DUBAI // The first residents of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, are preparing to move in. Emaar, the developer of the 828-metre building, said in a statement that 144 one- and two-bedroom apartments in the Armani Residences, between floors nine and 16, would be the first to open next month. Residents have been notified of an "orientation programme" to welcome them to their prestigious new home. An Emaar spokesman was unable to say when the orientation would take place. The company statement said The Residences, consisting of 900 apartments as well as offices, would be handed over in the next two to six months. "The interiors of the world-class and first of its kind Armani Residences is in the final stages, and finishing work of The Residences in Burj Khalifa is progressing at a fast pace," it said. Emaar said the Armani Hotel Dubai would open after the Armani Residences have been handed over. Meanwhile, the tower's At The Top observation deck remains closed to the public for what Emaar said was "maintenance and upgrade" work. The sudden closure of the platform on the 124th floor followed a reported lift failure more than two weeks ago. A spokesman was yesterday unable to say when it would reopen.
eharnan@thenational.ae
