The Burj Khalifa remains accessible 24 hours a day, all year round. However, the operating hours of the observation decks and attractions inside the tower vary.
The At the Top observation deck is open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM on weekdays. On weekends, the deck opens earlier at 5:00 a.m., allowing visitors to enjoy the sunrise experience. The 148th-floor observation deck – At the Top SKY operates daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The last entry to Burj Khalifa is permitted one hour before closing time.
Below is a quick overview of the Burj Khalifa opening hours and observation deck timings:
| Observation Deck | Weekday Timings | Weekend Timings |
| At the Top (Levels 124 & 125) | 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| At the Top SKY (Level 148) | 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
Note: On Fridays, Burj Khalifa may operate from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM due to Islamic prayer timings.
Burj Khalifa Prime and Non-Prime Hour
Burj Khalifa classifies its visiting hours into prime and non-prime slots based on expected crowd levels. Ticket prices and overall experience vary depending on these timings.
The prime hours for both At the Top and At the Top SKY are from 3 PM to 6:30 PM. These sunset hours are considered prime due to the spectacular dusk views of Dubai’s skyline. The non-prime hours for At the Top (Levels 124 & 125) are from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM. For At the Top SKY, non-prime hours are between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
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Burj Khalifa Lounge Timings
The Burj Khalifa Lounge spans levels 152 to 154, standing at an impressive 585 meters above ground. The lounge welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM. Light meals are served between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
Meal reservations are available at the following time slots: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, and 9:00 PM.
At.mosphere Restaurant Timings at Burj Khalifa
The iconic At.mosphere Restaurant & Lounge operates from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Afternoon Tea: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Dinner service begins at 5:30 PM, which is also the most sought-after reservation slot.
Burj Khalifa Light Show Timings
The Burj Khalifa Light Show timings vary seasonally and are updated annually. Currently, there are six shows every 30 minutes, running from 7:45 PM to 10:45 PM. The light show takes place only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Please note that show timings may change at short notice.
Burj Khalifa Fountain Show Timings
The Dubai Fountain Show runs daily from 5:45 PM to 11:30 PM, with performances every 30 minutes.
Visitors can enhance their experience by opting for a traditional Abra boat ride on Burj Lake during the show.
The last Abra departs at 11:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit Burj Khalifa
The ideal time to visit Burj Khalifa for breathtaking views is between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. During sunset, the city transforms into glowing golden hues, offering unforgettable panoramas. This period is also the busiest and most crowded at the observation decks.
For a quieter experience, consider visiting at 7:00 PM, when the deck opens, or two hours before closing time.
Early morning visits offer stunning sunrise views, while late-night visits provide a peaceful, crowd-free experience.
Weekdays are highly recommended over weekends if you wish to avoid long queues. On weekends, elevator wait times can exceed one hour, even with timed tickets.
The best season to visit Burj Khalifa is winter, from November to January, when Dubai’s weather is pleasant.
If planned correctly, visitors can also witness New Year’s celebrations at the tower.
How Long Does It Take to Visit Burj Khalifa?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring Burj Khalifa and its observation decks. If you plan to visit the lounge, dine at At.mosphere, or enjoy the fountain show and boat ride, allocate up to 5 hours. Your total visit duration may increase during sunset hours, weekends, or peak tourist seasons.
Suggested Time Breakdown
Arrival & Entry: 30 to 45 minutes
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time for security checks and voucher collection. If purchasing tickets on-site, allow 45 minutes to 1 hour due to high popularity and long queues during peak hours. Security screening takes approximately 20 minutes.
Once cleared, you’ll board the world’s fastest elevator, reaching the 124th floor in under 30 seconds. Elevator waiting times can range from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on crowd levels.
Observation Deck: 1.5 to 2 hours
Exploring Levels 124 and 125 typically takes about 1 hour. Visitors opting for the At the Top SKY experience on Level 148 should allow an extra 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Additional Experiences: 30 to 60 minutes
Dining, lounge visits, or watching the fountain show will require extra time.
FAQs About Burj Khalifa Opening Hours
1. What time does Burj Khalifa open?
Burj Khalifa is open from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., with the last entry at 11:00 p.m.
2. Can I visit Burj Khalifa at night?
Yes, the observation decks remain open until midnight, offering stunning night views with fewer crowds.
3. When is Burj Khalifa closed?
Burj Khalifa closes shortly after midnight.
4. What are Burj Khalifa’s prime hours?
Prime hours are the busiest visiting slots, typically during sunset.
5. What are Burj Khalifa’s Ramadan timings?
During Ramadan, Burj Khalifa operates from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
6. What are Burj Khalifa’s Friday timings?
On Fridays, the tower is open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
7. What is the best time to go up Burj Khalifa?
The best time is 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for sunset views. To avoid crowds, visit early morning or late night on weekdays.
8. What time is the Burj Khalifa light show?
The light show runs from 7:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Timings may change without notice.
9. How long can I stay inside Burj Khalifa?
With a valid ticket, you may stay as long as you wish on most levels. However, access to At the Top SKY (Level 148) is limited to 30 minutes.
Sources & References
This article combines firsthand research and practical travel knowledge with trusted references: