The Burj Dubai, now known as the Burj Khalifa, began construction in 2004 and was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2008, officially opening to the public in September 2009.

However, the exact height of the Burj Khalifa was shrouded in secrecy during its construction.

Emaar Properties, Dubai’s largest real estate development company, revealed that the Burj Khalifa would surpass 700 meters in height, with speculation suggesting a final height of around 818 meters. Tall buildings are often seen as symbols of prestige and modernity, and the Burj Khalifa was poised to become the pinnacle of architectural achievement.

According to the official Burj Khalifa website, the completed structure would feature at least 160 floors and 56 elevators capable of transporting passengers at a record-breaking speed of 18 meters per second. These advancements would grant the tower the fastest and longest-running elevators in the world.

The facade of the Burj Khalifa would be adorned with 83,000 square meters of glass and 27,000 square meters of metal—equivalent to the size of 17 soccer fields. Inside, the tower would include a luxurious spa, a swimming pool, upscale apartments, retail outlets, and private business suites. Additionally, an observation deck on the 124th floor would offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city, visible from up to 95 kilometers away. Dubai’s $20 billion investment in the Burj Khalifa highlights its significance as the centerpiece of the Burj Khalifa business district.

Meanwhile, in New York City, the unveiling of the Freedom Tower model marked a key milestone in the city’s recovery following the September 11 terrorist attacks. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg celebrated the event as a triumph for the city and the nation, emphasizing the tower’s pivotal role in reshaping the iconic skyline.

The Freedom Tower, with its main structure standing at 1,776 feet (541.3 meters) tall, symbolizes the year of America’s independence. Architect David Childs envisioned a tower that would not only provide office space but also include public areas for observation and leisure.

The tower’s pinnacle was designed to feature a television antenna and a wind turbine, bringing its total height to over 2,000 feet (609 meters). As construction progressed, anticipation grew, with the tower slated for completion in 2008.

In Taipei, the Taipei 101 tower, designed by architect Lee Joo-won, stood as a testament to engineering ingenuity. Equipped with a tuned mass damper to counteract sway caused by high winds and typhoons, Taipei 101 demonstrated unparalleled resilience and innovation in skyscraper design.

The tower’s impressive height of 508 meters and 101 floors made it a prominent landmark in Taiwan’s capital. It also held the record for the world’s fastest elevators, capable of reaching speeds of up to 1,010 meters per minute.

Meanwhile, the Shanghai World Financial Center, developed by the Mori Building Corporation of Japan, epitomized collaboration and innovation. Despite setbacks caused by the Asian financial crisis, the project resumed in 2003 with modifications to exceed the original design height of 460 meters.

With investments from over 40 companies, the Shanghai World Financial Center became a symbol of global cooperation and ambition, standing as a proud testament to human ingenuity and achievement.