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It’s official: Burj Dubai opens (with people)

The soaring skyscraper known as Burj Dubai shed one title and gained another on Monday – that of the tallest building on the planet.

Previously, people could only call it the world’s tallest structure since it was not open to the general public.

The actual height was kept a secret – but the fact that it would house an Armani Hotel was not – before the opening. But, as The New York Times noted, it stands a proud 828 meters tall, or 2,717 feet.

I’ve seen some earlier reports that put the height at 818 meters. The Gray Lady estimates the price to be about $1.5 billion, though the $4 billion amount also has been thrown about.

The New York Times has the details in its report, including the name change:

In a surprise move, the building’s name was changed from Burj Dubai to Burj Khalifa, in honor of the president of Abu Dhabi, Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Yes, the economies throughout the world are continuing with the slog that started about two years ago or so. Dubai recently received financial help to the tune of billions of dollars to pay its bills.

I’ve written about the building still popularly known as the Burj Dubai, largely because architecture fascinates me and the Taipei 101 Tower no longer can claim this prestigious title.

I tried visiting the building’s official Web site. But I couldn’t get through, probably because so many in the world are interested in learning more about the building.

In a way, I like the idea of naming buildings after people.

Perhaps, down the road if I ever have the opportunity, I can name a building after myself.

Something like: Burj Wong.

It’s just a thought.

Keep in mind that if financing comes through, another Dubai skyscraper – the Nakheel Tower – will take the world’s tallest building tower around 2020.

The Times of London noted one theory from an analyst – that economic crashes follow the opening of record-holding skyscrapers.

Let’s hope not.

I wonder if leaders in Beijing want to enter the market of record-holding skyscrapers.

In Seattle, we still have the Smith Tower.

It’s not the tallest in the city. But in my book, it’s got spunk, character and history.

Oh, and if you didn’t see what’s topping The New York Times most e-mailed list for stories as I type, it’s one about people in the United States doing more with less.

There is something to be said about simplicity.