The National

There was still no mention of the Burj Khalifa moniker in the vicinity of the tower two days after its historic opening. Emaar Properties, which spent US$1.5 billion (Dh5.51bn) on the structure, had yet to make a statement on the name change or its implications, nor had the Roads and Transport Authority announced whether the Burj Dubai Metro station would have its name changed.

Two record-breaking Base jumpers say they would love to repeat their spectacular leap in April from the top of the Burj Khalifa.

The world’s tallest structure in chocolate, which is a replica of the Burj Khalifa, is on display from Sunday for air travellers into the UAE to marvel at inside Dubai International airport.

When the clock struck 8.30pm last night, the lights went out across the country. In the capital, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Yas Hotel and several streets were plunged into darkness. In Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and Downtown Dubai quieted their usually blazing bulbs and lasers.

The Burj Khalifa is taller than any other building on Earth, but its observation deck does not make it as World Number One. A list of the world's tallest viewing platforms puts the Burj's At the Top in third place behind the decks on two towers in China.

Cranes are set to start sprouting up in the shadows of Burj Khalifa as Damac, Emaar and other developers rush ahead with a spate of property marketing launches. Yesterday Emaar announced it would start online registration for the 120 flats in its 20-storey Burj Vista II tower on Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, close to the world's tallest tower.

Tom Cruise dangled from the top of the Burj Khalifa on Friday, as filming in Dubai for the spy thriller Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol entered its second week. The Hollywood star was sighted swinging from the world's tallest tower several times last week, and even dropped down to the 124th floor observation tower in a surprise visit to tourists.

Jones Lang LaSalle said in a report that the Expo 2020 win would likely be a catalyst to Al Maktoum International Airport, which started its passenger services in October.

There can be no doubt that the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa offers an unparalleled view of Dubai. But it comes at a price – and yesterday that price almost doubled.

Downtown, The Dubai Mall and The Address Hotel are all part of the Burj Khalifa's masterplan and are the real money makers. In an interview on American television just after it was announced that Smith had won the contract for Kingdom Tower, he explained the thinking behind such structures.