Burj Khalifa, Dubai: World's highest observation deck opens to the public

The world's highest observation deck has opened at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, offering visitors views from 555 metres above the ground.

The new attraction is located on the 148th floor of the world's tallest building, 24 floors higher than its predecessor (featured in the gallery above). The highest observation deck prior to its opening was inside the Canton Tower – 488 metres up.

To get there, visistor will have to change elevators on level 125.

Earlier, tourists could only go to a still operational observation deck on the 124th floor. Nearly 1.9 million visitors did so last year.

Trips do not come cheap, however. To see the city and its surroundings from the new viewing deck costs 400 Dirham ($125) – if you book in advance, The National reports. Turn up on the day and it will set you back 500 Dirham.

Once there, visitors can listen to an audio guide which explains the story of the Burj Khalifa's construction. There are also three shopping boutiques.

The building itself is 829.8 metres tall in total, with 163 floors. It features the world's highest nightclub (on the 144th floor), the world's highest restaurant (At.mosphere on the 122nd floor), and the world's second highest swimming pool (on the 76th floor).

Around 1.9 m people visited the Burj Khalifa's lower observation deck in 2013. According to the building's owners, that figure is likely to increase this year.