Timings
RECOMMENDED DURATION
2 hours
Many visitors assume all Burj Khalifa tickets are the same, but At The Top and At The Top SKY are two very different experiences. The main difference isn’t just the height, it’s crowd level, waiting time, and how premium the visit feels.
This is the standard observation deck experience and the most popular way to visit the Burj Khalifa. You’ll take the high-speed elevator to the 124th floor, access the outdoor terrace, and explore the larger 125th-floor viewing area with floor-to-ceiling windows and telescopes.
At The Top SKY is a premium experience. After a lounge reception and a short guided introduction, you’re escorted to the 148th floor, one of the highest observation decks in the world. Visitor numbers are limited per time slot, so it feels significantly calmer and more exclusive.
So which one is better?
Most travelers are perfectly happy with At The Top (124 & 125) — the views are already spectacular and you still see the same Dubai skyline, fountain, and desert.
However, At The Top SKY is worth it if your priority is comfort, photography, or avoiding queues, especially during sunset hours when the standard decks become crowded.
Simple rule:
The Burj Khalifa observation deck, located on levels 124 and 125, sits approximately 450 meters above Downtown Dubai and offers a 360-degree view of the city. The deck includes both an outdoor viewing terrace and indoor glass panels, so you can walk around the entire level and experience different perspectives. Morning visits show the city layout clearly, while night visits highlight the illuminated skyline.
From here you can spot:
Located directly below the tower. From the Burj Khalifa At The Top viewing terrace you can watch the entire fountain show pattern and water choreography, especially during the evening shows.
The huge mall complex surrounding the tower appears like a miniature city. You can easily recognize the large mall roof sections and the promenade around the Burj Khalifa lake.
One side of the Burj Khalifa's 124th floor faces Dubai’s main highway corridor. You will see rows of high-rise towers stretching toward the World Trade Centre area and the Dubai Marina skyline in the distance.
Turn the opposite direction, and the buildings quickly fade into open sand. This view shows how close Downtown Dubai is to the natural desert landscape.
On clear days, you can see the Jumeirah coastline and beaches, with the sea forming a blue horizon beyond the city.
The Burj Khalifa observation deck offers different experiences depending on the time of day. Each time slot has its own advantages, from sunrise views to sparkling city lights at night.
Visiting Burj Khalifa At The Top is a bucket-list experience and offers breathtaking views of Dubai, but it helps to know what to expect before you go.
Visiting Burj Khalifa At The Top is straightforward, but knowing what to expect makes your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Start your visit from the Dubai Mall lower ground floor. Follow the signs to the Burj Khalifa ticketing and entrance area.
All visitors go through a security screening before entering the elevator area. Fast Track ticket holders skip most of the queue.
While waiting for your elevator, enjoy interactive displays and short videos about the Burj Khalifa’s design, construction, and history.
The elevator reaches the 124th floor in less than one minute, giving you a thrilling ascent experience.
Before exiting, explore the gift shop and photo stations to capture memories of your visit.
The exit leads back to the Dubai Mall, making it easy to combine your visit with shopping, dining, or nearby attractions.
Plan for 1.5–2 hours to enjoy the full experience, including queues, observation decks, and photo stops.
At the Top gives access to Levels 124 and 125, the main public observation decks. At the Top SKY includes a premium guided experience and access to the higher Level 148, along with lounge hospitality and smaller visitor groups.
Level 124 sits at 452 meters above ground, making it one of the highest public observation decks in the world. You can also explore Level 125, which is slightly higher and includes interactive exhibits.
Yes, sunset offers a stunning transition from day to night over Dubai. However, it is also the busiest time, so expect longer queues.
At the Top is the standard public access deck and admits many visitors per time slot. SKY tickets are limited, guided, and include hospitality services, which makes them a premium experience.
Early morning (opening hours) and late evening are the least crowded. Sunset is the most popular and expensive time slot and often sells out days in advance.
There is no strict time limit. Most visitors stay 60–90 minutes, but you can remain longer depending on crowd levels and closing hours.
Yes. You get a clear top-down view of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Lake. Evening slots are especially popular because you can watch the fountain shows from above.
No. This is a self-guided visit. Displays and digital exhibits explain the building’s construction and history.
They can be, especially at sunset and weekends. Visitors may wait for security, elevator boarding, and the descent elevator during peak hours.
Yes. Level 124 includes an open-air terrace with glass safety panels and photo viewpoints, one of the main highlights of the experience.
Yes, all visitors, including children, require tickets to access the observation decks.
Yes. You must enter at your selected time slot, but once inside you may explore freely consideration closing hours.
Tickets are time-specific. If you miss your slot, you may need to rebook or pay for a different time depending on availability. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.
