Celebration in Dubai!

Here I am writing about the Burj Dubai (alternately called the Burj Khalifa) again!
Yesterday was the Grand Opening of the building and ThickBlackGlasses and I were lucky enough to fight the crowds to attend the ceremony.


Most everyone headed to Dubai Mall - mostly because the parking was ideal and the location perfect. Here we caught a great photo of the masses trying to use the escalator to the lower ground leading to the outside of the mall. We decided to go the long way and find a less busy escalator (after the escalator collapse at Coors Field in Denver Colorado we decided not to take our chances).

Everyone was at the ready! We found a spot along the outside of the mall, but far back from the water fountain and the festivities. We could see a sea of people in front of us, but we had a great view of the amazing fireworks show that was about to happen.

Check out a video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRxxv6AZ_xg

Here's a shot of the Burj after the fireworks - the lighting is incredible up and down this building!

After the festivities we found out that where we were standing was ideal. The sheiks and other VIPs were exiting right by us. The picture above is the vehicle transporting Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE.

Tonight we bought tickets to ride to the top! At only 100 Dhs (about $27 US) it was priced about right for a tourist attraction.

First, you ride along a travalator and see a screen filled with images of the UAE over time.

Then you ride an elevator from the Ground floor to the 124th floor. The ride takes about 60 seconds and then you arrive at the top of the world.

Here is a view of Sheik Zayed Road that goes right through the middle of the city. I have only ever seen this in pictures and could not believe I was seeing it in "real life" !!!!

I have written before (December 9th, to be exact) about how amazing this building is and what it represents to the UAE and to the world. It may be a long time before another building even attempts to beat the height of the Burj Dubai and if you ever get a chance I highly recommend a visit.