Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building developed by Emaar Properties, is readying to welcome its first residents with the orientation programme for home-owners of Armani Residences, located on levels 9 to 16 of the tower, currently ongoing.

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, said a statement from Emaar.

The hand-over of homes begins first with Armani Residences comprising 144 private apartments personally designed by Giorgio Armani. This will be followed by the Armani Hotel Dubai, which occupies the concourse to Level 8 and Levels 38 & 39.

The Residences, comprising 900 apartments, and The Corporate Suites, a collection of high-end offices, will be handed over to customers starting March. The handover programme can take anywhere from two to six months.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director – UAE, Emaar Properties, said: “With Emaar taking charge of the tower from our various consultants and contractors, the orientation programme for home-owners has commenced. Reflecting the essence of Burj Khalifa, all the homes have been designed to the highest standards and will offer an unparalleled lifestyle choice for residents.”

Armani Residences is developed through a collaboration of Emaar and Giorgio Armani. Personally designed by fashion legend Giorgio Armani, the one- and two-bedroom suites are spacious, ranging from 100 to 200 sq m.

The interiors of Burj Khalifa, including The Residences, are embellished by award-winning designer Nada Andric of Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the architects of the tower, Al Matrooshi noted.

The design elements take cues from the region’s heritage and interpret it into spatial elements with traditional motifs and the right selection of materials. Apart from glass, stainless steel and polished dark stones, the interiors feature Silver Travertine flooring, Venetian stucco walls, handmade rugs, stone flooring and dark, intricate Brazilian Santos Rosewood, he added.

According to Al Matrooshi, the lobbies and corridors are adorned with luxurious finishes that reflect the overall interior design approach of upholding regional design elements.

Local and international art pieces that were specially commissioned for the corridor area of The Residences have also be integrated into the interiors.

Burj Khalifa anchors Downtown Dubai, the 500-acre self-contained mega-development by Emaar Properties. Residents in the tower will be part of a vibrant community featuring two world-class malls – The Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar – and five hotels in addition to the varied amenities within the tower.

The tower offers luxurious recreational and leisure facilities including four swimming pools, an exclusive residents’ lounge; health and wellness facilities; At.mosphere, the world’s highest fine dining restaurant at Level 122 and At the Top, the world’s highest observatory deck with an outdoor terrace on Level 124.-TradeArabia News Service