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"Elevator shops " ..
In a new achievement that reinforces Dubai’s position as a capital of innovation, the management of Burj Khalifa has announced the launch of its futuristic project, “Elevator Shops” where small retail units are distributed on both sides of the elevator on every floor, transforming the ascent through the world’s tallest tower into an extraordinary shopping adventure above the clouds.
One on the Right, other on the Left ..
The idea is based on placing two small shops on each floor—one on the right and the other on the left as soon as visitors exit the elevator.
Although these stores occupy only a few square meters, they offer a wide variety of products, including:
- Arabian and international perfumes
- Fine jewelry and luxury gifts
- Snacks and beverages
- Souvenirs inspired by Emirati culture
- Luxury brands in mini formats designed specifically for the vertical mall
This adds a sense of discovery to every level the visitor ascends.
Integrating Vertical Transportation with Shopping
The elevators have been redesigned to become an integral part of the experience ,
Interactive screens display a digital map showing store locations across the floors, enabling visitors to:
- Explore the levels gradually
- Choose specific shops and navigate to them quickly
- Track trending categories and popular products
This integration of vertical transportation and shopping is the first of its kind globally.
Grab & Go Technology ..
The project relies on an advanced technological ecosystem that includes:
- Grab & Go: An automatic payment system allowing visitors to take an item and leave without waiting.
- 3D holograms: Interactive displays showcasing products in three-dimensional form.
- A smart design that optimizes vertical space while giving each mini-shop a luxurious visual identity despite its size.
Project Objectives
Through the “Elevator Shops” project, Burj Khalifa aims to:
- Offer a globally unprecedented shopping experience
- Increase the tower’s appeal as a tourist destination beyond simple observation
- Merge technology and entertainment within a single environment
- Present a new retail model suited for future cities
- Support Emirati and international brands through innovative spaces
Huge Turnout… Success Beyond Expectations
From the very first hours of the launch, the project witnessed significant turnout from visitors and tourists. Social media quickly filled with posts and clips describing it as:
- “A mall suspended in the air”
- “The highest shopping experience in the world”
- “The future of retail begins in Dubai”
Officials confirmed that occupancy rates and visitor numbers exceeded expectations on the first day, with advance bookings for “high-altitude shopping tours.
Development and Expansion Plans
The tower’s management stated that it is working on:
- Adding new specialized floors (such as a perfume floor, a luxury gifts floor, etc.)
- Launching a dedicated app that allows product tracking before visiting the shops
- Studying the possibility of expanding the experience to other towers in Dubai and abroad
With this bold step, Burj Khalifa enters a new era where shopping becomes part of the journey—not merely a destination—ensuring that Dubai remains at the forefront of cities shaping the future.
