World's Tallest Tower: Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates has held the title of world's tallest building (and freestanding structure) since its completion in 2010.

Vital Statistics

• Architectural height: 829.8 m (2,722 ft)
• Occupied floors: 163
• Total floors: 163 + 2 below ground + mechanical
• Floor area: 309,473 m² (3.33 million sq ft)
• Developer: Emaar Properties
• Architect: Adrian Smith (SOM)
• Structural engineer: Bill Baker (SOM) – "buttressed core" system
• Contractor: Samsung C&T, BESIX, Arabtec

Design Highlights

• Y-shaped plan – Three wings around a hexagonal core; maximizes views, minimizes wind vortex shedding.
• Setbacks – 27 terraces "spiral" up, disrupting wind loads.
• Cladding – 26,000 glass panels, reflective glazing, stainless steel fins; withstands 50°C heat, sandstorms.
• Foundation – 192 bored piles (1.5 m dia., 50 m deep) + 3.7 m raft; 45,000 m³ concrete.

Mixed-Use Program

• Levels 1–8: Armani Hotel, lobby, retail
• Levels 9–16: Armani Residences
• Levels 17–39: Corporate suites
• Levels 40–108: Private apartments (900 units)
• Levels 109–154: Mechanical, communications
• Levels 124, 125, 148: "At the Top" observation decks (555 m / 1,821 ft – highest outdoor deck)
• Level 152–154: The Lounge (highest bar)

Records

• Tallest building, tallest freestanding structure, highest occupied floor, highest observation deck, most floors, longest elevator travel (504 m), fastest elevators (10 m/s).

Next contender: Jeddah Tower (formerly Kingdom Tower), Saudi Arabia—designed for 1,000+ m; construction stalled since 2018.