BURJ KHALIFA TALLEST TOWER IN THE WORLD (832 MTR.

)
AT THE TOP VISIT 11TH OCTOBER 2014, SATURDAY

Weve been planning to go to At The Top Burj Kaa (My 3 year old daughter Akshu used to
say Burj Kaa for Burj Khalifa) for long time! Finally took a decision for good before Rajeev,
Deepti & Dhwani (my wife Ranjita alias Ranjus brother & family) landed in Dubai. Since we live
just an hour away and the building visible from my balcony, we were in no rush to see the view
of Dubai from the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa. But when Rajeev n family planned on going to the
top, Ranju, Akshu and I decide to join them. And Im so glad we did because I feel that the
experience wouldnt have been as fun had Ranju, Akshu and I ventured alone.
Tickets are booked online a couple of weeks before the visit date (online booking opens exactly
30 days before your planned visit date). It costs AED 125/- (plus service charge AED 5/-) as
opposed to when one buys a ticket at the entrance (no need to book in advance or fall in the
queue, which means one gets entry right then and there) for AED 300 per person. Please book
in advance; the experience is not worth AED 300. So we book four tickets for the 1900 hrs time
slot (sunset is at 1820 hrs on that day).

We leave our car at the Dubai Mall Level 1 parking area (do not drive directly to the Burj
Khalifa). Its a Saturday and the parking is full! The ticket counter and entrance to the Burj
Khalifa is right across the food court.

So we get in and line up for security check that makes us feel like were entering the airport.
Immediately after the security is a blue curtain. Are you husband and wife with kid? asks a
staff as if it is the most natural question in the world. Um, yeah? we reply. OK, stand here,
the staff instructs. With the blue curtain behind us, we stand and stare at the camera, as
another staff takes our picture. A slip of paper with some number written on it is handed to us,
and were asked to move to make way for the next group of people. Dont forget to check your
pictures after the tour! the staff reminds us. This entire episode takes place in one minute. I
am still wondering what exactly has happened.
The walk leading up to the Burj Khalifa is an amazing experience. Theres this dark hallway with
moving images that represent Dubais transformation from past to present. This reminds me of
Harry Potter paintings that move.

There are only two elevators so we fall in line again, waiting for our turn. We get excited at this
point. In fact, I think I am more thrilled with the elevator ride to the 124th floor than the actual
view from the top!

Behold a couple of blurry pictures of the elevator (but they are an important part of this
documentation so I didnt delete them)

The elevator ride is exciting! I think a dozen or so people are packed (albeit comfortably) in the
elevator. Lights are off save for the few blinking ones, sort of arrows that move in an upward
direction. Ears pop. Everyones eyes are focused attentively on the number panel thats
changing in a speed so fast, with the music tempo increasing per second, that within a minute
we read 124 on the display. The music comes to a dramatic stop. The doors open. Welcome
At The Top, the staff greets us.

At The Top is the worlds highest open/outdoor observatory deck. The building has several
other tallest and highest records up its sleeves which you can read while you go back!. My first
reaction is, this looks just like the view from an aircraft window. Except that it doesnt go away
in a few minutes. The observatory is outdoor, which basically means you look up and see the
sky and the remaining 30+ storeys that the general public has no access to.

The view from the top is good during the day, but we specifically choose to visit in the evening
because the city is simply spectacular at night. In the picture below, the tall building is the
famous The Address Hotel. The structure on the lower left of the picture is Dubai Mall.

Although there is a specific time to enter the observatory deck, there is absolutely no rush to
return back to ground level. We can stay At The Top for as long as our hearts desired. This make
me realize why the management has prohibited visitors from bringing food and drinks with
them: everyone might just as well bring mats, a basket of kebabs and sandwiches, and have a
picnic with the entire family.

Not having food and drinks would mean that one simply enjoys the view, captures some
photographs, then leave. Having food at ones disposal means one would want to stay longer,
perhaps even overnight.

Yep, thats another blurry shot of the Dubai dancing fountain from the top, another reason why
we choose to visit at night. The first show begins at 6 PM. Its much more fun to watch the
show at ground level, but this is a different perspective.
The elevator ride back to the base isnt as thrilling. But the walk towards the exit is like walking
through a mini museum thats filled with information regarding the Burj Khalifa. One particular
display that I like is the picture of a group of people who contributed to the building of this
worlds tallest structure. The picture shows everyone involved, from the CEO to the cleaner.

Just before the exit is a display of photographs that have been taken earlier from the trip.
Remember that blue curtain I told you about? Yeah, those pictures. I look at our picture. We
look good but then we are hideously photoshopped to appear standing in front of the Burj
Khalifa. And this offensive picture costs AED 200/- !!!!
Some people buy these pictures though.

Then theres the mandatory souvenir shop right at the exit where the price of every item on
display is at the top. My advice to you is to buy these gifts from elsewhere since its so
expensive in this shop! (you can find Burj Khalifa key chains, Burj Khalifa notebooks and pens,
mini Burj Khalifa models, etc. in shops scattered all over the city).

We all had a great time at Burj Khalifa The worlds tallest tower. Like I said it wouldnt have
been as much fun had it been just Ranju, Akshu and myself. We laugh so much, take around
hundred+ pictures and have an amazing dinner after wards (Shawarma, Hammous, Kuboos &
Fresh Juices).

If youre in Dubai, dont miss going At The Top. Pls. try to visit as a Gang (along with your near &
dears)!
Enjoy & Explore Dubai the finest city in the world in all sense.

Thanks & Regards

Ajith K.K.
ajith.ajiknair@gmail.com