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The Burj Khalifa's owner said yesterday the observation deck of the world's
tallest tower has been unexpectedly shut down, potentially disappointing
thousands of tourists and marring the spire's image just a month after it
opened.
The precise cause of the Dubai skyscraper's closure remained murky. In a
brief statement responding to questions, building owner Emaar Properties blamed
the closure on "unexpected high traffic", but then suggested that electrical
problems were also at fault.
"Technical issues with the power supply are being worked on by the main and
subcontractors and the public will be informed upon completion," the company
said.
A spokeswoman for Emaar was unable to provide further details.
Thousands of visitors have taken the elevator ride of just over a minute to
the observation deck since it opened to the public on January 5, though advance
bookings have meant many tourists looking to visit have struggled to find
tickets. Ticket holders affected by the shutdown are being offered the chance to
rebook or receive refunds.
"All ticket holders who wish to rebook shall be given top priority," the
company said, adding that it is "committed to the highest quality standards at
Burj Khalifa".
Emaar did not say when the observation deck would reopen following last
Sunday's closure. Ticket sales agents were accepting bookings starting on
Valentine's Day this Sunday, though it has not been confirmed the building will
reopen then.
Work is still ongoing on many of the building's other floors, including
those that will house the first hotel designed by Giorgio Armani that is due to
open in March.
It was unclear if the rest of the building was affected by the observation
deck's shutdown. The first of some 12,000 residential tenants and office workers
are supposed to move in this month.
Dubai opened the 2,717-foot (828 m) tower on Jan 4 in a blaze of fireworks
that was televised around the world. The building had been known as the Burj
Dubai during more than half a decade of construction, but the name was suddenly
changed on opening night to honor the ruler of neighboring Abu Dhabi.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two of seven small sheikdoms that comprise the
United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi hosts the federation's capital and holds most of
the country's vast oil reserves. It has provided Dubai with $20 billion in
emergency cash to help cover its debts.
The Burj Khalifa boasts more than 160 stories. The exact number is not
known.
The observation deck is located on the 124th floor. Adult tickets bought in
advance cost 100 dirhams ($27.25). Visitors wanting to enter immediately can
jump to the front of the line by paying 400 dirhams ($109) apiece.
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发表于 2016-7-10 17:42:35