Downtown Dubai is a $20bn megaproject that includes the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Opera District. Work on the development will continue for years to come, but it has already become a major tourist attraction.

The district is also a significant business, residential and entertainment hub.

Central to the 2-square-kilometre development is the 828-metre-tall Burj Khalifa. It was known as Burj Dubai until its opening ceremony in January 2010, at the height of the global financial crisis.

The name change was a nod to the $10bn in financial support Dubai received from Abu Dhabi, after its debts spiralled out of control. The Burj Khalifa has become a major attraction, featured in Hollywood movies.

The tower took 22 million man hours to build. Construction was led by a consortium of South Korea’s Samsung C&T, the local/ Belgian Bel Hasa Six Construct, and the local Arabtec Construction. The $875m main construction contract was awarded in December 2004. Overall, the project cost about $1.5bn to complete.

Dubai’s Emaar Properties announced plans in 2016 to build a new world’s tallest tower: the tower at Dubai Creek Harbour.