Thinking big and higher with the Burj Khalifa

As a kid growing up in the UAE, the Dubai’s World Trade Centre was the Burj Khalifa of the 80s and early 90s. I remember craning my neck to fit the 38-storey building in my vision. I also recall thinking awe-struck if any structure could possibly be taller than this one.

In the years that followed, architectural marvels began dotting the Dubai skyline like a giant jigsaw puzzle. The wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel that opened in 1997 against an ocean backdrop left us wondering why we didn’t even imagine such a concept. Two years later, the giant wave got a sail boat-shaped building in the form of the Burj Al Arab – built on a manmade island.

Then came the news in 2004 that Dubai would be building the world’s tallest building. It was to be nearly five times taller than the Dubai World Trade Centre. For the life of me, I couldn’t work out the logistics of stacking five world trade centres. But five years later, the structure was complete and towered against a global financial crisis that threatened to bring the world to its knees.

As he inaugurated the Burj Khalifa, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-president and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, acknowledged the financial crisis, but said the country is well-equipped to deal with it.

“This is yet another proof that … our leadership, institutions and private sector are capable of surmounting difficulties and confronting challenges with resolution, fearlessness and confidence. We are able to confront any challenge or crisis, regardless of their magnitude,” he said.

As the world battled the crisis, the tallest building on Earth became the tallest beacon of hope.