Dubai Opens Tallest Structure in the World
The world’s largest structure opened in Dubai on Monday, reported CNN.
The 168-story skyscraper opened during Dubai’s economic crisis, during which it has taken a second $10 billion bail-out loan from Abu Dhabi.
The tower reaches 828 meters tall, an extra 10 meters higher than previously planned. The skyscraper is 319 meters higher than the former record holding tower, Taipei 101.
About 60,000 guests were invited to the opening of the tower.
The building began construction in 2004 during Dubai’s economic boom height and has been named the Burj Khalifa tower. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill are the Chicago-based architects who designed the building. The architects call the structure a “global icon that will serve as a model for future urban centers.”
The building is expected to enable the construction of other tall towers in the future. According to officials about 90 percent of the tower’s accommodation has been bought.
