Burj Khalifa is a source of pride for Dubai and the UAE, according to a recent poll by a leading lifestyle research company.

Ninety per cent of respondents to YouGov Siraj’s online Omnibus survey, admitted the excitement of the tower’s opening and said it was a source of pride for Dubai and the UAE.

Burj Khalifa, formerly known as Burj Dubai, was opened by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, on January 4, with a spectacular firework, laser and water show, watched by millions around the world.

The majority of respondents to the latest Omnibus poll (72 per cent) said they watched the inauguration of Burj Khalifa on television. 12 per cent viewed it in proximity to the Burj- Downtown Dubai or Dubai Mall areas. 54 per cent of respondents acknowledged the ceremony exceeded their expectations (36 per cent indicated that it ‘far exceeded’ their expectations).

“The name change from Burj Dubai to Burj Khalifa has not impacted UAE resident’s sense of pride towards the building. The fact it was seen by millions around the world has meant the majority of people across all emirates of the UAE are unified in their recognition of it as an extraordinary achievement,” said Joanna Longworth, chief marketing officer of YouGov Siraj.

The building, which cost $1.5 billion to build and was worked on by approximately 12,000 people, has been in the making for five years.

“Many believe that the grand opening was a powerful symbol of Dubai’s emergence from the economic slowdown,” added Amir Bozorgzadeh, business development manager of YouGov Siraj.-TradeArabia News Service