Construction of the Burj Khalifa began on September 21, 2004 and the building officially opened on January 4, 2010.

The project timeline spanned approximately six years. Exterior construction was completed on October 1, 2009, with the official opening ceremony held on January 4, 2010. The building is part of the Downtown Dubai development, a 2 km² flagship project along Sheikh Zayed Road near Dubai's main business district.