NEWS

When a massive bolt of lightning hits the world’s tallest skyscraper, the results are sure to be electrifying...

For the less adventurous members of society, a trip up the Burj Khalifa would take around two minutes in the comfort of a high-speed lift. Not for Spider-man, however. Having already scaled landmark skyscrapers in Chicago and Paris without support cables, safety harnesses or nets, France’s nimble-footed “urban free solo climber” Alain Robert is now campaigning to conquer the 828-metre-high tower.

When hotels across Dubai were dropping rack rates all through the year to shore up occupancy levels, two of the hotels within Downtown Burj Khalifa more than held their own. And we can put it down to the location, not to mention the helping hand lent by proximity to the world's tallest tower.

Eight food and beverage outlets, with indoor and al fresco facilities. Spectacular views of Burj Dubai. Themed restaurants, specially trained associates and exceptional ambience A celebration of the finest flavours in cuisine awaits visitors at the eight food and beverage outlets operating within The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, the latest addition to the five-star hotel offerings in Dubai. Located at the heart of Downtown Burj Dubai, The Address,Downtown Burj Dubai is the flagship hotel by Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure subsidiary of Emaar Properties.

The observation deck on the 124th floor of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, has now become another must-do on the itineraries of most tourists visiting Dubai, and its residents. According to our poll, 31 percent of the respondents say that they are thrilled about visiting the tower’s observation deck. Another 42 percent claim that they would not attempt the experience anytime soon because of the massive crowds.

The Empire State Building. The Petronas Towers. Lincoln Cathedral. The list of those buildings that have been ranked as the tallest in the world gained a new number one on Monday this week with the official opening of the Burj Dubai, now renamed the Burj Khalifa in honour of the current president of the UAE. Five years and £2.5bn in the constructing, this 828-metre (2,717ft) skyscraper supersedes its predecessor – the Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan – by an astonishing 309 metres.

The date has been announced for the opening of the world’s first Armani Hotel in Dubai. The launch hotel from the fashion designer will finally open on March 18 within the world’s tallest building, which was recently completed in the Emirate and has now been officially named Burj Khalifa.

Jesse Downs, director of research and advisory services at Landmark Advisory says, "Lower-limit rents for high-end units in Downtown Burj have increased by 13 per cent." Meanwhile Landmark's latest report found that prices for one- and two-bedroom units in the Downtown Burj area increased by about 5 per cent (lower limit) between July and December.

What a building! What a launch! I was lucky enough to be invited to the opening of the Burj Khalifa last week and it was certainly worth making the six-hour trip from London.

The Burj Khalifa has a towering fascination with the number 8. Not only does it rise 828 metres high, but it was also officially inaugurated at 8pm on Jan 4, 2010. When the date is viewed as 01/04/2010, the digits add up to 8. Even the original sales prices ended with 888.