The opening of Burj Khalifa was meant to be unforgettable. It turned out to be one of those nights that would go down in the history of this nation as a grand testimony of the spirit of unity in the UAE. By renaming the Burj, the most prominent milestone in Dubai's long list of achievements, after President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reminded the world, and the residents of the UAE, of the basis on which this country was founded — seven emirates, but only one people.
Unveiling the nameplate, Shaikh Mohammad said: "We built the high-rise for people with strong will and determination. The highest point in the world should be linked to the big names and I announce today the opening of Burj Khalifa Bin Zayed."
The 828-metre tower, now officially the world's tallest free-standing building, is seen by many as concrete proof of the resilience of the Dubai economy, the technical skills of its people and the realisation of Shaikh Mohammad's vision for its economic and social development. Despite a global economic downturn, the building was finished in time to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the succession of Shaikh Mohammad as ruler of Dubai. It is during the rule of Shaikh Mohammad that Dubai has emerged as a global financial, trade and cultural centre.
As it has risen above the city, Burj Khalifa has become a new symbol of the emirate — not only because it has changed the skyline of the city, but because its architecture, which incorporates Islamic design and high-tech engineering, represents both the modernity and traditions of the emirate. Dubai has given the UAE and the world a new landmark.
