Burj Khalifa is the symbol Dubai is known by — the world's tallest skyscraper, rising like a stalagmite from the heart of the metropolis beside The Dubai Mall. The tower carries the spirit of the city and the scale of its ambitions, and the fastest way to understand either is to go up it. Your ticket takes you up to the At The Top observation deck, where the whole of Dubai opens out below you. High-resolution telescopes bring the skyline, the desert and the coast into focus, the open terrace lets you feel the height rather than just see it, and from up there the famous dancing fountains perform far beneath your feet. The source states that the ascent takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Everything runs on a name and a fixed date and time, so this is a booking to plan the day around. The Burj Khalifa reception is on the LG floor of The Dubai Mall — follow the signs for At The Top — and you should be there 20 to 30 minutes before your slot. Tickets are accepted printed or on a phone, and you will need proof of identity. Sightseeing binoculars, virtual attractions, photos and souvenirs are available inside for an additional fee. Good to know: the dress code is smart casual and modest. Reservations are made in a specific name for a specific date and time, and arriving late means asking the front desk for permission to still use the ticket — the decision rests with the Burj Khalifa administration, and no refund is given if entry is refused. Children under 3 go free, children from 3 to 7.99 need a child ticket and must be accompanied by an adult, and from 8 years old an adult ticket applies; proof of age may be asked for at check-in. Baby carriages are not allowed in the lift and must be left downstairs and collected on the way back.