Tallest skyscraper in the world renamed

The Burj Dubai was renamed the Burj Khalifa last night at the dramatic unveiling of the world’s tallest tower.

During the ceremony, the structure was revealed to be 828m high, 10m higher than the expected final height of 818m.

The display of more than 10,000 fireworks, Dubai Fountain and light show wowed the gathered crowds and expected two million television viewers.

But the real surprise of the evening was the changing of the name of the tower, a move that officials said reflected the unity of the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum renamed it Burj Khalifa after the president of the UAE and emir of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan.

Sheikh Mohammed described the tower as the tallest building “ever created by the hand of man" adding that "This great project deserves to carry the name of a great man. Today I inaugurate Burj Khalifa".

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum, chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Fiscal Committee and uncle of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said “Sheikh Khalifa is one of the UAE’s symbols”.

The decision to change the name, made by Sheikh Mohammed, reflected the unity of the federation, he said in an interview after the opening ceremony.