Opening hours of Burj Khalifa

Sunrise view of Downtown Dubai

When planning a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, it’s important to know the opening hours to make the most of your experience.

This guide provides information on the standard opening hours, highlights any seasonal changes, and offers tips on the best times to visit for avoiding crowds and enjoying breathtaking views.

Observation decks and their timings

Observation deckFloorOpening timeClosing time
At The Top124 and 125Weekdays: 10 am
Weekends: 8 am
Till midnight 
At the top SKY14812 pm10 pm

The Burj Khalifa is busiest at sunset, from 4 pm to 6.30 pm, when it offers the best views and attracts the crowds. 

At The Top SKY is similarly busiest during sunset, making the best visiting time between noon and 6 pm. 

Non-peak hours are from 9 am to 3.30 pm and from 7 pm until closing.

Here are a few combo tickets that will enhance your Burj Khalifa experience:

# Experience Dubai from New Heights with the Sky Views & Burj Khalifa Combo
# Savor Luxury Dining with a View at The Burj Club
# Marvel at the Mesmerizing Burj Khalifa Fountain Show
# Dive into Dubai’s Wonders: Aquarium and Burj Khalifa Combo
# Drift Across Dubai’s Fountain Lake for an Unforgettable Show

Is Burj Khalifa open on Ramadan?

Yes, the Burj Khalifa is open during Ramadan. 

During that holy month, the attraction maintains its regular opening hours from 9 am to 11 pm daily, offering visitors the unique opportunity to witness breathtaking views.

During this period of reflection, self-improvement, and devotion to faith, experience the scenic vistas of Dubai from the iconic tower.

A visit during Ramadan allows guests to experience the holy month’s important spiritual traditions while enjoying one of the world’s most remarkable architectural feats.

Enhance your Burj Khalifa visit with these helpful guides:

# Discover the Must-See Gems Inside Burj Khalifa
# Your Guide to Reaching the Iconic Burj Khalifa
# Top Exhibits to Explore in the World’s Tallest Tower
# Experience Dubai’s Nighttime Magic from Burj Khalifa’s Sky-High Views

Visiting on Fridays

In the UAE, Friday is significant for Islamic prayers, particularly Jumu’ah (Friday prayer), which is held around midday. Many locals spend part of the day at mosques.

Consequently, mornings at the Burj Khalifa are less crowded, making it an ideal time to visit. At the same time, afternoons and evenings, especially after 4 pm, can be busier as people finish their prayers and head out for leisure activities.

Dubai’s public transport operates on a Friday schedule, with slight frequency and changes in operational hours. 

You should check the latest updates if you rely on public transport to reach the Burj Khalifa. 

Plan your visit with these essential guides:

# Uncover Fascinating Facts About Dubai’s Iconic Burj Khalifa
# Catch the Spectacular Fireworks Display at Burj Khalifa
# Take in Breathtaking Views from the World’s Tallest Building
# Essential Tips for an Unforgettable Burj Khalifa Visit

Night or day visits

Experience at daytime

Visiting the Burj Khalifa during the day offers clear, panoramic views of Dubai’s impressive skyline, the Arabian Gulf, and the surrounding desert landscape.

The natural light enhances the visibility of the city’s architectural marvels, including the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and the World Islands.

Daytime visits also offer excellent photography opportunities, allowing photographers to capture the vibrant colors and dynamic energy of the bustling city below.

The sunlight gives a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for leisurely exploring the observation decks and exhibits.

Stunning Burj Khalifa in day time
Image: Halalzilla

Experience at nighttime

A nighttime visit to the Burj Khalifa transforms the experience into a magical, illuminated spectacle.

As the sun sets, the cityscape lights up, offering a display of twinkling lights and vibrant colors.

The contrast between the dark sky and the lit-up buildings creates a stunning visual effect, making the city look like a glittering jewel.

Nighttime visits provide a more serene and romantic atmosphere, with fewer crowds and a quieter environment.

The cooler temperatures also make it more comfortable to explore the outdoor terraces.

Burj Khalifa at night with stunning view
Image: Sotc

Dining options to explore during your visit to Burj Khalifa:

# Dine in the Clouds at At.mosphere – Burj Khalifa’s Exclusive Restaurant
# Elevate Your Experience at The Lounge in Burj Khalifa
# Discover Dubai’s Finest Dining: Restaurants at Burj Khalifa

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Best time to visit 

The optimal time to visit the Burj Khalifa is either early in the morning, shortly after opening, or in the late afternoon or early evening.

Arriving early provides a serene experience with fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy the views without the hustle and bustle.

Late afternoons and early evenings, especially around sunset between 4 PM and 6 PM, offer a magical transition as the city lights up, providing stunning views of both daytime and nighttime cityscapes.

This time also allows visitors to capture breathtaking photographs of the sun setting over Dubai’s skyline.

Alternatively, arriving just before closing can help you avoid crowds at no extra cost while still offering spectacular views of the Dubai metropolis.

However, it’s important to book your tickets in advance for these peak times to secure your spot and ensure a smooth visit.

Recommended reading:

# Take in Dubai’s Skyline from Burj Khalifa’s Iconic Observation Decks
# Explore Must-See Attractions Near the Towering Burj Khalifa
# Navigate the World’s Tallest Building: Your Guide to the Burj Khalifa Floor Map

Timings of other attractions at Burj Khalifa

AttractionsOpening timeClosing time
Dubai Mall10 am12 am (midnight)
At.mosphere RestaurantBreakfast: 7 am
Lunch: 12.30 pm
Dinner: 6.30 pm
Breakfast: 10.30 am
Lunch: 2.30 pm
Dinner: 11 pm
Armani Hotel9 pm10 pm
Burj Club11 am12 am
Dubai FountainAfternoon show: 1 pm and 1.30 pmEvening show: Every 30 minutes from 6 pm
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo10 am10 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Burj Khalifa’s opening hours.

Is Burj Khalifa open every day?

Yes, Burj Khalifa is open every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays.

When is the last admission to enter Burj Khalifa?

The last entry to the Burj Khalifa’s observation decks is typically 45 minutes before closing. Since the observation decks generally close at 11 pm, the last entry would be at 10.15 pm.

How much time should I allocate for my visit to the Burj Khalifa?

Plan to spend at least 1 to 2 hours on the observation decks. This allows ample time to enjoy the views, photograph the exhibits, and explore them.

How can I avoid crowds when visiting the Burj Khalifa?

To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning shortly after opening or late in the evening before closing. Outside of peak tourist seasons, another less crowded time is midday during the week.

When is the peak time to visit the Burj Khalifa?

The peak time to visit the Burj Khalifa is sunset, from 4 pm to 6.30 pm, when the views are particularly stunning but also the most crowded.

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Researched & Written by
Shanmathy S is an avid traveler with a deep fascination for modern architecture and iconic landmarks. Her journeys often take her to towering skyscrapers and engineering marvels, with a particular fondness for capturing the grandeur of urban skylines. For Shanmathy, travel is about exploring the world's architectural wonders while immersing herself in the culture and history that surround them. She enjoys uncovering hidden gems in bustling cities like Dubai, New York, and Tokyo. Favorite travel experience: watching the sunset from the Burj Khalifa. Next destination: Shanghai.