How do you transport 5,500 kgs up 2,717 ft at 18 meters per second?

Press release

Published January 25th, 2011 - 02:18 GMT

Al Bawaba

This is a question for the elevator engineers at the Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE. Here are a few interesting facts they have told us about the elevators in the world's tallest building:

- The Burj Khalifa's elevators have the world's longest travel distance from lowest to highest stop

- It is the first mega-rise to have elevators with specially programmed, permit-controlled evacuation procedures

- At 5,500 kg capacity, the firemen/service elevator is the world's tallest service elevator

- 54 lifts have been installed in the tower

- The double deck cabin elevators are the fastest in the world

- The speed of the cabin is 18 m/sec (40 mph)

If you think these facts are impressive, hold your breath for the development of the Mile-High Tower, a skyscraper proposed for construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. At one mile tall, it will be the tallest building ever built to date.

Significant investment in the built environment has propelled the Kingdom to regional pole position in terms of project spend. Investment in sustainable smart buildings is predicted to hit US$39bn over eight years, while long-term government strategic development plans demand adherence to sustainable building construction and performance codes. The core and its vertical transportation system are a tall building's fundamental element, and the most costly to change after construction.

With this in mind the need for a dedicated vertical transportation conference in Saudi Arabia has never been greater.

Dr. Andy Davids, Director at Hyder Consulting Middle East, will review the elevator market's progression to date in the Middle East and discuss the journey still to come at IQPC's Vertical Transportation Saudi Arabia event, taking place from the 28 February - 1 March 2011 at the J W Marriot in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Davids will discuss the challenges in the design and construction of the elevator systems in several of the world's tallest buildings, including, Emirates Towers and the Burj Khalifa. He will also review innovative vertical transportation technologies adopted for the super-tall CMA Tower, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), and explain the vertical transportation requirements for next generation super-tall buildings planned for the Middle East and China.

At IQPC's Vertical Transportation Middle East Summit, taking place on 28 February - 01 March 2011 at J W Marriot, Riyadh, KSA is where experts will discuss the latest vertical transportation technologies, methodologies, engineering solutions and working practices to maximise ROI and effectively deliver sustainable projects within budget. The summit will provide an exclusive opportunity to network and cement business partnerships with master planners, developers and contractors.

For more information, visit http://www.verticaltransportsaudi.com.

Background Information

Emaar Properties

Emaar Properties is one of the world’s most valuable and admired real estate development companies. With proven competencies in properties, shopping malls & retail and hospitality & leisure, Emaar shapes new lifestyles with a focus on design excellence, build quality and timely delivery.

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Dubai Holding

Dubai Holding continues to make big strides in its successful strategy, aimed at creating an innovation driven knowledge-based economy. This is in line with Dubai’s long-term ambition to transform into the smartest and most productive city in the world.

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International Quality & Productivity Center

At its core IQPC is a global business to business event company that has embraced the digital age. We are the go to source for online and offline events, information, education, networking, and promotion for executives across an extensive range of industries and professions.