Burj Dubai, the iconic tower being developed by Emaar Properties PJSC, has reached a new record height of 688 meters (2,257.2 ft). The tower became the world’s tallest after surpassing North Dakota, USA’s KVLY-TV mast (628.8 metres; 2,063 ft) in April 2008. Currently at over 160 storeys, the tower also has the largest number of floors in any building.

When completed, Burj Dubai will meet all four criteria listed by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), which classifies the world’s tallest structures. CTBUH measures the height of buildings to the structural top, the highest occupied floor, the top of the roof and the tip of the spire, pinnacle, antenna, mast or flag pole.

Designed by Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Burj Dubai is constructed by high-rise experts South Korea’s Samsung Corporation. Turner Construction International is the project and construction manager.

Currently, some 7,500 professionals and skilled workers are employed on-site at Burj Dubai. Cladding work is nearing completion and work has started on the interiors, which will boast superior finishes. The best energy efficient technologies are being deployed to ensure that the iconic building is also a standard for energy usage and recycling of water.

Burj Dubai anchors Emaar’s flagship mega-project, the AED 73 billion (US$20 billion) Downtown Burj Dubai. Described as the new heart of the city, Downtown Burj Dubai is a mixed-use neighbourhood with premium hotels, exclusive business facilities, modern residences, shopping malls and leisure facilities.

source : Emmar