Current Tallest Building: Burj Khalifa
The world’s tallest building is Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Rising to a verified architectural top height of 828 meters (2,717 feet), it holds the record for highest occupied floor, highest outdoor observation deck, and tallest structure in the world. Completed in 2010, it remains the definitive reference point for global building height as of this writing. This profile explains its design, construction phases, current status, and how the list of tallest buildings is measured and verified.
Verified Specifications at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Burj Khalifa | Official |
| Location | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Official |
| Architectural Height | 828 m (2,717 ft) | Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) |
| Roof Height (highest occupied floor) | 585.4 m (1,921 ft) | CTBUH |
| Tip / Spire Height | 828 m (2,717 ft) | CTBUH |
| Floors | 163 above ground; 9 below ground | Official / CTBUH |
| Completion Year | 2010 | Official / CTBUH |
| Construction Timeline | Started January 2004; exterior completed 2009; opened January 4, 2010 | Official / CTBUH |
| Current Status | Operational and occupied | Official / CTBUH |
How Height Is Defined and Measured
CTBUH is the globally recognized authority for tall building rankings. Total height is measured from the level of the main entrance at the primary pedestrian entrance to the highest point of the building, including spires and architectural elements, but not including signage or flagpoles. Antenna masts not structurally integrated into the building are excluded. Measured height determines which building claims the title of tallest; functional height (highest occupied floor) is also tracked separately.
Design and Engineering Highlights
Burj Khalifa was designed by the Chicago office of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, in association with NORR Group Consultants, with engineering by Bill Baker and the global firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Its stepped, triple-lobed footprint is inspired by regional desert flowers such as the Hymenocallis. The tower uses a bundled tube structural system and a high-performance concrete mix to achieve unprecedented height. Key features include a tuned mass damper to reduce sway and cladding designed to withstand extreme desert temperatures.
Constructing the Tallest: Timeline and Milestones
- January 2004: Construction begins with site works and foundations.
- 2005–2007: Core and major structural elements rise rapidly; concrete pumping records are set.
- 2008: Exterior structure reaches full height; spire is installed.
- September 2009: Building is officially topped out at 828 m.
- January 4, 2010: Official opening ceremony by Prime Minister of Dubai and President of the UAE.
- 2010–present: Continuous operational improvements, maintenance, and record certifications.
Status and Context Today
As of the current date, Burj Khalifa remains the tallest building in the world by architectural tip. It operates as a mixed-use tower with office, hotel (Armani Hotel Dubai), residential (Armani Residences), and observation decks (At the Top, levels 124 and 148). No building has surpassed its integrated architectural height, though discussions about tall buildings often reference comparables such as Shanghai Tower and Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, which rank second and third respectively under CTBUH methodology.
Comparison with Other Tallest Buildings (Top 3)
| Rank | Name | Location | Architectural Height (m / ft) | Completion Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burj Khalifa | Dubai, UAE | 828 m (2,717 ft) | 2010 |
| 2 | Shanghai Tower | Shanghai, China | 632 m (2,073 ft) | 2015 |
| 3 | Merdeka 118 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 678.9 m (2,227 ft) | 2022 |
Key Takeaways
- Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world by architectural tip at 828 m (2,717 ft).
- Its status is defined by CTBUH rules: integrated spire included; non-structural elements excluded.
- Completed in 2010, it remains the record holder as of this writing, with no taller building completed and certified.
- Height records focus on architectural tip, not highest usable floor, which is lower at 585.4 m.
- Future challengers are proposed, but as of now none have begun construction that would surpass Burj Khalifa’s verified height.
Common Clarifications
Some lists cite height to pinnacle or highest occupied floor only. Architectural tip is the standard for “tallest building” rankings. Misunderstandings arise when comparing spire-inclusive heights to non-spire heights, or when construction status is unclear. Only completed and officially measured structures are ranked. Proposed or under-construction projects are not counted as holding the record until they are completed, occupied, and measured by CTBUH.
Tags: tallest-building, Burj-Khalifa, skyscraper-records