Spectators at the January 4 inauguration watched fireworks turn the world’s tallest tower into an 828-meter fountain of flame. What came as a surprise is that the tower, known as Burj Dubai since its announcement in 2003, was renamed by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum as Burj Khalifa Bin Zayed, in honor of the United Arab Emirates President and ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan. Burj Khalifa was originally set to open by the end of 2008, but Emaar properties, the developer behind the tower, delayed its opening several times until January 4, 2010, the date marking Sheikh Mohammed’s fourth anniversary as ruler of Dubai. Dubai to Khalifa The name change came as a surprise and was decided upon at the last minute; the tower’s souvenirs and tickets purchased for the observation deck on the 124th floor still said ‘Burj Dubai’, while ‘Burj Khalifa
