About Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa stands at 828 meters (2,717 feet) with 163 floors, holding the world record for tallest building since its 2010 opening. This engineering marvel features two observation decks: At The Top (Levels 124/125 at 452m) and At The Top SKY (Level 148 at 555m), offering 360-degree views across Dubai, the Arabian Gulf, and desert. The Y-shaped floor plan and exterior cladding help it withstand extreme desert heat and winds up to 200km/h. Pair this stop with the Dubai guide and the wider United Arab Emirates overview.
⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily (last entry 10:30 PM)
- Best time: Sunset (5-7 PM) for day-to-night transition views
- Least crowded: Early morning (9-11 AM) weekdays
- Dubai Fountain: Shows every 30 min from 6 PM, best viewed from observation deck
- Book ahead: 2-4 weeks minimum for sunset slots
💰 Costs
- At The Top (124/125): AED 149 ($40) non-prime, AED 244 ($66) prime hours
- At The Top SKY (148): AED 394 ($107) highest observation deck
- VIP experiences: AED 769+ ($209+) with lounge access
- Guided tours: AED 450-700 ($122-190) per person with fast-track
- Private guide: AED 1,500-2,500 ($408-680) up to 6 people
Book online: Official website burjkhalifa.ae for best prices. Walk-up tickets often sold out or 2-3x more expensive.
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Skip lines: Fast-track entry saves 1-2 hours during peak times
- Engineering insights: Understand construction challenges, design innovations
- Photography tips: Best angles and settings for stunning photos
- Combined tours: Often paired with Dubai Mall, Fountain show, traditional dinner
- Historical context: Learn about Dubai's transformation and Sheikh Mohammed's vision
- Timing optimization: Guides book perfect sunset slots when tickets scarce
✨ Don't Miss
- 🌅 Sunset viewing: Watch desert sun set and city lights illuminate below
- 💫 Dubai Fountain show: View choreographed water show from above
- 🔭 Telescopes: Free high-powered telescopes to see landmarks up close
- 📸 Outdoor terrace: Level 125 outdoor deck for unobstructed photography
- ☕ Level 148 lounge: SKY tickets include refreshments and comfortable seating
- 🏗️ Construction exhibits: Interactive displays explaining building process
- 🌃 Night views: City grid lights create stunning aerial perspective
📝 Practical Tips
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead: Sunset slots sell out quickly, especially weekends
- Arrive 30 min early: Security screening and elevator wait times
- Prime vs non-prime: Prime (sunset) worth the premium for magical views
- Level 148 worth it: Much less crowded than 124/125, includes lounge
- Photography: Tripods not allowed, but bring phone/camera with good low-light capability
- Visit duration: Plan 1.5-2 hours for full experience
- Combine with mall: Connected to Dubai Mall via underground walkway