Burj Kalifa and Aquarium

The Burj Khalifa (Arabic: برج خليفة‎‎, Arabic for "Khalifa Tower"; pronounced English /ˈbɜːrdʒ kəˈliːfə/), known as the Burj Dubai before its inauguration, is a megatall skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the tallest structure in the world, standing at 829.8 m (2,722 ft). Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004, with the exterior completed 5 years later in 2009. The primary structure is reinforced concrete. The building was opened in 2010 as part of a new development called Downtown Dubai. It is designed to be the centerpiece of large-scale, mixed-use development. The decision to build the building is reportedly based on the government's decision to diversify from an oil-based economy, and for Dubai to gain international recognition. The building was named in honour of the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Abu Dhabi and the UAE government lent Dubai money to pay its debts. The building broke numerous height records, including its designation as the tallest tower in the world.

 

 

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, designed by Peddle Thorp, managed by Emaar Entertainment, brings the marvel of the ocean floor to life. The aquarium, located in The Dubai Mall, showcases one of the world’s most diverse collections of marine animals with more than 300 species including sharks and rays. The Underwater Zoo is located above the aquarium, and provides an interactive approach to educating children and visitors on the ecology and sustainability of marine life. The journey consists of three ecological zones: Rainforest, Rocky Shore, and Living Ocean, each of which features a variety of aquatic animals including penguins, crocodiles, piranhas, giant spider crabs, water rats, sea horses, and jellyfish amongst others.