Khaleej Times

A few days after its first anniversary, the Burj Khalifa, is inspiring a similar structure in China. The People’s Daily, in a report on Thursday, said the proposed $1.3 billion tower (the Burj cost an estimated $1.5 billion to build) would come up in Mentougou district of the capital and would house a seven-star hotel.

The Burj Khalifa show was divided into four acts symbolizing the festive and vibrant atmosphere of DSF and of Dubai itself. The event’s unique water screen projection displayed images of the past and new Dubai in a back drop of light that matched the music beat and the rhythm of performers. Thousands of families thronged to this area to witness the performances. The water fountain came alive with lively music melodies at the event and a spectacular firework display lit the Burj Khalifa sky.

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.

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.

Getting a view from the world’s highest observatory deck will now cost one quarter more, Khaleej Times has learnt. Burj Khalifa’s viewing deck At the Top has increased the ticket prices for early purchase dated and timed general admission for adults from Dh100 to Dh125 and for children (aged between four and 12) from Dh75 to Dh95.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday praised the level of preparations and the persistent efforts of the Higher Committee to Host the World Expo 2020 and expressed confidence in their ability to make this national quest a reality.

Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, announced that customers applying for personal or priority banking products or services at any of the four Emirates NBD branches in the Burj Khalifa area, will have several opportunities to win a ‘stay for two’ at the Jal Fujairah Resort and Spa, located on the east coast of the UAE.

Polish unicyclist Krystian Herba, the new world record holder of Stairs Climbing By Bicycle, hopes to conquer Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower measuring 828 metres, next year. “After going to Burj Khalifa today, I have this desire to climb it as soon as I get more information about it,” Kyrstian said.

At The Top, the world’s highest observation deck housed on the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa, has been temporarily closed for “maintenance and upgrade,” it was announced on Sunday. “Due to unexpected high traffic, the observation deck experience at the Burj Khalifa, At The Top, has been temporarily closed for maintenance and upgrade. Technical issues with the power supply are being worked on by the main and sub-contractors and the public will be informed upon completion,” a Burj Khalifa spokesperson said in a statement.

A new mosque covering an area of 40,000 square feet is being built in Downtown Dubai, near The Old Town development. The mosque will be set in an immaculately landscaped area that will complement the design elegance of The Old Town. The mosque will be designed to reflect the rich traditional architectural heritage while serving as a haven of peace and serenity and is set to become a modern day cultural landmark for Dubai.