Burj Khalifa
Observation decks on the world's tallest building, 828 m high, next to Dubai Mall, 14 km from the cruise terminal.
At a glance
At 828 m, the Burj Khalifa has been the tallest building in the world since it opened in 2010.
The Burj Khalifa is the skyscraper that dominates Downtown Dubai: 828 m (2,717 ft) high and 163 floors, designed by the Chicago firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and built by Emaar between 2004 and 2009. It opened in 2010 and is still the tallest building in the world, visible from almost anywhere in the city.
Visitors go up to At the Top, the two-storey observation deck on levels 124 and 125, or to At the Top SKY on level 148, at 555 m, one of the highest observation decks in the world. Above them, The Lounge on levels 152 to 154 serves drinks and food with an outdoor terrace. From the top you see the Dubai Fountain lake, the Creek, the coast with Palm Jumeirah and, on clear days, the desert inland.
For cruise passengers it fits easily into a call: the tower stands next to Dubai Mall, about 14 km by road from the Mina Rashid cruise terminal, and the visit itself takes one to two hours. Tickets are sold for timed entries in limited numbers, so booking a slot ahead and combining it with the mall and the fountain makes a comfortable half day.
Official websiteGetting there from the port
4 optionsYour day in port
Example: call from 08:00 to 18:00, all aboard at 17:30.
- 09:15To DowntownTaxi or shuttle from the terminal to Dubai Mall, about 25 minutes.
- 10:00Through the mallWalk through Dubai Mall to the At the Top entrance for a 10:30 slot.
- 10:30At the TopLevels 124 and 125 (or 148 with the SKY ticket), about an hour and a half at the top.
- 12:15Dubai MallThe aquarium window, the souk area and lunch with a view of the lake.
- 13:30Dubai FountainWatch an early afternoon show from the promenade (check the timetable on the day).
- 15:15Back to the shipTaxi or shuttle back to the cruise terminal, on board by about 16:00.
What to see
- 1At the Top, levels 124 and 125The two-storey observation deck, opened in 2010, with indoor and outdoor viewing areas at about 452 m.
- 2At the Top SKY, level 148The higher deck, at 555 m, sold as a separate and more expensive ticket.
- 3Double-deck liftsThe 57 lifts include double-deck cabins that travel at up to 10 m per second.
- 4Views over DubaiDowntown, the Creek, Palm Jumeirah, the coast and, on clear days, the desert inland.
- 5Dubai Fountain from aboveThe choreographed fountain on the 12-hectare Burj Khalifa Lake, seen from directly overhead.
- 6The Lounge, levels 152 to 154A lounge with an outdoor terrace at 585 m, booked as a separate experience.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Book a timed slotTickets are sold for a specific date and time in limited numbers; book online before the call, especially for the late afternoon and sunset slots, which are the most in demand.
- No re-entryOnce inside you can stay as long as you like, but the ticket allows a single entry.
- Entrance through Dubai MallThe entrance to At the Top is inside Dubai Mall, which opens at 10:00; allow 10 to 15 minutes to walk through the mall to the entrance.
- Check the visibilityDust and haze can reduce the view, especially in summer; mornings and winter months are usually clearer.
- Combine with the mallThe Dubai Mall aquarium, the souk area and the fountain promenade are next door and free to walk around.
Accessibility & families
The observation decks are reached by lift from the entrance in Dubai Mall, and the mall is step-free, so wheelchair users can visit; check conditions with the operator when booking. Children are welcome and there is no time limit once inside.
In pictures
