Designed by Skidmore, Owings, and Merril (the same firm that designed the Willis Tower and One World Trade Center.) Construction of the current tallest building in the world began 2004, and officially opened in 2010.

I visited Dubai in 2013 and while there is still a large dependency on oil from the United Arab Emirates, there is a focus of trying to change from a dependency on oil income. In support of those efforts this tower is home many corporate centers.  While boasting 18 World records this is truly a marvel of engineering. When you enter Dubai this building can bee seen from all over the city.  constructed of mainly reinforced concrete with glass, steel, and aluminum aesthetics from base to tip the tower reaches over 2700 feet. 

when i visited the Burj Khalifa  standing at the base looking up is overwhelming, its huge in pictures but they do no justice to the actual size. The smooth glass and aluminum curves along the staggered curves building up to the spire give the tower an air of comfortability away from the more traditional square building that have previously held the records of tallest building, while also giving recognition to the pattering system of Islamic architecture. The view from the observatory on level 148 can be a humbling sight. when looking out at the bustling city of Dubai you can really lose yourself. Standing over 1800 ft in the sky looking out on the modern metropolis built in the heart of a ancient desert landscape. From this tower you can see all of Downtown Dubai including the Dubai Fountain, The Dubai Mall, and soon to be Forte Towers. What used to be just another desert oasis has become one of the most modern and tourist reliant cities in the middle east.