Main content
Burj Khalifa: Designing the world’s tallest building
The tallest building in the world opened in 2010. There was a glitzy firework display to celebrate the occasion.
The tallest building in the world opened in 2010. There was a glitzy firework display to celebrate the occasion.
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is nearly three times the height of the Eiffel Tower.
The statement building cemented the reputation of the city as a place for luxury tourism and high-end real estate.
Alex Collins speaks to chief architect Adrian Smith about his creative vision and the challenges he faced on such a huge project.
(Photo: Burj Khalifa. Credit: Getty Images)
Last on
Wed 16 Nov 202203:50GMT
BBC World Service except South Asia
More episodes
Broadcasts
- Tue 15 Nov 202208:50GMTBBC World Service
- Tue 15 Nov 202212:50GMTBBC World Service
- Tue 15 Nov 202218:50GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Tue 15 Nov 202223:50GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Wed 16 Nov 202200:50GMTBBC World Service South Asia
- Wed 16 Nov 202203:50GMTBBC World Service except South Asia
Podcast
![]()
Witness History
The story of our times, told by the people who were there

