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Burj Dubai renamed Burj Khalifa: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, renamed Burj Dubai as Burj Khalifa on Monday evening.
Unveiling the world’s tallest tower, Shaikh Mohammad said, “We built the high rise for people with strong will and determination. The highest point in the world should be linked to the big names and I announce today the opening of Burj Khalifa Bin Zayed.” The official height of the iconic tower was also revealed: 828 metres.
Meanwhile, thousands of people gathered around the base of the tower to witness a slice of history. Shortly after 8pm, the world's tallest building came to life with a spectacular array of fireworks as Dubai's latest icon announced its arrival on the world stage.
Restaurants and cafes on Dubai Mall's Waterfront Promenade and at the adjoining Souk Al Bahar were packed from 3pm onwards.
By around 7pm Downtown Burj Dubai had never seen a crowd like it. The entire area was saturated with people jostling for the best view of the fireworks.
Thousands more gathered at vantage points across Dubai including Festival City, Safa Park and Al Quoz.
A host of 'Burj Khalifa parties' also took place at the apartments of those lucky enough to have balconies offering superb views of the opening.
Tom Arnold, originally from the United States, threw a party in his Downtown Burj Dubai apartment.
He said: "The Burj is not only a feat of modern engineering, it is also a symbol of mankind’s relentless pursuit of innovative achievements."
The event I am hosted included guests from around the world who defy the destructive myths of this region and live together in one of the most peaceful cities around the world. This is truly a global city, and a universally appealing experience to witness and share together.
"As expats living in Dubai, we have come to consider this place our home, and we are proud of the city and what has been accomplished here in recent years. We are here working, not as individuals, but as part of a collective higher purpose.
"Today is a proud day for Dubai and my friends and I appreciate the magnitude of this historic achievement."
Back on ground level there was hardly space to move as parents with children in strollers, elderly Emiratis and young professionals from all over the globe tried to find the perfect spot to view the opening ceremony. Traffic snarled on all approach roads to Downtown Burj Dubai as it seemed the whole city wanted a slice of the action.
Natika Lewis, a 27-year-old teacher from Wales, said: "Everyone here is very positive; it's a really cool atmosphere. It's the tallest building in the world; I just had to come and see it open, plus I really love fireworks!"
Hussain Hoghnieh, a 27-year-old sales manager from Lebanon, said: "I've lived here for three years and I've seen Burj Dubai grow so much in that time. I just had to be here for the opening, I would not have missed it for the world."
Related Stories:
Burj Dubai enters finishing stages
Burj Dubai poised to open along with Dubai Metro
World's tallest property to proceed as per schedule
Burj Dubai attains a record height of 688 meters
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Posted
Mar 25, 2010 8:54:40 AM By
FourEd
This building is absolutely amazing. It’s staggering how they have managed to build this so high and with 1044 luxury apartments designed by Giorgio Armarni. It does appear that Dubai is at the forefront of construction and design.
Property Estate Agents
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