New Zealand - Thermal Wonderland Wai-O-Tapu
Foto: The Burj Khalifa (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
United_Arab_Emirates - The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world and a global icon of modern architecture and technological advancement. Standing 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall with 163 floors, this impressive skyscraper is not only one of the most recognizable structures worldwide but also a symbol of Dubai’s and the United Arab Emirates’ dynamic growth. The design of the Burj Khalifa is inspired by the shape of the Hymenocallis flower, a type of plant common in the region. This design, conceived by architect Adrian Smith of the firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, employs a strategic and innovative spiral form to ensure the building’s stability while creating a visually striking silhouette. The building has a three-lobed base, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, accommodating offices, hotels, and residential apartments. Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004 and took six years, opening in January 2010. The project was a technological and logistical challenge of global proportions. The building contains 103,000 square meters of glass, 4,000 tons of steel, and millions of liters of concrete. The foundation alone includes 45,000 square meters of concrete, anchoring the skyscraper firmly into Dubai’s desert ground. The construction was made possible by the collaboration of hundreds of engineers and workers from various countries. What makes the Burj Khalifa truly remarkable is not just its enormous height but also the technological innovations that make living and working at such altitudes possible. The building incorporates state-of-the-art air purification, energy efficiency, and sustainable technologies. Its elevators are among the fastest in the world, rising 10 meters per second, allowing them to reach an entire floor in less than 30 seconds. The panoramic views from the At The Top observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors are highlights of visiting the building. Visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of Dubai, the desert, the sea, and the iconic Palm Jumeirah island. At night, the Burj Khalifa offers a breathtaking sight, with the city stretching out below like a sea of lights. The Burj Khalifa is not just a building but a major symbol of Dubai’s forward-thinking vision. It represents the city’s unmistakable ambition to function globally as a hub of innovation, luxury, and commerce. As the main attraction in Downtown Dubai, surrounded by the Dubai Fountain and Dubai Mall, the building remains a magnet for tourists, business people, and architecture enthusiasts from around the world. The Burj Khalifa is not merely a skyscraper; it is an iconic monument that has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in modern architecture.
Palm Island defining Dubai
United_Arab_Emirates - Just outside the hotel, we exchange some money and then take a taxi to Jumeirah Palm Island. The Palm is about fifteen kilometers from the hotel. We drive west along the broad highway through the financial district and see the Burj Khalifa towering above— ...
The Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi
United_Arab_Emirates - The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi, is one of the most impressive religious buildings in the world. Located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, this mosque exemplifies Islamic architecture and cultural heritage ...
The luxury Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai
United_Arab_Emirates - In the evening, we dine at the seven-star Burj al Arab hotel. The Burj al Arab is the most luxurious hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The building, over 300 meters high, stands on an island off the coast. It is designed in the shape of a dhow sail ...
The skyline of Abu Dhabi
United_Arab_Emirates - Of the seven sheikhdoms that make up the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is geographically the largest. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the state of the same name. It is also the federal capital and seat of government. Abu Dhabi is distinguished by a unique ...