World's tallest tower in UAE closes

The Burj Khalifa was closed due to "unexpected high traffic," and "technical issues with the power supply", Emaar Properties said on Monday.

The indefinite closure of the $1.5bn skyscraper on Sunday comes as Dubai struggles to revive its international image as a cutting-edge Arab metropolis amid nagging questions about its financial health.

The Gulf emirate had hoped the 828m high Burj Khalifa would be a major stimulant to boost its tourism economy.
 
In recent weeks, thousands of tourists have lined up to buy tickets for viewing times often days in advance that cost more than $27 each - or $110 for a queue-jump pass.

But the closure will now prevent those tourists gaining entry to the observation deck and casts doubt over plans to welcome its first permanent occupants in the coming weeks.

Ticket sales

Agents were accepting bookings for next week, though there has been no confirmation the tower will reopen then.