The world’s tallest building is set to open later today in Dubai.
The final height of the Burj Dubai mixed-use tower in the United Arab Emirates will remain a closely guarded secret until the opening ceremony, although it is thought to stand at around 2,684ft.
The Burj Dubai is twice the height of the Empire State Building in New York and towers above its nearest rival, the Taipei 101 in Taiwan, which rises 1,667ft.
The opening of the Burj comes at a time when the emirate is undergoing an unprecedented financial crisis, with property prices in some parts of Dubai down by nearly half over the past year.
The city-state turned to the UAE capital Abu Dhabi late last year for a series of bailouts to help cover debts amassed by a host of state-linked companies.
james.buckley@estatesgazette.com
