Posted by Kanga.
Wednesday we took our first trip to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa, world’s tallest building. I say first trip, because we will probably go back at least twice more – once on a clear day and again at night. It costs 100 AED per person ($27.00) and is worth the price.
My ears popped during the elevator ride, but it was a very fast (1 minute) and smooth ride. It was almost like riding in Charlie’s glass elevator, not because it was glass, but the walls were very shiny and there were multiple video screens built into the elevator walls showing views as we moved up.
Along the way from the entrance to the elevator and again from the elevator to the exit, there were excellent informational displays about the building of the Burj.
It is summer and that means that sand is blowing around. The haze in the photos is not smog, but sand. It is just that season.
Above is the northwest view showing the Metro train station in the foreground and the Arabian Gulf in the distance.
Above is the view to the north showing the skyscrapers clustered around Sheikh Zayed Road.
Above is the view to the east of the roof of the Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world.
Above is the Address Hotel and in the background is the Business Bay – artificial extension of the Dubai Creek. The waterway will eventually extend to the Arabian Gulf making a complete circuit.
Above is the view of the Dubai Fountain. As you can see it has a complex system of spouts. It “performs” to music. It is very impressive to see. Also, as you can see it has an impressive crop of algae. Below is a man cleaning the fountain. You may need to click on the picture to enlarge it to see him.
The observation deck it not at the top of the burj, but only the 124th floor. There is an outdoor deck where you can get unobstructed pictures (no reflection off the windows) and an air conditioned indoor deck.
This is the view up from the observation deck to the top of the building. Below is us on the outdoor deck, reflected in the windows.
Living the Travel Channel 