Burj Khalifa vs One World Trade Center and the Twin Towers
Updated October 27, 2026
Verdict
The Burj Khalifa is about 287 m taller than One World Trade Center: 828 m against 541.3 m (1,776 ft), or 1.5 times as tall. It is also about twice the roof height of either original Twin Tower (417 m and 415 m). The Burj's standard deck, level 124 at 452 m, is 66 m above the One World Observatory at 386 m.
One World Trade Center, also called the Freedom Tower, is the tallest building in the United States and the Western Hemisphere. It stands 541.3 m to its architectural top, a figure chosen to equal 1,776 ft, the year of American independence (Wikipedia). The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is 828 m. That puts the Burj about 287 m higher, or roughly one and a half One World Trade Centers. This page compares the two towers' heights, their observation decks, and the original Twin Towers that stood on the same site until 11 September 2001. Each figure names its source. For the Burj's own measurements, see how tall is the Burj Khalifa.
| Criterion | Burj Khalifa (Dubai) | One World Trade Center (New York) |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural height | 828 m (2,717 ft) | 541.3 m (1,776 ft) |
| Roof height | Highest occupied floor at 585.4 m | 417 m (1,368 ft) |
| Floors | 163 | 94 above ground; top floor numbered 104 |
| Opened | 4 January 2010 | 3 November 2014 |
| Observation deck | Level 124 at 452 m; level 148 at 555 m | One World Observatory, floors 100 to 102, at 386 m |
| Rank | Tallest building in the world | Tallest in the Western Hemisphere |
| Original Twin Towers | About 2 times their roof height | North Tower 417 m, South Tower 415.1 m (roofs) |
Height
Wikipedia gives One World Trade Center an architectural height of 541.3 m, which is 1,776 ft, including a spire of 124.3 m. Its roof is at 417 m and the tip of its antenna at 546.2 m. The Burj Khalifa is 828 m to its architectural top and 829.8 m to the tip. Subtract and the Burj is about 287 m taller; divide and it is 1.53 times as tall. The two buildings were designed by the same firm, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill: Adrian Smith was chief architect on the Burj Khalifa, and David Childs led One World Trade Center. See who designed the Burj Khalifa.
Observation decks: One World Observatory vs At the Top
The One World Observatory occupies floors 100 to 102 at 386 m and opened in May 2015 (Wikipedia). The Burj Khalifa's At the Top deck on level 124 is at 452 m, 66 m higher, and level 148 at 555 m is 169 m higher. The Lounge on levels 152 to 154 reaches 585 m. On 27 October 2026 a levels 124 and 125 ticket started at $51 (AED 189, at 1 USD = 3.6725 AED), and level 148 with 124 and 125 at $109, with skip-the-line access and a lounge. Prices rise for sunset slots. Choosing between them? Read Burj Khalifa 124 vs 148.
The original Twin Towers
The original World Trade Center's North Tower had a roof height of 417 m (1,368 ft) and the South Tower 415.1 m (1,362 ft), each with 110 floors (Wikipedia). The North Tower opened in December 1970 and was the tallest building in the world until Chicago's Sears Tower, now the Willis Tower, was finished in 1973. The South Tower had the public deck, Top of the World, on the 107th floor at 400 m, with an outdoor platform at 420 m. Both towers were destroyed in the attacks of 11 September 2001. The Burj Khalifa's 828 m is about twice their roof height, and its level 124 deck is 32 m above the old outdoor platform.
What the comparison means for a visit
If you have been up One World Trade Center, the Burj Khalifa's standard visit already puts you higher. Level 124 has an open-air terrace, according to its booking listing, and telescopes. Level 148 adds 103 m more, a guest ambassador, and a deck capped at 50 people at a time. The 124 and 125 ticket is rated 4.3 on 92,917 reviews of that ticket on GetYourGuide, and the level 148 ticket 4.6 on 24,553. Both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For the full range of tickets, including combos and the Lounge, see Burj Khalifa tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Burj Khalifa taller than One World Trade Center?
Yes, by about 287 m. The Burj Khalifa is 828 m and One World Trade Center is 541.3 m (1,776 ft) to their architectural tops.
Is the Burj Khalifa taller than the Twin Towers?
Yes. The original North Tower's roof was at 417 m and the South Tower's at 415.1 m; the Burj Khalifa is 828 m, about twice as tall.
Is the Freedom Tower the same as One World Trade Center?
Yes. Freedom Tower was the name used during planning; the building is officially One World Trade Center.
Which has the higher observation deck?
The Burj Khalifa. One World Observatory is at 386 m; the Burj's level 124 is at 452 m and level 148 at 555 m.
Did the same architects design both towers?
The same firm did: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed both the Burj Khalifa and One World Trade Center.
Sources