Today we went to the top of the tallest building in the world. The Burj Khalifa has a total height of 2,722 ft, or just over half a mile. We were dropped off at the Dubai Mall, and we found our way to the entrance. It would take two elevator rides, ascending 33ft per second. The ears were popping, but it was a smooth ride. Once on top, the views are vast. Unfortunately, there was a bit of smog so the views weren’t clear. Despite, at floor 148, we marveled at how high we were above all the other skyscrapers around us.

We were glad our ticket provided some refreshments, as we were able to sit down, drink a beautifully made cappuccino and just take it all in. The Burj Khalifa was built between 2004 and 2009. The shape is like a Y, with three identical arms extending out and providing support. The building hosts the Armani Hotel in floors 1 – 39, Residential 40 – 110, Corporate offices 111-155, communication/broadcast 156-159. Mechanical floors are spaced between much of the building and also floors 160 – 163. Can you imagine what it takes to provide water, sewer and A/C to this building?

Ok, we know you are asking. What about the windows? To wash the 24,348 windows, totaling 1,290,000 sq ft of glass, the building has three horizontal tracks, each holding a 3,300 lb bucket machine, that cleans to level 109. Above level 109, and up to level 147, traditional cradles from davits are used, allowing cleaning crews to use ropes to descend from the top to gain access. Under normal conditions, when all building maintenance units are operational, it takes 36 workers three to four months to clean the entire exterior. Unmanned machines clean the top 27 additional tiers and the glass spire.

Back on the ground, we walked much of the Dubai Mall, which is one of the largest in the world and found the Apple store, which boasted a wonderful view of the Burj Khalifa.

Back at the hotel, we enjoyed a proper English High-Tea, complete with scones and clotted-cream.

In the evening, we invited a new friend to join us. For those of you who followed our blog on the 2024 World Cruise, you will remember our very favorite waiter and friend, Frandi. Tonight, we were joined by his wife, Estralitta, who works here in Dubai. We learned all about the hotel and restaurant business here in Dubai, how the workers are mostly from India or the Philippines, that they are provided housing and paid well for their work. She has worked in Dubai for 15 years and provides for her family back in the Philippines. She told us about how difficult it was during the pandemic shut-down, and how the Four-Seasons Resort where she works continued to pay their staff during the lock-down, allowing her to continue to support her family. Both Estralitta and Frandi are supporting multiple family members back home. Their oldest daughter is in her 2nd year of university, studying civil engineering. The sacrifices they make for their children is so admirable.

Our dinner at Piatti, the Italian restaurant in Raffles, was very tasty. We all agreed that after weeks of dinners, mostly focused on local cuisine, that the Italian tasted really, really good. It was a beautiful night, dining al fresco, with lively and enlightening conversation.

Tomorrow: Al Seef Dubai, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Coffee Museum, Souqs, Abra Ride on Dubai Creek