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The observation deck on the 124th floor of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, has now become another must-do on the itineraries of most tourists visiting Dubai, and its residents. According to our poll, 31 percent of the respondents say that they are thrilled about visiting the tower’s observation deck. Another 42 percent claim that they would not attempt the experience anytime soon because of the massive crowds.

The Empire State Building. The Petronas Towers. Lincoln Cathedral. The list of those buildings that have been ranked as the tallest in the world gained a new number one on Monday this week with the official opening of the Burj Dubai, now renamed the Burj Khalifa in honour of the current president of the UAE. Five years and £2.5bn in the constructing, this 828-metre (2,717ft) skyscraper supersedes its predecessor – the Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan – by an astonishing 309 metres.

The date has been announced for the opening of the world’s first Armani Hotel in Dubai. The launch hotel from the fashion designer will finally open on March 18 within the world’s tallest building, which was recently completed in the Emirate and has now been officially named Burj Khalifa.

The world’s tallest building has a green and engaging footprint. Designed by SWA Group, one of the world’s leading landscape architecture, planning and urban design firms, the 11-hectare green oasis including plazas, pools and promenades creates a beautiful and functional framework to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Jesse Downs, director of research and advisory services at Landmark Advisory says, "Lower-limit rents for high-end units in Downtown Burj have increased by 13 per cent." Meanwhile Landmark's latest report found that prices for one- and two-bedroom units in the Downtown Burj area increased by about 5 per cent (lower limit) between July and December.

What a building! What a launch! I was lucky enough to be invited to the opening of the Burj Khalifa last week and it was certainly worth making the six-hour trip from London.

NASSER AL-NEYADI & OMAR ALHEGELAN 01/05/2010

The Burj Khalifa has a towering fascination with the number 8. Not only does it rise 828 metres high, but it was also officially inaugurated at 8pm on Jan 4, 2010. When the date is viewed as 01/04/2010, the digits add up to 8. Even the original sales prices ended with 888.

High-flying businessmen will be able to host their board meetings on the uppermost floors of the Burj Khalifa when the commercial space opens this year. Emaar Properties has reserved 10 per cent of the space in the tower for its own use, including three floors at the top that it will rent out for events and meetings, the chairman Mohamed Alabbar said last week.

Watch the amazing fireworks show from Dubai as ruler Sheikh Mohammed unveils the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.