Burj Dubai was scheduled to be opened on December 2 — The UAE National Day — Mohammed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, told CNN last month.

But on Wednesday, Alabbar said the opening of the tower would be put back a month.  “We decided to inaugurate the world’s highest tower during an anniversary that is dear to the hearts of everyone,” Alabbar was quoted as saying by the state news agency Wam.

“Burj Dubai reflects the ambitious vision set by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.”

The project was originally planned to have been finished in December 2008, but was delayed because of a change 
of contractor.

In a statement in September, Emaar said the project would be completed by the “end of the year”.

“As in any large project, there may be some operational challenges with the Burj which Emaar has to tweak,” said Saud Masud, a Dubai-based analyst 
at UBS. “I think they want to make sure the tower opens without any issues which could overshadow the building launch itself.”

Alabbar last month said that around 12,000 people were working on the tower to meet the planned opening date. The final height has not been announced but is believed to be around 818 
metres.  — With inputs from agencies

martin@khaleejtimes.com