A stunning virtual tour of ‘Vertical City’

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Muaz Shabandri / Khaleejtimes/ June 24,  2013 Dubai - The stunning detail of Burj Khalifa came to life on Google with the launch of a new 360-degree street view imagery of the world’s tallest building. The new visuals were unveiled on Monday by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Shaikh Mohammed praised the project as he said: “Burj Khalifa is a landmark not only for the people of the UAE but for people from all over the world, and it is the right of everyone on this globe to get an opportunity to see and experience for themselves this global landmark.” The project to capture images from inside Burj Khalifa was done by Google in partnership with Emaar Properties. High-resolution 360-degree images were captured using a trekker device suspended from building maintenance units. The launch is part of the ‘Street View Collections’ project by Google presents global landmarks through its mapping applications which are accessible to more than one billion people around the world. The iconic Burj Khalifa will feature as a ‘Vertical City’, being the first skyscraper to be part of the project, according to a Press release issued by the Government of Dubai Media Office. Shaikh Mohammed praised the results of the project and the imagery that provides a striking virtual tour of the tower. “We do not look at Google as a commercial body but as a knowledge-based organisation that has played an active role in linking civilizations to people and cultures, and in the UAE, we highly value the importance of such a role,” Shaikh Mohammed said. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “We commend Google for this remarkable initiative, which will enable people around the world to experience this fascinating architectural marvel that positions the world-class city of Dubai.” He called Burj Khalifa a ‘pride of the United Arab Emirates’ and a ‘true icon’ underlining strength of global collaborations. The pictures were taken over a period of three days and they include interior and exterior portions of Burj Khalifa including the surrounding grounds, the entrance from The Dubai Mall to ‘At the Top, Burj Khalifa’, the world’s highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace on the 124th floor, as well as the residential and commercial entrances. Stunning external pictures were also taken from the 160th floor, providing an outstanding virtual experience. The capture also takes users on a journey through the high-speed elevators, sky lobbies, corporate suites, and meeting room facilities, as well as breathtaking views from inside suspended building maintenance units giving users jaw-dropping views of the city and Burj Khalifa. Mohammad Gawdat, Vice-President, Google in Mena stated: “We are so proud that Google has selected Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa for its first skyscraper — the images are breathtaking and the Burj Khalifa is a beaming example of the vision and achievements of this nation.” By bringing the technology to remote and restricted places around the world, the Street View project allows a global audience to marvel at urban masterpieces demonstrating the depths which Google will go in its ongoing quest to build the perfect, most comprehensive map. The virtual tour of Burj Khalifa can be experienced by visiting Google site maps at www.google.ae/streetview muaz@khaleejtimes.com