Burj Khalifa readies to welcome first residents

Burj Khalifa readies to welcome first residents

• Homeowner orientation for Armani Residences underway
• Finishing touches given to interiors of The Residences


Dubai, UAE; February 23, 2010: Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building developed by Emaar Properties, is readying to welcome its first residents with the orientation programme for home-owners of Armani Residences, located on levels 9 to 16 of the tower, currently ongoing.

The interiors of the world-class and first of its kind Armani Residences is in the final stages, and finishing work of The Residences in Burj Khalifa is progressing at a fast pace.

The hand-over of homes begins first with the Armani Residences comprising 144 private apartments personally designed by Giorgio Armani. This will be followed by the much-awaited Armani Hotel Dubai, which occupies the concourse to Level 8 and Levels 38 & 39.

The Residences, comprising 900 apartments, and The Corporate Suites, a collection of high-end offices, will be handed over to customers starting March. The handover programme can take anywhere from two to six months.

Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director – UAE, Emaar Properties, said: “With Emaar taking charge of the tower from our various consultants and contractors, the orientation programme for home-owners has commenced. Reflecting the essence of Burj Khalifa, all the homes have been designed to the highest standards and will offer an unparalleled lifestyle choice for residents.”

Armani Residences is developed through a collaboration of Emaar and Giorgio Armani S.p.A. Personally designed by fashion legend Giorgio Armani, the one- and two-bedroom suites are spacious, ranging from 100 to 200 sq metres.

The interiors of Burj Khalifa, including The Residences, are embellished by award-winning designer Ms Nada Andric of Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), the architects of the tower. The design elements take cues from the region’s heritage and interpret it into spatial elements with traditional motifs and the right selection of materials. Apart from glass, stainless steel and polished dark stones, the interiors feature Silver Travertine flooring, Venetian stucco walls, handmade rugs, stone flooring and dark, intricate Brazilian Santos Rosewood.

The lobbies and corridors are adorned with luxurious finishes that reflect the overall interior design approach of upholding regional design elements. Local and international art pieces that were specially commissioned for the corridor area of The Residences have also be integrated into the interiors.

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building anchors Downtown Dubai, the 500-acre self-contained mega-development by Emaar Properties. Residents in the tower will be part of a vibrant community featuring two world-class malls – The Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar – and five hotels in addition to the varied amenities within the tower.

Burj Khalifa offers luxurious recreational and leisure facilities including four swimming pools, an exclusive residents’ lounge; health and wellness facilities; At.mosphere, the world’s highest fine dining restaurant at Level 122 and At the Top, the world’s highest observatory deck with an outdoor terrace on Level 124.

About Burj Khalifa:
A mixed-use tower featuring the world’s first Armani Hotel Dubai and Armani Residences, alongside corporate suites, residences, retail and leisure facilities, Burj Khalifa is at the centre of Downtown Dubai, a 500-acre mega-development by Emaar Properties. Among an array of lifestyle amenities, the tower has a public observation deck - At the Top - on level 124.

Described as the new heart of Dubai, Downtown Dubai encompasses The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations; several hotels; offices and homes. A stellar attraction within the community is The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain.

At 828 metres (2,716.5 ft) high, Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest structure surpassing the KVLY-TV mast (628.8 metres; 2,063 ft) in North Dakota, USA. The tower is taller than Taipei 101 in Taiwan, which at 508 metres (1,667 ft) has held the tallest-building-in-the-world title since it opened in 2004. Burj Khalifa also surpassed the 31-year-old record of CN Tower, which at 553.33 metres (1,815.5 ft) has been the world’s tallest free-standing structure on land since 1976.

Designed by Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), Burj Khalifa is constructed by high-rise experts South Korea’s Samsung Corporation. New York-based Turner Construction International is the project and construction manager. The tower employs the latest in wind engineering, structural engineering, structural systems, construction materials and construction methods.

About Emaar Properties PJSC:
Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer with a significant presence in key markets world-wide. Besides building residential and commercial properties, the company also has proven competencies in shopping malls & retail, hospitality & leisure, education, healthcare and financial services sectors.

Emaar has inaugurated Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building and free-standing structure, and has opened The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. In Saudi Arabia, Emaar is developing King Abdullah Economic City, the region's largest private sector-led project in Saudi Arabia, featuring a Sea Port, Central Business District, Industrial Zone, Educational Zone, Residential Communities and Resort District.

Emaar has joined hands with Giorgio Armani to strengthen its presence in hospitality. The company is also opening educational institutions and healthcare centres in South Asia, Middle East and North Africa and the Subcontinent.

Emaar holds 30 per cent equity in Dubai Bank, focused on retail and commercial banking. Emaar is also the largest shareholder in Amlak Finance, UAE's leading Islamic home financing company. For more information, visit www.emaar.com.