Dubai unveils world's tallest building Burj Khalifa 06|01|10

Wow! Awesome! Spectacular!....just a few words that have been used to describe the official opening of the Burj Khalifa on 4th January 2010, also marking the 4th anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's accession to power as the Ruler of Dubai and Deputy President of the UAE.

As the world watched the firework and laser show extravaganza unfold in front of their eyes, including the worlds largest water-fountain choreographed to dance to the UAE National Anthem, the final height of the $1.5bn project at a staggering 828m was unveiled. Sitting proud and souring high in the centre of new Dubai, this project above all has meant so much to the Emirati people and those residents who have watched her progress, however, we must not forget that this was not just about Dubai or indeed the UAE. In one of the toughest recessions the world has seen, this was truly a global achievement and an event that should be celebrated; developed by the UAE's Emaar Properties, and including 22 million man hours, a number of firms came together to bring this vision in to reality. The US based Skidmore, Owings and Merril (SOM) were the lead Architect and Structural Designer, the primary builder was Korea's Samsung, followed by Belgium's Besix and the UAE's Arabtec, British firm Hyder Consulting the Architect & Engineer of Record, the US firm Turner Construction the construction project manager, as well as many more.

Text written by Iain Micallef our man on the ground.