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Burj Khalifa re-opens to public Shafaat Ahmed

5 April 2010, 6:37 AM

The world’s highest observatory opened for the public at Burj Khalifa on Sunday to the glee of thousands, after remaining closed for nearly two months due to maintenance work.
The facility was abruptly closed in the first week of February due to a suspected elevator malfunction.

Thousands of visitors were affected when At The Top closed and travel operators and hotel managements were put into an embarrassing situation as they had done advanced bookings.

Though the tickets were refunded, dreams of many visitors were shattered.

But, not anymore.

As the news of the opening spread, tourists started flocking in large numbers and the booking seems to have gone on overdrive.

“We were really surprised at just how quickly the word spreads, we have already had dozens of bookings from excited visitors,” said a representative from At The Top.

Travel agents also can’t hide their glee. “We have been waiting for this day for the last two months. We have been having hundreds of enquiries from foreigners every day and our business has been affected due to this to some extent. Now, finally its open, we are looking forward to a lot of costumers,” Jeetu Frantz, a Dubai-based travel operator said.

But the most excited of the lot are the tourists, who are the direct beneficiaries of the positive development.

“I have booked the ticket already for Wednesday. When I came here I was told that I cannot go to Burj Khalifa and I was really upset. I can’t believe my luck that it has opened and I am looking forward to be on top of the world,” said Mia Parker, a middle-aged Aussie tourist.

Arnold Henderson from the US, who arrived in Dubai on Saturday, knew before his arrival that Burj Khalifa was off limits, but he had resigned to the fate. However, when his agent told him it had opened he was jumping with joy.

On the 124th floor, the At The Top observation deck is the world’s highest.

It is open to the public seven days a week with the following viewing schedule: Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 10pm; Thursday to Saturday 10am to midnight.

A standard experience At The Top lasts 60 minutes. Tickets if pre-booked are charged at Dh100 for adults, Dh75 for kids under 12 and free for children below four.

For immediate access, tickets are charged at Dh400 per head

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArti ... ion=theuae

Its a lot of money for a lift ride and a view of...a construction site?



Knight

Ahh, how I miss the over-exuberant reporting of Khaleej.

How the tourists' 'dreams were shattered' and the travel agents who 'can't hide their glee'.

Gosh - how spiffing - I feel I'm in an Enid Blyton story.

Cheers,
Shafique

is it worth a visit?
I dont really feel like wasting that much money on something thats going to be a waste of time

shafique wrote:Ahh, how I miss the over-exuberant reporting of Khaleej.

How the tourists' 'dreams were shattered' and the travel agents who 'can't hide their glee'.

Gosh - how spiffing - I feel I'm in an Enid Blyton story.

Cheers,
Shafique

PMSL Shaf!!!!

Will there be crumpets for tea at the top uncle?

Hahahahahaha!



Knight

Dubai Knight wrote:Its a lot of money for a lift ride and a view of...a construction site?



Knight

Don't worry. Here's a free ride from all sides and beyond. Priceless.



Enjoy the trip.

RobbyG wrote:

Dubai Knight wrote:Its a lot of money for a lift ride and a view of...a construction site?



Knight

Don't worry. Here's a free ride from all sides and beyond. Priceless.


Enjoy the trip.

Nice one RG, its amazing how many u-tube video's have been posted.

Indeed. Social media is a blessing. The world at your feet from another one's perspective.

Cheers.

shafique wrote:Ahh, how I miss the over-exuberant reporting of Khaleej.

How the tourists' 'dreams were shattered' and the travel agents who 'can't hide their glee'.

Gosh - how spiffing - I feel I'm in an Enid Blyton story.

Cheers,
Shafique

Think they'll get more "glee" if they dress up hotel staff as golliwogs?

Dang looks even taller from the Air !