The Burj Khalifa was already finished the first time I was in Dubai. For the past 16 years it's been the tallest building in the world, easily surpassing Taipei 101, the previous tallest building, (see our 2016 trip to Taiwan). But on that earlier visit to Dubai, the top of the Burj was shrouded in clouds. So, I resolved that, if it was clear, next time I would experience the one thing that one can only do in Dubai.
Very tall buildings, are principally vanity engineering projects, icons, with little practical justification. For me, their construction is always interesting but otherwise, just ticks on my bucket list: Taipei, New York, Chicago, Shanghai and older tall things: Paris, Tokyo, Seattle etc.
Apart from the ever-present air pollution, there was not a cloud in the sky. So, this was it. Probably the only chance I would ever get. Wendy was not interested.
I looked at the prices. For around 200 dirham I could go to a lower indoors viewing window (higher that Taipei 101 but pointless for my bucket list), doubling the cost would get me up another 23 levels (still no tick) but for a nearly four-fold cost I could go all the way to level 154 and go out on the open-air viewing platform on level153. As the publicity says: "The Ultimate Burj Khalifa experience with access to all levels and experiences. Enjoy VIP luxury at the world’s highest lounge, a Guinness World Record holder at 585 meters. Skip the lines with priority access and enjoy exclusive privileges. Sip bubbly or house beverages with gourmet canapés, while multilingual guides provide an insightful tour. Relax in a sleek, modern setting with breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai. Avoid the crowd and enjoy the best views of Dubai in style."
If you're going to do it at all, do it properly, I told myself, as I took out my credit card. Around $300 AUD - with several drinks and a light meal, not too bad, I reasoned.
There are more of my photos in the album - see below
It is quite spectacular. Let's hope that Iran doesn't see it as their next target.