Stand atop the tallest building in the world

“The elevator ride is an attraction in itself. It is one of the fastest in the world, travelling at 10 meters per second. Our ears were popping all the time, and we had a bit of a struggle, though. [...] From 555 meters up (Level 148), the massive 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Road looks like a tiny slot-car set. We spent a good 15 minutes just trying to spot our hotel, the 25hours, which looked like a Lego brick from that height. We weren’t lucky enough to get a proper clear day. The haze took over part of the view, which in some way I loved.”

“When the time comes (I waited about 10min), a guide leads a group to the elevators bypassing any waiting lines along the way. At the lounge on level 148, waiters walk around offering free pastries and fruit juices. The observation deck itself is very similar to the one on level 124 (even though the orientation is slightly different). The glass panels have large holes so it is possible to take great pictures.”

“When it was time for me to leave Level 148, I awaited the elevator, which escorted me to Level 124 instead of Level 125; and Level 124 was indeed crowded. What a contrast to the experience on Level 148. [...] Instead of a spacious deck, I got to “enjoy” the crowds on Level 124, which had very few places where a person can sit. I made the most of it — but I should not have had to do that. If I wanted to do that, I could have paid significantly less money in the first place.”