Okay, so we’ve been hearing about the Burj Khalifa for what seems like forever but it’s easy to forget what an iconic structure it is and how excited we should be to have it on our doorsteps.

Excavation work began for Burj Khalifa in January 2004. In the 1,325 days since, it has become the tallest free-standing structure in the world. We’ve taken a look back on how it all happened…

January 2004: Excavation started

February 2004: Piling started

March 2005: Superstructure started

June 2006: Level 50 reached

January 2007: Level 100 reached

March 2007: Level 110 reached

April 2007: Level 120 reached

May 2007: Level 130 reached

July 2007: Level 141 reached - world's tallest building

September 2007: Level 150 reached - world's tallest free-standing structure

April 2008: Level 160 reached - world's tallest man-made structure

January 2009: Completion of spire - Burj Khalifa tops out

September 2009: Exterior cladding competed

January 2010: Official launch ceremony