Burj Dubai's opening ceremony tonight

The Burj Dubai to finally open

It has been over five years since the Burj Dubai began construction on 21 September 2004, however tonight the world's tallest building will be given a lavish opening ceremony, assuaging any fears that the emirate is still reeling from last year's debt crisis.

Emaar Properties, the site's developer, are planning to throw a massive display of "sound, light, water and fireworks" to celebrate the opening and completion of the 818m-tall tower. However, whilst the exterior of the super skyscraper is complete, an army of workers are still labouring to fit out the 162-floor building.

Designed to hold 1,044 apartments, a 160 room hotel, a nightclub, two restaurants and a spa, the tower is already facing losses after property prices in Dubai slumped, however Emaar is hoping that their crown jewel achievement will be more than a mere visual treat.

Tonight, the building will be opened to much fanfare by Dubai's ruler, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, and an invited crowd of 6000 guests. According to the Emirates news agency WAM, the opening ceremony will feature a batteries of "fireworks, light beams, choreographed water displays, and sound and music effects will describe the evolution of the world's most iconic new building in a breathtaking sensory journey."

As well as the fireworks, "868 high-powered 'stroboscope' lights will be integrated into the facade of Burj Dubai and the tower's spire - and each stroboscope will be fired individually to create a series of hypnotic lighting sequences."

World's eyes on Dubai

With the international media descending on the emirate for the opening ceremony, the inauguration ceremony is hoped to be a major lure for foreign companies to invest and buy proprieties in the building.

With the offices and most of the flats still an estimated two months from completion, much is being done to sell the Burj's appeal around the world, especially considering Dubai's $24 billion bail out last year and the fact the tower itself cost $4.1 billion. The building's ostentation has been a matter of concern for the the likes of Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia who have been proving financial aid to Dubai, and with tonight's opening ceremony looking to cost millions in its own right, one has to wonder whether Dubai has learnt from its past mistakes.

Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, however feels differently, saying that the Burj Dubai was "another demonstration of Dubai's ability to achieve what few people thought possible".

"The tower is a global icon," he said. "It represents the determination and optimism of Dubai as a truly world city. It is a powerful symbol for the entire Arab world."

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