Dubai is now home to the world's tallest building

ETW Staff - Mumbai

The Burj Dubai, developed by Emaar Properties, recently claimed the record for the tallest building in the world. Measuring 512.1 metres (1,680 ft), the Burj Dubai is not even finished yet, and developers say that there is still a long way to go.

The Burj Dubai is now taller than Taipei 101 in Taiwan, which at 508 metres (1,667 ft) has held the tallest-building-in-the-world title since it opened in 2004. Burj Dubai has now reached 141 storeys - more storeys than any other building in the world.

On schedule for completion in 2008, Burj Dubai will be the tallest structure in the world in all four of the criteria listed by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). The council measures height to the structural top, the highest occupied floor, to the top of the roof, and to the tip of the spire, pinnacle, antenna, mast or flag pole.

During its construction, the Burj Dubai has left behind the skyscrapers that previously defined tall tower architecture around the world, such as the Petronas Towers in Malaysia (452 metres, 1,483 ft); Sears Tower, Chicago (442 metres, 1,451 ft); Jin Mao Building, Shanghai (421 metres, 1,381 ft) and Empire State Building, New York (381 metres, 1,250 ft).

When completed, Burj Dubai will have consumed 330,000 cubic meters of concrete, 39,000 metric tons of steel rebar and 142,000 sq m of glass - and 22 million man hours. The tower will have 56 elevators travelling at 1.75 to 10 metres/sec and double-decker observatory elevators that can carry 42 people at a time.

Reflecting a no-compromise approach to safety, Burj Dubai has been designed to manage the effect of wind and seismic movements. High-strength concrete makes up the tower's super-structure, which is supported by large reinforced concrete mats and piles. The 80,000 sq ft foundation slab and 50-metre deep piling are waterproofed and feature cathodic protection.

"Four years ago Burj Dubai was conceived by Emaar Properties as a 90-storey structure. It was the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who inspired us to 'resist the usual' and build a global icon," said Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties.

He said, "Burj Dubai is not just an architectural and engineering masterpiece in concrete, steel and glass. It is a human achievement without equal. Burj Dubai will inspire future generations to think beyond the ordinary and to challenge their mind and spirit."

Burj Dubai will be at the centre of Downtown Burj Dubai, a US$20 billion, 500-acre downtown development billed as the most prestigious square kilometre on earth.

Burj Dubai will feature residential, commercial and retail components including the world's first Armani Hotel & Residences, exclusive corporate suites, a business centre, four luxurious pools and spas, an observation platform on Level 124 and 150,000 sq ft of fitness facilities.