At the Top, Burj Khalifa

Flashback to 2012.

Yes, I have been to the top of the world’s tallest building (well, actually I’ve been to the 124th floor where the observation deck is). This massive structure holds several record-breaking titles under its belt.  If the Burj Khalifa is a character in Game of Thrones, you would have to introduce it like this:

Tallest building in the world, Tallest free-standing structure in the world, Highest number of stories in the world, Highest occupied floor in the world, Highest outdoor observation deck in the world, Elevator with the longest travel distance in the world, Tallest service elevator in the world, The Burj Khalifa

Actually, this was Mr. A’s sister’s idea. I have been living in the UAE for so long that everything in superlatives no longer fascinate me. Tallest building — so what? meh. For some reason, I was not at all enthusiastic about the trip up the tallest freestanding structure in the world. What would I do there? I mean, c’mon, I’d rather have a massage than pay for the entrance fee.  So when the sister said they want to try it and insisted on us coming up with them, well, I had no other choice — right? They paid for the tickets already so how could I say no? 😀

Just a tip, buy your tickets beforehand. Purchasing your tickets at the counter would cost you an arm and a leg. Pre booked tickets costs AED 125 while over the counter tickets are for AED 400. 

Our trip was scheduled at around 6 pm, if my memory serves me right. So we just roamed around Dubai Mall and stayed outside by the Dubai Fountain while waiting. 

We went inside to the General Admission queue and patiently followed the guide. There are multi media presentations to keep you informed about Dubai and the early beginnings of The Burj Khalifa. Then we were inside the high-speed elevator that ascends 10 metres per second. I did not have time to feel sick or anything because the ride was just about a minute or so. You step in, try to get comfortable and then the doors open … surprise, you’re at the 124th floor! We probably took some time looking around at the ground floor that when we got out to the observation deck, it was already dark. 

The view was amazing. We went out to the open-air terrace to see more. If you’re scared of heights, this is not for you. We did not stay long up there coz there’s not much to see except sparkling lights across Dubai. It was amazeballs but I got tired of it after some time. Plus I have a toddler with me so I got tired easily. 

The experience is definitely something but I say it’s not cheap (especially for someone like me, LOL). You know what’s weird? While up there, I kept thinking … there were men who worked their a$$e$ off and risked their lives to make this huge structure — have they seen this view? Of course they have.. but I mean now that it’s a “tourist” thing … have they been allowed to see it? I’m sure they can’t afford to pay for the entrance fee. It’s just sad that they built this … but they can’t call it “their” work. I’m rambling again. LOL! Brain farts. 

Anyway, here are some more photos from the Top!

Thanks sis for the “libre” … haha!! BTW, the sis blogs as well. And they travel a lot. Hope she continues to write about their adventures in Switzerland. 😀

A better looking photo to cap off this post. 😀

Have you been at “At The Top”? How was your experience?