At 828 metres tall, the Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building — and one of the most visited attractions on the planet. From its observation decks, you can see the full sweep of Dubai's extraordinary skyline, the desert stretching to the horizon, and on clear days, the distant shimmer of the Arabian Gulf. This guide tells you everything you need to plan a perfect visit.
The Burj Khalifa in Numbers
Before you visit, a few staggering facts that put the structure in perspective:
- Height: 828 metres (2,717 feet)
- Floors: 163 habitable floors
- Observation decks: Level 124 (At the Top), Level 125, and Level 148 (At the Top SKY)
- Elevators: Travel at 10 metres per second — Level 124 in under 60 seconds
- Built: Completed in January 2010 after 6 years of construction
The Observation Decks Explained
Level 124 — At the Top (Most Popular)
The main observation deck sits at 452 metres. It has both indoor and outdoor sections, interactive telescopes, and excellent 360° views across Downtown Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah, and beyond. This is the best option for most first-time visitors and the most affordable ticket tier.
Level 125 — At the Top (Upper Terrace)
Accessed from Level 124, the upper terrace offers a slightly more elevated perspective and is less crowded than the main deck. Included with Level 124 tickets at no extra cost.
Level 148 — At the Top SKY (Premium Experience)
At 555 metres, Level 148 is the world's highest observation deck. It is a more intimate, premium experience with fewer visitors, a lounge with refreshments, and telescopes with live camera feeds. The views are incomparable — but so is the price. Highly recommended for special occasions.
Buying Your Tickets
Tickets are purchased via the official At the Top website or through licensed tour operators like MyDubaiSafarii. Key points:
- Non-prime vs. prime: Prime time slots (sunset, evening) cost significantly more than daytime visits
- Online vs. walk-in: Booking online saves at least 20–30% and guarantees entry at your chosen time
- Combination tickets: Some packages include access to the Dubai Fountain boardwalk or an outdoor terrace meal
Our Burj Khalifa at the Top experience includes skip-the-line access and a knowledgeable guide to give you full context on what you're seeing.
What to See From the Top
On a clear day, the panoramic view from Level 124 includes:
- Downtown Dubai — The Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, and the surrounding forest of skyscrapers directly below
- Palm Jumeirah — The iconic palm-shaped island is perfectly visible to the north-west
- Dubai Creek & Old Dubai — The historic creek and low-rise old city contrast sharply with the new
- The Desert — To the south and east, the dunes begin just beyond the suburbs — the same dunes our desert safari guests explore each evening
- The Arabian Gulf — On clear days (best in winter), the Gulf glitters on the horizon to the west
The Dubai Fountain — Free Show Below
After descending from the Burj Khalifa, walk the 250-metre boardwalk around the Dubai Fountain base. Shows run every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11 pm and at 1 pm and 1:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The fountain jets reach 150 metres high — taller than the Eiffel Tower's second floor — and are set to a changing programme of classical and Arabic music. It's free, spectacular, and not to be missed.
Combining the Burj Khalifa with a City Tour
The Burj Khalifa sits at the heart of Downtown Dubai, making it a natural centrepiece for a broader city exploration. Our Dubai City Tour visits the Burj Khalifa alongside Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the Gold Souk, Jumeirah Mosque, and the Palm Jumeirah — giving you the full sweep of Dubai's history and modernity in a single expertly guided day.
Practical Tips
- Arrive 15 minutes early for your booked slot — the queue for security and elevator boarding can add time
- Photography: The glass is clean and polished for photography; no polarising filters needed indoors, but they help on the outdoor terrace
- Dress code: Smart casual is expected; no beachwear
- Accessibility: The Burj Khalifa is fully wheelchair accessible with priority elevators
Want skip-the-line access and an expert guide to make every view meaningful? Book your Burj Khalifa At the Top experience with MyDubaiSafarii and see Dubai's skyline the way it was meant to be seen.
