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Mohammed opens Burj Khalifa

Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Tahnoun unveil a ceremonial plaque

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the newly renamed Burj Khalifa this evening, the tallest man-made structure ever built on earth.

Sheikh Mohammed unveiled a commemorative plaque at the site, engraved with the name 'Burj Khalifa', to the applause and cheers of the assembled crowd, who congratulated him on a great national achievement on the country's march of progress. 

To the surprise of all those present and watching around the world, the 828 meter tower, built at a cost of over $1.5 billion, was named after UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

After unveiling the plaque, Sheikh Mohammed announced that the UAE had added a new landmark to the world map.

"The summit of the world should be associated with a great name, and so today I announce the opening of Burj Khalifa bin Zayed," he declared.

Subsequently Sheikh Mohammed and his guests moved on to the ceremony's main platform, where they watched a documentary film detailing the various stages of the tower’s construction over the past five years.

The opening, which was broadcast live on over 160 television stations around the globe, also coincided with the fourth Anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Mohammed as the Ruler of the emirate of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed went on to describe Burj Khalifa's launch as proof that UAE is a strong country, thanks to its leadership, people, economy and infrastructure.

Responding to questions about the financial crisis, Sheikh Mohammed said that while there was economic turmoil all around the world, it was not created by the UAE.

"As an integrated part of the global economy, we couldn't escape the impact of the crisis," he added.

Sheikh Mohammed further noted that the world's economic superpowers were affected more than the UAE by the crisis, and that significant projects were still being developed in the country, particularly in Abu Dhabi.

After describing how the UAE was capable of overcoming all challenges with determination and confidence, Sheikh Mohammed said that true leaders prove themselves in times of crises.

"Thanks to Allah," he proclaimed, "we have the willpower, the wise leadership, a strong belief in God the Almighty, faith in our peoples' capabilities and the patience to keep working when things get hard."

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Abu Dhabi Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Fujairah Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Ajman Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Deputy Ruler of Umm Al Quwain Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Mualla, National Security Advisor Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lt-General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan,  Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police & Public Security Major General Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, other sheikhs, senior officials and dignitaries.

Monday, January 4, 2010