Does EMAAR Own Burj Khalifa?
When people search online for “Does Emaar own Burj Khalifa?” or “Who owns Burj Khalifa?” They are usually curious about whether the world’s tallest building belongs to Emaar Properties or the government. Burj Khalifa is not just a tower; it is a global landmark, a tourism magnet, and one of the biggest real estate success stories in the world. Because of this, many people want to know exactly who owns it, who built it, and what role Emaar played in its development.
Who Owns Burj Khalifa?
To answer the main question straightaway: Yes, Emaar owns Burj Khalifa. More specifically, the tower is owned by Emaar Properties PJSC, one of the largest and most successful real estate developers in the UAE. So if you are searching “Burj Khalifa owner Emaar” or “Is Burj Khalifa owned by Emaar Properties?”, the answer is yes. However, the ownership of Burj Khalifa also involves some additional details that many people don’t know, so let’s explore those further.
Emaar’s Role in Building Burj Khalifa
Emaar Properties is the master developer behind the entire Downtown Dubai area, including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, Souk Al Bahar, and several luxury residential towers. Burj Khalifa was developed as part of a grand vision to create a world-class city center. Emaar was responsible for:
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The design and construction planning
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Funding the development
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Managing contractors and architects (such as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)
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Overseeing the completion and launch of the tower
Remember: This makes Emaar the direct owner and managing company of Burj Khalifa.
If you look up “Emaar role in Burj Khalifa construction,” you will find that the company played a pivotal role from start to finish. In January 2020, that is after years of planning, engineering, and development, the tower was officially opened.
Why People Think Burj Khalifa Might Be Government Owned
A common question is: “If Emaar owns Burj Khalifa, why do some people believe the government owns it?” This confusion happens for a few reasons:
1. Emaar Has Government Links
Emaar is a public joint-stock company listed on the Dubai Financial Market. This means it is partly owned by:
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Government-related investment entities
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Private investors
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Public shareholders
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Institutional investors
Insight: Because the government holds a stake in several major companies in Dubai, many assume it fully owns Burj Khalifa. But Emaar operates independently with its own leadership and management.
2. Burj Khalifa Represents Dubai Globally
The tower is one of the most recognizable symbols of Dubai. Since it plays such a big role in tourism, branding, and global identity, people assume it must be state-owned.
3. The Name “Khalifa”
The tower was originally named Burj Dubai, but was renamed Burj Khalifa in honor of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This strengthened the perception that it may be owned by the rulers of the country. But the ownership still remains with Emaar.
What Parts of the Burj Khalifa Does Emaar Own?
Emaar owns the building entirely, but some units inside the tower are sold to private owners. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Emaar owns:
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The structure
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The observation decks (At The Top)
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The Armani Hotel Dubai (in collaboration with Giorgio Armani)
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Most of the maintenance and facility management rights
Investors own:
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Residences (Burj Khalifa apartments)
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Some commercial spaces
Insight: So, even though individuals may own apartments in the tower, Emaar remains the primary owner and master developer.
Why Emaar Owning Burj Khalifa Matters ?
Burj Khalifa is a global brand, and not merely a building. Its ownership brings several advantages to Emaar:
1. Strong International Reputation
Owning the tallest tower in the world gives Emaar unmatched credibility in global real estate markets.
2. High Tourism Revenue
The observation decks, restaurants, and attractions generate millions of visitors every year.
3. Value Appreciation
Properties in Downtown Dubai continue to rise in value because of Burj Khalifa’s presence.
4. Investor Confidence
When people search “Does Emaar own Burj Khalifa?” They often want to know whether Emaar is a trustworthy developer. The answer itself becomes a stamp of reliability.
Interesting Facts About Burj Khalifa’s Ownership
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Emaar funded the construction through a mix of internal financing and project-based loans.
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Burj Khalifa is not a government-owned tower. It belongs to Emaar and its shareholders.
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Many high-net-worth individuals and investors from around the world own apartments inside the tower.
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The tower’s success played a major role in making Emaar one of the richest developers in the UAE.
In Short
To summarize the main question:
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Does Emaar own Burj Khalifa? – Yes, Emaar is the owner
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Who owns Burj Khalifa? – Emaar Properties PJSC
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Is Burj Khalifa owned by Emaar Properties? – Absolutely.
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Does the government own Burj Khalifa? – No, though it has indirect links through shareholders.
Emaar’s vision, investment, and leadership created one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers. Today, Burj Khalifa stands as a powerful symbol of Dubai’s growth, and the perfect example of what Emaar has achieved.






