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Alabbar confirms Dec 2 opening for Burj Dubai
Emaar chairman Mohammed Alabbar has confirmed for the first time that the Burj Dubai is due to open on December 2 this year – UAE National Day.
The opening date was first revealed by Arabian Business two months ago, but has never been officially confirmed by Emaar. However, speaking on CNN, Alabbar said he was “shooting for UAE National Day”, adding that “12,000 staff were working inside trying to get the building ready.”
Last month, details were announced of the interactive journey on offer to visitors to Burj Dubai.
The At The Top of the World experience will include travelling by lift at a speed of 10 metres per second to the observatory deck on Level 124 which will take about 60 seconds.
Early this month, Emaar announced that the exterior cladding of the Burj Dubai, is now complete.
The building, currently measuring over 800 metres, has accomplished a new world record for the highest installation of an aluminium and glass façade, Emaar Properties said in a statement.
A total of 24,348 pieces of cladding were fitted to the tower, located in Downtown Dubai, with the first piece fixed in May 2007.
Burj facts
The total weight of aluminum cladding is equivalent to the weight of five A380 Airbus aircraft.
More than 11 tonnes of nuts and bolts have gone into the cladding, equivalent to the weight of six BMW cars.
More than 48,180 gallons of silicone have been used in cladding.
The total glass used can cover 14 standard football pitches.
The total length of stainless steel used is equivalent to the area of 34 NBA basketball courts.
The total length of the gaskets if laid end-to-end is equivalent to the distance from Dubai to Damascus.
A total of 2,074 truck deliveries were undertaken to take the panels from the factory to the Burj Dubai site – the distance is equal going round the earth once, or trekking the Great Wall of China six times.
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Comments 1-6 of 6
Posted by bewildered of dubai, dubai, u.a.e on 10 October 2009 at 15:32 UAE time
in honour of this great event, I feel the clocks should be turned back as well as the calendars and we should start at 00.00.00.00.00
IMHO this would be most suitable reflection of the value of the event.
Posted by Charlie flefel, Dubai, UAE on 10 October 2009 at 15:25 UAE time
Forgot to add the importance of the UAE national Day as an important factor in the UAE unity and the re-branding of the Dubai/UAE , therefore I second the suggestion of Kevin to work out a way where BOTH dates can be used . The Burj Dubai is a Beacon of accomplishment and pride for Dubai , the UAE, the Arab World and the emerging World as a whole ! and the world needs to see it and feel it .
Posted by siwash, Amman, Jordan on 10 October 2009 at 15:17 UAE time
While those are excited about having a special event on the New Year, I would like to remind them that it is the extravagance that got Dubai caught up on the wrong end of the financial crisis. Also, Burj Dubai is late. Thus, stick to Dec. 2nd and make sure it happens.
Posted by RV, Dubai, UAE on 10 October 2009 at 12:06 UAE time
Totally agreed! Am sure the great leadership will take note of this suggestion to take the opportunity to put back Dubai on the world map where it truly belongs--at the top!
1st second of 1st Minute of 1st day of first month of first year of a brand new decade!
Posted by Kevin, UAE on 10 October 2009 at 11:32 UAE time
On the national day, it should be a soft opening and they should make a splash out of it on 0101010....it will be a great free commercial to the world and will put Dubai back on the map of acheivers.
Posted by Charlie flefel, Dubai, UAE on 10 October 2009 at 00:58 UAE time
If Dec is too short of a time , how about a date for the world to Remember . A New Year party climaxing at the opening of Burj Dubai at 01 second of 01 minute of 01 day of 01 month of year 10 !!! That is 01.01.01.01.10 . The world will be glued to the TV and Dubai for Hours on New Years eve ! Think about it Alabbar .