Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, and the second largest. Favorable financial and economic conditions have made Dubai what it is today. The recent global recession has had an adverse impact on the development of Dubai but that is not going to stop the development of Dubai. The city is a tourist paradise and you will find that visitors come to Dubai for a number of reasons – some come here for a holiday, some come here for trade and business, while others come here just for shopping. There is a magic here in Dubai that attracts everyone from all corners of the world.
When visitors come to Dubai, the first major attraction that they find here is the tallest building in the world – the Burj Khalifa. It is incredible to see such tall skyscrapers grace the skies of Dubai where a few decades there was sand everywhere. The 828 m tall skyscraper boasts of a few unique things. You will find the world’s highest restaurant within this building just as you will find the world’s highest mosque and swimming pool. The Burj Al Arab which was the earlier landmark in Dubai has been replaced by the Burj Khalifa. The architect of the Burj Khalifa is Adrian Smith of Chicago who has designed other impressive structures, while the project design and structural engineering has been handled by one of the world’s leading architects and designers – Skidmore, Owings, & Merill LLP (SOM) who used extreme cutting edge technology to design the structure. The magnificent structure is a classic example of global collaboration of the East and the West.
The Burj Khalifa is located very scenically in the middle of The Park which is an oasis at the foot of the massive structure. The Park features various kinds of water features including the famous Dubai Fountain. You will find lush lawns and beautiful green gardens while the walkways have palm trees along their sides. The Burj Khalifa which is a mix of commercial and residential space consists of offices, apartments, restaurants, and the famous Armani Hotel. The building is well provided with all the best amenities and facilities such as the residents’ lounge, an elite cigar club, and gyms to look after the physical fitness of the residents. You have an observation platform at level 124 and elevators with top speeds can take you there in less than a minute. Step on to the observation deck and take a view of Dubai City from this height. In the distance you can see the shining blue waters of the Persian Gulf alongside the golden beaches.
One of the must-visit places is the lounge and grill restaurant called At.mosphere which is located at a height of 442 meters on the 122nd floor. You can find gourmet cuisine from all over the world such as chestnut and pheasant soup, free-range Australian salt brush lamb, grilled Maine lobster, and the gianduja chocolate mousse.