Khaleej Times

Hundreds braved heat of 40°C to queue 24 hours early outside Emaar's offices for the chance to invest in a new development. By far most were labourers paid by property agents and brokerages to stand in the heat on behalf of buyers desperate not to miss out on Emaar's new off-plan project, The Address The BLVD, in Downtown Dubai.

Close behind the Burj Khalifa will be many other local and global landmarks, including the three tallest towers in the world after Burj Khalifa: CN Tower, Taipei 101 and Willis Tower would all stand in the dark from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on March 27. The only structure from the top five yet to confirm their participation is Malaysia’s twin wonder Petronas Towers.

“Using a dynamo, we can demonstrate how LED lights, like the ones used to light up the Burj Khalifa, can be lit through kinetic energy,” 13-year old Aman Mihir said as his group mate Aiman Anees placed the dynamo against a moving bicycle wheel. The one-metre high model Burj Khalifa came to life almost instantly, as did the tiny LED street lights along the replica of Shaikh Zayed Road.

The world’s tallest hotel, JW Marriott Marquis, is expected to open its doors to guests in December this year. Dubai is home to the world’s top three tallest structures — the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa; the world’s tallest residential building, Princes Tower; and, soon, the world’s tallest hotel, JW Marriott Marquis.

“My ambition for Armani Hotel Dubai — the first of a collection of Armani hotels, resorts and residences that will soon circle the world — is to celebrate comfort and style by providing the highest standards of design, hospitality and service,” he had said in anticipation of his arrival.

The start and finish for the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2012 will be in Downtown Dubai adjacent to the Burj Khalifa. The starts for the Marathon, 10km Road Race and 3km Fun Run will be from the same start gantry location just up from the Burj Khalifa outside the Pavilion. The finish area for the Marathon, 10km Road Race and 3km Fun Run will be through the same finish gantry location on the opposite side of the road from the start gantry.

The clutches and accessories too sported the crescent theme, which was more of a tribute by Armani to his special project in Dubai – the world’s first Armani Hotel.

Come Saturday (March 26) evening and every corner of the UAE including the glittering Burj Khalifa, which has peak electricity demand to light up about 500,000 bulbs of 100w each, will be shrouded in darkness except for a few essential lights as part of Earth Hour and the city’s bid against climate change.

It took an army of workers and thousands of tonnes of material to erect the world tallest tower in Dubai, but Steven J. Backman managed to replicate it single-handedly in the US.

For diners at the world's highest restaurant, due to open today in the Burj Khalifa, the bill will be as stratospheric as the setting. Patrons will be expected to spend a minimum of Dh450 (US$122.52) a head for dinner at At.mosphere Grill & Lounge on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, according to the reservations hotline. Lunch featuring an "eclectic European cuisine" will cost at least Dh300, while those who want to sit in the lounge for drinks or snacks will need to spend a minimum of Dh200 per person.