Burj Khalifa turns 14: the architectural marvel keeps sparkling in daylight and becomes a mesmerizing spectacle at night

The world was awestruck by the spectacular opening of the Burj Khalifa on January 4, 2010, fourteen years ago. This enormous architectural marvel altered Dubai's skyline forever and raised the bar for skyscrapers worldwide. Modern technology and traditional Islamic design features are flawlessly combined in Adrian Smith's Burj Khalifa. Its unique Y-shaped floor plan, which draws inspiration from the Hymenocallis flower, contributes to the building's alluring appearance in addition to offering structural integrity. With reflective glass, the façade shimmers throughout the day and becomes a captivating sight after dusk.

This architectural marvel's extraordinary stature is demonstrated by an astounding array of world records it holds. At three stories, the Burj Khalifa continues to hold the record for the highest building in the world. Hundreds of millions of visitors visit Dubai each year, and the landmark skyscraper, standing at 828 metres (2,717 ft) with 163 storeys, is a sight to see. Remarkably, the skyscraper is almost twice as tall as the Empire State Building and three times taller than the Eiffel Tower.

With the world's highest outdoor observation deck perched at an astounding 1,821 feet (555 metres) on the 148th floor, the Burj Khalifa provides visitors with an amazing experience. The Burj Khalifa dominates its opponents with an incredible 163 floors, securing its title as the structure with the most storeys.

The lifts at the Burj Khalifa set world records for the highest service lift and the longest trip distance, providing quick and easy vertical transportation inside the tower. The Burj Khalifa's lifts are among the fastest in the world, reaching speeds of 10 metres per second. Remarkably, tourists may reach the Burj Khalifa's observation deck on the 124th level in under one minute thanks to the lifts.

The Burj Khalifa keeps breaking records. It is home to the world's tallest restaurant, "At.Mosphere," on level 122, and has the highest livable floor at level 160. In addition to its stunning architecture, the Burj Khalifa demonstrates its dedication to sustainability by using condensation water from its cooling system to feed the gardens that surround it.

When visibility is good, the Burj Khalifa's peak can be seen from 59 miles (95 km) away, making a visit to its observatory one of Dubai's top attractions.