9 Hidden Secrets of the Burj Khalifa You Probably Didn't Know

Burj Khalifa, also known as the "Tower of Khalifa," is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It stands at a towering height of 828 meters (2,716.5 feet) and is located in the heart of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004, and it officially opened its doors in 2010. Since then, the Burj Khalifa has broken many records and has become a symbol of modern architecture and engineering.

While many people know about the Burj Khalifa's impressive height and unique design, there are several hidden secrets that most people don't know about. In this article, we'll explore some of the lesser-known facts and secrets of the Burj Khalifa.

It's Not Just One Building

While the Burj Khalifa appears to be one massive tower, it's actually made up of several smaller structures that are connected. The tower has a Y-shaped plan, and each of the three wings houses different functions. The central core houses the building's mechanical and electrical systems, while the other two wings contain residential and commercial spaces.

It Was Built to Withstand Extreme Weather

Dubai is known for its extreme weather conditions, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) during the summer months. The Burj Khalifa was designed to withstand these extreme conditions, with its exterior cladding made up of over 24,000 glass panels that reflect the sun's rays and reduce heat gain. Additionally, the tower's structure was designed to be flexible, allowing it to withstand high winds and earthquakes.

The Elevators Are Among the Fastest in the World

The Burj Khalifa has 57 elevators, and they are among the fastest in the world. The elevators can travel at speeds of up to 10 meters per second (33 feet per second), which means they can take passengers from the ground floor to the observation deck on the 124th floor in just 60 seconds.

There's a Private Helipad on the Roof

The Burj Khalifa has a private helipad on the roof, which is used for VIP guests and emergency situations. The helipad is located on the 76th floor, and it's one of the highest in the world. The helipad is made of reinforced steel and measures 27 meters (88.5 feet) in length and 7.5 meters (24.6 feet) in width.

It Has a Unique Water System

The Burj Khalifa has a unique water system that collects and recycles water from the tower's air conditioning system. The collected water is used to irrigate the tower's gardens and surrounding green spaces. The tower also has a graywater recycling system that collects and recycles water from the tower's sinks, showers, and washing machines.

The Lighting System Is Energy Efficient

The Burj Khalifa's lighting system is energy-efficient and uses LED lights to reduce energy consumption. The tower's exterior lighting system is made up of over 11,000 LED fixtures, which can be programmed to create different lighting effects and colors. The lighting system is also synchronized with music and special events, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

It's Home to the Highest Observation Deck in the World

The Burj Khalifa is home to the highest observation deck in the world, located on the 148th floor. The observation deck, known as "At the Top Sky," offers stunning views of Dubai's skyline and the surrounding desert landscape. Visitors can reach the observation deck in just 70 seconds using one of the tower's high-speed elevators.

The Tower Has a Unique Cleaning System

Cleaning the Burj Khalifa's exterior is no small feat, but the tower has a unique cleaning system that makes the process easier and safer. The system uses a robotic platform that is suspended from the top of the tower and moves along a track around the building. The platform is equipped with high-pressure water jets and brushes, which can clean the tower's exterior in just a few hours.

It's a Popular Filming Location

The Burj Khalifa has been featured in several films and television shows, including Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, Star Trek Beyond, and Fast and Furious 7. The tower's unique design and stunning views make it a popular filming location for filmmakers around the world.