The tallest tower in the world was inaugurated Monday night in an impressive eruption of fireworks. The skyscraper called Burj Dubai has received a new name: Burj Khalifa, reported the National.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE, was not among the hundreds of dignitaries who attended the event, but his name will be affixed to the tallest building ever built.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, told the cheering crowds that the “Burj Khalifa” name was one that “reflected greatness”.
The glass-and-steel structure is now, officially, the tallest in the world at 828 metres, and will welcome tourists from Tuesday. A multimedia presentation riveted thousands of spectators who gathered at the base of the tower, as well as millions who watched on television.
The presentation featured 10,000 pyrotechnics devices.
The final height had been kept a secret until the inauguration. The number of floors to be inhabited was left at “more than 160”.
