Ever wondered what it looks and feels like while standing inside the world's most iconic building? It's a mix of awe and wonder as you swing up their lift in under a minute to travel to 125 floors. The visual aesthetics add a pinch of technological amazement to the visitors as the rise high above the rest of the world.
Don't miss an opportunity to stand at the top of the world's most iconic spot and view those around you.
Choosing a Slot and Day
We picked the Prime slot to with the hopes of watching the sun set across Dubai's iconic skyline. We didn't know that these hopes would soon be dashed for us. Be sure to look at the weather forecast before you book your slot for Burj Khalifa tour. Our day ended up being cloudy and by the time we reached the Top, the clouds were dark and grumpy.
The Ride to the Top
From the ticket counter to the Top, It takes you approximately two hours. Be prepared to stand in queues and walk a mile to reach your destination. The lifts don't disappoint you because they travel so fast that its almost unreal. You reach the 125th floor in under a minutes which is absolutely awesome.
Every tourist spot welcomes you with a family photo segment that they will sell back to you just before the end of your journey. These memoirs are exorbitantly priced but of course you pay for them as those are memories for life. Fast forward the usual photo session and you finally reach the viewing windows.
The View at The Top, Burj Khalifa
Peering out from the 125th floor of the Burj Khalifa on a cloudy, drizzly day is an experience that's both ethereal and strangely intimate. The usual panoramic vista of Dubai gives way to a softer, dreamier scene, where the city blurs into an abstract canvas of muted colors and hazy outlines. The roads look threads woven onto a carpet and the cars look like tiny ants following the leader. The usually bustling Sheikh Zayed Road looks like a silver river snaking its way through the urban landscape.
You try to gaze but end up squinting to see through a veil of mist, where shimmering skyscrapers transform into ghostly silhouettes, their sharp edges softened by the swirling clouds. The iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab becomes a mirage dancing on the horizon, its once vibrant white now a subtle pearl gray.
The vast expanse of the Arabian desert, usually a stark contrast to the urban jungle below, blends seamlessly with the cloudy sky. Sand dunes and distant mountains become phantom shapes, their details obscured by the swirling mist. Thought the view promised a panoramic 360 degree view of Dubai, we we left with grey clouds covering the expanses after a while.
The drizzle adds a gentle soundtrack to this surreal panorama. Tiny raindrops kiss against the visitors standing on the observation deck windows, It's a calming counterpoint to the usual bustling energy of the city below. The chilling wind surely touches your bones and makes your hair fly like crazy. Don't forget to take pictures at the Butterfly wings painted within the floor and also outside at the observatory.
Despite the muted tones and obscured details, there's a strange beauty in this cloudy day vista. It's a moment where the glitz and grandeur of Dubai takes a backseat to a more subtle, atmospheric charm. It's a reminder that even in the heart of a bustling metropolis, there's space for introspection and quiet contemplation.
You have an affordable café on the 124th floor to enjoy a cup of coffee and some snacks like cookies and croissants with a view.
SKY Lounge
Perched at a dizzying 555 meters above ground, the SKY Lounge occupies the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa, offering unparalleled panoramic views of Dubai. Imagine sipping your cocktail while the city stretches out beneath you like a miniature wonderland, a tapestry of shimmering skyscrapers, sprawling desert, and the azure expanse of the Arabian Gulf.
Expect Premium pricing when it comes experiencing anything off their exquisite menu. However, its a lifetime opportunity to be standing at such a great height and sipping on your coffee.
My Recommendations
Book for a sunny day especially around sunset time so that you can see the best of both, City of Dubai during the day as a majestic prince and as she turns into a queen and shimmers for the rest of the night. Book your tickets here for a hassle free experience where you get to pick the date and time based on your convenience.
However, if you ever find yourself on the 125th floor of the Burj Khalifa on a cloudy day with a slight drizzle, don't despair. Embrace the unexpected beauty of the obscured vista. Let the mist and rain wash away the city's noise and allow yourself to be captivated by the ethereal, dreamlike landscape that unfolds before you.
The best time to visit UAE is between Early November and Early April. The climate is pleasant and wonderful for walking around while absorbing the city life.