Burj Dubai now a record 688 metres tall and rising

Dubai: The iconic tower Burj Dubai has reached a new record height of 688 metre.

The tower became the world's tallest after surpassing North Dakota, USA's KVLY-TV mast (628.8 metres) in April 2008. Currently at over 160 storeys, the tower also has the largest number of floors in any building.

When completed, Burj Dubai will meet all four criteria listed by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), which classifies the world's tallest structures.

CTBUH measures the height of buildings to the structural top, the highest occupied floor, the top of the roof and the tip of the spire, pinnacle, antenna, mast or flagpole.

Currently, some 7,500 professionals and skilled workers are employed on-site at Burj Dubai. Cladding work is nearing completion and work has started on the interiors, which will boast superior finishes.

The best energy efficient technologies are being deployed to ensure that the iconic building is also a standard for energy usage and recycling of water.