In the heart of Dubai’s glittering skyline stands the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa, a towering testament to human ingenuity and architectural prowess. Poking through the clouds like a futuristic needle, this iconic structure isn’t just a marvel of steel and glass—it’s a challenge, a beacon for the audacious. While millions have marvelled at its breathtaking height and shimmering lights, only a daring handful, a mere seven individuals, have ascended to its lofty summit since its inception. After all, scaling the Burj Khalifa isn’t just a physical feat; it’s a testament to the audacity of the human spirit, a dance with the clouds reserved for the boldest of thrill-seekers.
But who are these daredevils? From Tom Cruise to Will Smith, here take a look at the journey beyond the mundane, where the boundaries of possibility were stretched, and the sky was the limit – quite literally!
Tom Cruise – 2010
In his illustrious career filled with perilous feats, Tom Cruise etched his name in the annals of audacity by scaling the exterior of the Burj Khalifa in the fourth Mission Impossible installment. This audacious stunt required the actor to be equipped with a harness strategically fixed to the building, necessitating special permits for drilling on floors and walls. Director Brad Bird, known for animated classics like The Incredibles and Ratatouille, consulted experts from various fields to ensure the shoot’s safety. Cruise, true to his commitment to his craft, performed his own stunts, with the iconic Burj Khalifa sequence standing as irrefutable proof.
Sheikh Hamdan – 2018
Proving himself as a true athlete at heart, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, set a record by climbing the Burj Khalifa’s 160 floors in a mere 38 minutes. A video captured the journey from the base, showcasing Hamdan and his team donning weight jackets before embarking on the climb. The Crown Prince’s triumphant celebration on the 160th floor, coupled with his panting, demonstrated the physical rigor of this extraordinary accomplishment.
Also Read: Not Dubai’s Burj Khalifa But This China Tower Has The World’s Fastest Elevator
Nicole Smith-Ludvik – 2021
In Emirates Airlines’ viral ad campaign, Nicole Smith-Ludvik gained international attention standing atop the Burj Khalifa. The bold stunt, featuring her with sheets of paper reading ‘I’m still here’ and more, solidified her status as the only woman to perch on the world’s tallest building.
Also Read: Will Burj Khalifa Lose Its World’s Tallest Building Title To Jeddah Tower? Read On
Will Smith – 2021
A luminary in the entertainment world, Oscar-nominee Will Smith added another milestone to his illustrious career by climbing the Burj Khalifa. Documenting his weight loss journey in a YouTube series, Will used the tower’s 2,909 stairs for a cardio workout, concluding by ascending to the spire’s top. Accompanied by personal trainer Aaron Ferguson, the video showcased Will conquering the 160 floors in 51 minutes, as part of his series “Best Shape of My Life.”
Sam Sunderland – 2022
British motorcycle racer Sam Sunderland ventured beyond his usual desert racing terrain to film a promotional clip atop the Burj Khalifa. In a collaboration between Dubai Tourism and Red Bull, Sunderland donned in full riding gear, climbed the world’s tallest tower. The brief clip, titled “Yalla,” depicted him ascending a metal ladder, ultimately standing atop Dubai’s iconic landmark.
Alain Robert and Alexis Landot – 2023
In a remarkable feat in November 2023, renowned climbers Alain Robert and Alexis Landot scaled the Burj Khalifa to launch a global mountain clean-up. Adhering to safety regulations, they used ropes and harnesses but refrained from additional tools or assistance. Negotiating the tower’s facade, and overcoming challenges like strong winds and extreme heat, the duo demonstrated the strength of human determination against seemingly insurmountable odds.
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Aren’t these incredible folks practically shouting, “Hey, moving mountains? Piece of cake for us, just another thrilling item on our bucket list!”