Some Dubai residents are celebrities just because of their address
Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, officially opened in January. For building residents, the rent also buys a bit of fame.
Dubai, U.A.E.
鈥� A local, slice-of-life story from a Monitor correspondent.
The Burj Khalifa, the world鈥檚 tallest building, stands beside the world鈥檚 largest fountain, and above the world鈥檚 largest mall. The glimmering glass-clad tower thins to a shining needlepoint at 828 meters (2,716 feet), effortlessly surpassing the jungle of Dubai鈥檚 skyscrapers.
The building, which officially opened in January, is already a world icon. Residency in one of the tower鈥檚 900 apartments centers on extravagant excess. Fast-flashing lights in the trees outside give paparazzi glamour. The lobby includes a marble table, rumored to cost $2 million. Armani鈥檚 six-star hotel is also here.
Hundreds of paying day-trippers stare as residents 鈥� a constant source of intrigue 鈥� walk to the private lift, a concierge carrying their purchases in tow.
鈥淵ou are buying a feeling of exclusivity and status at the Burj 鈥� walking past the line at the mall with your pass,鈥� says one resident. 鈥淚t is shallow, really, but I like it.鈥�