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Dubai Burj Khalifa How Much Floor in 2026

How many floors does Burj Khalifa have? 2026 guide for expats and visitors with floor counts, tickets, and access tips.

·4 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team
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Quick answer

Burj Khalifa has exactly 163 floors, making it the tallest building in the world. The observation deck on level 148 is open to visitors, and the highest accessible floor for the public is 155.

Why the floor count matters in 2026

Whether you are booking a tour, attending an event, or simply want to understand the scale of the tower, knowing how many floors Burj Khalifa has helps you plan your visit. The building contains 57 elevators, the world’s fastest lift at 10 m/s, and 900 private residences between levels 46 and 108. In 2026, the tower remains the anchor of Downtown Dubai, so understanding its vertical layout saves time and money.

How many floors does Burj Khalifa actually have?

The official figure is 163 floors above ground. This total includes:

  • 9 floors of service and mechanical space
  • 46 floors of offices and the Armani Hotel
  • 57 residential floors
  • 2 observation decks at levels 124 and 148
  • 1 spire level at 163, used only for maintenance

Visitors cannot access every floor. The public areas are limited to the two observation decks and the At the Top, SKY lounge on level 148.

Step-by-step: visiting the floors in 2026

1. Choose your ticket

At the Top (level 124) starts from AED 149 for a daytime slot. Level 148 costs AED 249 and includes a glass-floor experience. Both tickets are available on the official Emaar website or at the box office in Dubai Mall.

2. Book a time slot

Peak hours (16:00-20:00) sell out weeks ahead. Arrive 30 minutes before your slot for security. Bring your Emirates ID or passport; children under 3 enter free.

3. Security and elevator ride

Allow 15 minutes for airport-style screening. High-speed elevators reach level 124 in 60 seconds. From there, a second lift takes you to level 148 if you purchased the higher ticket.

4. Time on deck

Each visitor gets 45 minutes on the observation deck. Sunset slots are limited to 30 minutes. Photography is allowed; tripods are not.

Common mistakes visitors make

  • Buying third-party tickets that cost 30-40 % more than the official price.
  • Assuming they can reach the 163rd floor; only maintenance staff go there.
  • Forgetting that level 124 and 148 close during strong winds (rare, but check the Emaar app).
  • Not bringing water; no drinks are sold above level 124.

Burj Khalifa vs other UAE towers

Compared with Abu Dhabi’s Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid (72 floors) and Dubai’s Marina Torch (86 floors), Burj Khalifa remains in a league of its own. The next tallest building in Dubai, the 2027-approved AED 5 billion Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, will have 105 floors—still 58 floors short of Burj Khalifa.

Practical tips for expats and tourists

  • Download the Emaar app for live queue times and wind alerts.
  • Combine your visit with Dubai Mall; parking is free for four hours with a validated ticket.
  • Residents can use their Nol card for 25 % off at the box office.
  • Private residents on floors 46-108 have a separate lobby; tourists cannot access residential elevators.
  • Best photos are taken from level 148 between 17:30 and 18:00 when the fountain show begins.

Accessibility and family notes

Wheelchair users have dedicated lifts from the Dubai Mall entrance to level 124. Strollers are allowed but must be parked outside the glass-floor zone on level 148. Nursing rooms are located on level 123. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Key takeaway

Burj Khalifa has 163 floors in total, but only levels 124 and 148 are open to the public. Book official tickets in advance, arrive early, and enjoy the highest observation deck in the world without any surprises in 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How many floors does Burj Khalifa have?▾

The tower has 163 floors above ground, including offices, residences, and two public observation decks.

Can tourists reach floor 163?▾

No. Floor 163 is the spire maintenance level and is closed to everyone except authorised engineers.

What is the highest public floor in 2026?▾

Level 148 is the highest publicly accessible floor, home to the SKY lounge and glass-floor panels.

How long does the lift take to level 124?▾

The world’s fastest elevator reaches level 124 in about 60 seconds from the ground floor.

Do residents get cheaper tickets?▾

Yes. Dubai residents showing a valid Emirates ID receive a 25 % discount at the official box office.

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