Burj Dubai vs. Burj Khalifa: Clearing Up the Tallest Building Confusion

The Name Change

"Burj Dubai" was the original construction name for the skyscraper now known as the Burj Khalifa. The tower was renamed at its 2010 inauguration to honor Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE President, after Abu Dhabi bailed out Dubai's debt crisis.

Current Status

The Burj Khalifa (828 m / 2,717 ft, 163 floors) has been the world's tallest building since its completion in 2010. It holds records for:

• Tallest structure ever built
• Highest occupied floor (584.5 m)
• Highest outdoor observation deck (555 m, "At the Top SKY")
• Tallest service elevator

Buildings That Have Not Surpassed It

As of 2024, no building has surpassed the Burj Khalifa. Projects like the Jeddah Tower (formerly Kingdom Tower, targeting 1,000+ m) have stalled. Merdeka 118 (Kuala Lumpur, 678.9 m) is the second-tallest. Shanghai Tower (632 m) is third.

Why the Confusion?

• Media used "Burj Dubai" for years during construction.
• Some outdated sources still reference the old name.
• The renaming was a last-minute surprise.

Bottom line: The Burj Khalifa is the former Burj Dubai, and it remains the world's tallest building.