The National

Dense, low hanging fog was to blame for a false alarm last night causing some to fear the Burj Khalifa was on fire. Rumours began on Twitter and the internet yesterday evening as the top of the building appeared to be shrouded in smoke. One user on Twitter posted: "Heard that burj khalifa is on fire, is this true or just a rumor?#burjkhalifa".

An Emirati mountaineer who has twice conquered Everest has had to postpone a daredevil stunt on the world’s tallest tower – but only by a day. Saeed Al Memari had asked the Burj Khalifa’s owner, Emaar, for permission to climb the side of the building and base jump from the top at midnight during the annual New Year’s Eve firework display.

Ara Gallery in Burj Plaza, Downtown Dubai, has announced the five finalists of its Art At The Top competition, a search for an artist to display their work in At The Top on the pinnacle floor of the Burj Khalifa. Hamad Al Falasi, Hamdan Buti Al Shamisi, Nashwa Zakariya, Nasir Nasrallah and Zeinab Alhashemi have all got to the final round after submitting their portfolios in an open call announced on June 18.

The Burj Khalifa is set to remain the world's tallest building for years to come despite a skyscraper building boom in China, according to new figures. Building data firm Emporis has compiled a list of the top 10 "future skyscrapers" – ones currently under construction that will be among the world's tallest when they are completed.

A businessman was acquitted today of threatening to blow up the Burj Khalifa unless he was paid a million dollars. J F, 38, from India, used another man's mobile phone to send the threat by text to a police officer, in an effort to have the other man arrested and jailed, Dubai Criminal Court was told. He was caught when he boasted about what he had done to a hotel nightclub barman, who reported the boast to the victim.

Michael Jackson’s hit song ‘Thriller’ can get anyone on their toes and move the shoulders. Set against the iconic backdrop of Burj Khalifa, a few thousand dancers grooved to the song at the first-ever dance extravaganza at Downtown Dubai on Friday. From zombie walks to well coordinated dance moves, the event saw high-energy action from every single participant.

Dubai's hotels increased their rates by up to 20 per cent in the first quarter of this year as properties capitalised on the peak season and Arab Spring unrest continues to benefit the emirate more than one year on. "The first quarter was really amazing," said Wael El Behi, the executive assistant manager at the Ramada Downtown Dubai hotel.

When the clock struck 8.30pm last night, the lights went out across the country. In the capital, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Yas Hotel and several streets were plunged into darkness. In Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and Downtown Dubai quieted their usually blazing bulbs and lasers.

The arts received a double boost yesterday with the announcement of two multimillion-dirham projects. The first, a glittering new cultural district in Downtown Dubai, will cater for aficionados of both opera and modern art. The second, the expansion of the blossoming grassroots art scene in Al Quoz industrial area, will provide studio and gallery space for aspiring artists.

Alain "Spider-Man" Robert has survived two comas, three skull fractures and so many nights in prison cells around the world he no longer keeps count. But those hurdles barely register against the French daredevil's passion for scaling skyscrapers - usually with no rope and no permission.