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Dubai: Residents around the city expressed their delight with the news that the Burj Dubai is officially the world's tallest building, and regard themselves as fortunate to witness the construction of the soaring building.
The Burj Dubai reached 150 storeys yesterday at a towering 550 metres and was officially declared the world's tallest building,
The Burj Dubai surpassed the CN Tower in Toronto on September 12, and exceeded Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers in late July.
"It is a great achievement for Dubai and even though I'm not from the UAE, I am proud to be living here," said Umali James from Malawi.
The 29-year-old salesman said that achieving such a record shows people abroad that the country is focusing on its steady development.
Landmark
"My family and friends abroad have seen the construction of the building over the past few years, and wonder in amazement how such a high building can be constructed in the middle of a desert," he said.
Residents who have lived in Dubai for more than 25 years said they were excited by the announcement because it brings back memories of the past when the area surrounding the Defence Roundabout was desolate.
"There used to be nothing there 27 years ago. It is amazing to see how much the city has grown in this period of time.
"It is a good achievement for the emirate to reach such a status and it will really help the tourism industry," said Ganapathi Mayak, a 52-year-old Indian public relations officer.
Mayak believes that the Burj Dubai will attract tourists in the same manner as the Palm islands.
Sense of pride
Expatriates also said that they would enjoy telling their families in their home countries about the landmark tower that the world is talking about.
"I would just love to drive to work every day and see the tallest building in the world because I have seen its development everyday.
"It is going to make a big difference in terms of tourism because everybody around the world will want to visit it," said Jency Raj, 22, a customer service officer from India.
In terms of tourism, the building will bring in a great deal of revenue and residents are optimistic that it will further promote the development of the emirate as a world-class tourist destination, according to Liz Gikonyo, from Kenya.
"Dubai can be assured of a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The tourist numbers in the region will certainly rise. It is quite nice to see the building everyday. Who wouldn't enjoy that sight?" said the 24-year-old sales representative.
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