a different way. We will have the mockup traditional houses displayed along The Walk, in addition to Yola dances and national dance performances. Also, visitors can enjoy henna painting and calligraphy, while there will also be a "Ask about my Cultural Heritage" event where visitors can find out more about the country’s culture and traditions, both in Arabic and English,” he explained.

DTCM’s Aisha Mohammed Bin Tayeb further pointed out that as part of the celebrations DTCM is supporting families under the Dubai Women's Association National day program, held recently in cooperation with Hoor Center for Girls.

“We coordinated with the management of Burj Khalifa to ensure that all our events turn out as planned. All the activities being held at Burj Khalifa will complement the public perception of the tower and will befit its status as the world’s tallest building, which also offers panoramic views of Dubai,” added Bin Tayeb.

Sabiha Majid Al Youha, Committee Member said that at Burj Khalifa the public may enjoy the fastest elevators in the world, use special telescopes, get a bird’s eye view of Sheikh Zayed road from the observation deck, take great photos and buy souvenirs for friends and family.

Ticket prices for entry to the observation deck at Burj Khalifa are AED 100 for adults, AED 75 for children aged 4-12 years, while infants and children below four get free entry. Official opening hours of the tower are 10 am – 10 pm Sunday to Wednesday, and 10 am to 12 am Thursday to Saturday. There is ample parking available for visitors, and there are adequate facilities for people with special needs.

RTA female staff explore sky high views from Burj Khalifa

RTA female staff explore sky high views from Burj Khalifa

Roads & Transport Authority – Nashwan Atta’ee:

The Women Committee, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has recently held a unique entertainment tour for as many as 120 RTA female employees and wives of RTA employees, to the top of Burj Khalifa during which they enjoyed a thrilling sky-high view of the Dubai City from the tallest man-made structure in the planet.

Commenting on the visit, Dr. Aysha Al Busmait, Chairwomen of RTA Women Committee, said: “Through its members & ambassadors in various agencies, RTA Women Committee has proved once again its ability to take the initiative and organize distinguished events far from contrasting opinions and controversial issues despite the large number of participants involved in this event; thus succeeded in boosting some core values and concepts campaigned by the RTA. The group travelled from Al Rashidiya Metro Station on board the Dubai Metro and came back to RTA premises on board public transport buses”.

The tour, which will remain live in the memories of all participants, included taking a lunch high in the sky, attending water shows, a tour of the tower and taking memorable photos. The event was also a good communication and orientation platform for RTA female staff and wives of RTA employees who meet for the first time under the umbrella of the Women Committee.

Emaar Properties records 122 per cent growth in half-year net operating profits to AED 1,656 million (US$ 451 million)

Emaar Properties records 122 per cent growth in half-year net operating profits to AED 1,656 million (US$ 451 million)

• Half-year 2010 revenue increases 59 per cent to AED 5.538 billion (US$ 1.508 billion)
• Second-quarter net operating profit is AED 896 million (US$ 244 million) and revenue is AED 2,652 million (US$ 722 million)
• Highlight of the quarter is opening of Armani Hotel Dubai, setting new standards in global hospitality


Dubai, UAE; July 22, 2010: Marking significant gains in the company’s comparative financial performance over year 2009, Emaar Properties PJSC recorded half-year 2010 net operating profits of AED 1,656 million (US$ 451 million).

This corresponds to a 122 per cent growth over the half-year 2009 results, underscoring the effectiveness of Emaar’s strategy to focus on its core competency of value creation by building premium real estate master-developments in key geographic markets.

The revenue for the first six months of the year was AED 5.538 billion (US$ 1.508 billion), recording a growth of 59 per cent over half-year 2009 revenue of AED 3.481 billion (US$ 948 million).

Net operating profit for the second quarter ended 30 June, 2010 was AED 896 million (US$ 244 million), 18 per cent higher than the first-quarter 2010 net operating profit of AED 760 million (US$ 207 million). The net profit subsequent to considering the non business charges for the quarter is AED 802 million (US$ 218 million), a 6 per cent increase over the first quarter of the year.

Revenue for the second quarter recorded a growth of 37 per cent over second quarter 2009 revenue of AED 1.940 billion (US$ 528 million).

The highlight of second quarter 2010 was the opening of the world’s first Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. In addition, the handover of units in Burj Khalifa started during the quarter with approximately 24 per cent handed over until June end.

In the process of implementing the strategy of concentrating on its core business, Emaar transferred the Hamptons International business in the UK, Europe and Asia to Countrywide at a consideration, which was similar to the purchase value of the business (in Sterling terms) it acquired in 2006. In addition, the Hamptons agency’s business in Middle East and North Africa was retained by Emaar to support its key geographic markets. The company also decided to transfer the management of Emaar Education’s schools in the UAE to Innoventures Educational Investments, a Dubai based premium education provider.

Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “Over the past months, Emaar has undertaken a series of strategic initiatives to focus on value creation for our stakeholders. Our emphasis now is on strengthening our core competency of developing premium real estate projects, and building on our assets in promising emerging markets. This concerted approach has resulted in further strengthening our financial fundamentals, despite the challenges of the global financial climate.”

Mr Alabbar said that Emaar’s revenue model has effectively diversified with an increasing share from the rental & hospitality operations over the past year, a trend reflected in the half-year 2010 results.

“This is in line with our growth strategy, outlined in 2007, to further expand our revenue streams through strategic investments in key international markets as well as new business streams including shopping malls & retail and hospitality,” he explained.

Out of the 2009 full year’s revenue of AED 8.413 billion (US$2.290 billion), 25.8 per cent were from leasing and hospitality operations, and 8 per cent from international operations, compared to 90 per cent of the revenue coming only from Dubai property development in 2008.

Emaar has handed over homes in its master-planned communities in Turkey and Pakistan, and the company is currently on schedule with the completion and hand-over of landmark projects in India, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and Syria over next 12 months. These markets are expected to contribute further to the revenue stream of the company.

Mr Alabbar said: “Our growth outlook is guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who underscored the need for companies to evolve strategies that meet the realities of the new world. We will remain committed to building new revenue resources and realizing the full value of our assets by embracing change and tapping growth opportunities.”

About Emaar Properties PJSC:
Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer with a significant presence in key markets world-wide. Besides building residential and commercial properties, the company also has proven competencies in shopping malls & retail, hospitality & leisure, healthcare and financial services sectors.

Emaar inaugurated Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building and free-standing structure, and has opened The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination.

In Saudi Arabia, Emaar is developing King Abdullah Economic City, the region's largest private sector-led project in Saudi Arabia, featuring a Sea Port, Central Business District, Industrial Zone, Educational Zone, Residential Communities and Resort District.

Emaar has joined hands with Giorgio Armani to strengthen its presence in hospitality. For more information, visit www.emaar.com.