Entertainment | Celebrity

Spiderman reaches top of Burj Khalifa

Robert has been climbing since he was 12 years-old and to date has climbed over 120 buildings

By Rania Moussly, Staff Reporter
Published: 21:38 March 28, 2011

Image Credit: Atiq-Ur-Rehman/Gulf News
Fireworks during the spider man climb Burj Khalifa.

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Dubai: Spiderman reaches top of Burj Khalifa.

Spiderman starts his final ascent to the summit of Burj Khalifa after a half an hour break at his third and final rest point.

Spiderman reaches his third and final rest point

Spiderman reaches his third and final rest point, just over two hours of climbing Burj Khalifa.

Spiderman getting ready to release banner

Spiderman getting ready to release banner with the picture of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on it while at second rest stop.

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Spiderman resumes climb after break

Spiderman reaches second rest stop as unrelenting wind picks up.

Spiderman resumes his climb in darkness under spotlight after nearly a 20 minute rest on his journey to the top of Burj Khalifa.

Spiderman reaches midway

Spiderman nearly reaches midway as he stops at first base to rest on his journey to the top of Burj Khalifa.

Spiderman starts to climb Burj Khalifa

Security teams swept the area of Burj Island Park in downtown Dubai as crowds gathered to witness Alain Robert, the French Spiderman, take his first foothold onto the Burj Khalifa.

Robert, 48, started to climb the world’s tallest tower on Monday as part of the opening ceremony of the 10th annual Education Without Borders (EWB) conference hosted by the Higher Colleges of Technology.

As flags flew in strong winds and dignitaries took their seats on the Island adjacent to the 828 metre high tower, Robert braced himself for a monumental task.

“It seems there is a little challenge because today is a windy day and it will make things a bit more difficult,” Robert told Gulf News, hours before his ascent.

“It might be a little freezing as I’ll reach the top around midnight so my climb will partly be in darkness.”

He added that although there will be a big spot light directed at him for visual purposes the temperature would remain the same.

With no expectations other than reaching the summit of the Burj Khalifa alive, Robert said he was most looking forward to the celebration afterwards.

Robert has been climbing since he was 12 years-old and to date has climbed over 120 buildings.

“My love for climbing is a long story...I’ve been climbing since I was 12 years-old and I’ve climbed cliffs, mountains and buildings,” said Robert. “I’ve climbed the second, third and fourth tallest buildings in the world...now all that is missing is Burj Khalifa.”

Robert's climb was one of symbolism to inspire over 2,000 students gathering for the EWB conference to think outside the box.

“I’m doing this to show the students there is no edge or borders and to inspire people to break the mould and not limit themselves,” said Robert. “Part of my message is not only to follow your heart but try to innovate in all things you do.”

Following his heart is exactly what lead Robert to the tip of the world’s tallest building.

For it is climbing buildings that brings him joy in life.
“To live we don’t need just a roof over our heads some food and drink and that’s it...everything is superficial,” said Robert. “I climb because I need to find something I enjoy in life and I enjoy climbing buildings full spot.”