Climbing to the Top of the Burj Khalifa -The World's Tallest Building | Behind-the-Scenes

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Published 2013-06-08

Following his own oft repeated mandate of “getting your camera in a different place,” world renowned photographer Joe McNally had already climbed such famous urban structures as the north tower of the original World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and the uniquely beautiful Queensboro Bridge in his hometown of New York City.
One structure was missing from his portfolio of urban mountaineering—the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, the towering centerpiece of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Arching into the desert sky for a little over half a mile, he teamed with superb climbers Mick (Michael Flamson) and Johnny (Johnny Salvador). They began the arduous ascent into the column leading to the very top.
Rung after rung, in blazing heat, they made it up the column to step out onto the roof of the world. The World's Tallest man-made point on the planet. Standing on the railing that holds the aircraft warning lights, McNally made a pictures of Johnny and Mick doing maintenance, as well a picture of his very worn boots, which went viral when published on the Internet. Since then, he has had another adventure on the Burj, going over the side with their legendary team of window washers, who, along with automated washing machines, work to continuously clean the gleaming exterior of the Burj, which is composed of 24,348 windows.
Still photos by Joe McNally and video by Drew Gurian. Music licensing by Triple Scoop Music. TripleScoopMusic.com/. #climbingtallestbuilding #burjkhalifa #topofburjkhalifa

All Comments (21)

@JRichie1999 5 years ago

I love the ground. I really really love the ground
@youmilkpack 8 years ago

Thank god they have helmets, if they fall it's safer
@jojoxlt 4 years ago

My stomach sank through my ass when they got to the top. Never in a million years. Wow.
@tomdefig6514 2 years ago

My heart started pumping when I saw the final view and angles
@bobibest89 8 years ago

Its strange to think that these buildings you see down there are skyscrapers too.
@DanielDeArco 11 years ago

Joe, I can't believe you're still doing such physically demanding and dangerous work at your age!! So inspiring. You sir have a lot of courage.
@shawnm.gillespie1450 7 years ago

What a fantastic opportunity! Would love to shoot from that platform. Love the fact that you celebrate the people who make it happen and let the photos tell the story; class act!
@MWCarlsson 4 years ago

Fantastic and so gutsy - gives me the chills just watching! Well done Joe!
@dustxrhythm6939 10 years ago

Don't worry he has a helmet
@CharlieEdward25 10 years ago

Does everyone's hands sweat
@hogforJesus 1 year ago

So cool, man! I had to climb a ladder 30 feet in the air today, and my knees got wobbly. Could never do something like this! God bless you!
@FamousTVvoice 2 years ago

Watching this at highest definition in front of a large screen is awesome! Thanks for the video :)
@elasolezito 8 years ago

I refuse to get into the balcony of my apartment which is 3rd floor...
@bobbymarly1 8 years ago

That chinese looking man has no fear what so ever, so calm and collected
@raymondparsley7442 1 year ago

They say it takes all kinds, but for this job, it takes one of a kind.... In describing these men, the word missing was "courage" and we know for sure, they possess a lot of it. Thanks for sharing.
@Fuzcapp 2 years ago

I couldn't watch to the end. I could feel myself getting nauseous and slightly dizzy just sitting in my comfy chair. You guys have RESPECT!!!!!
@KDC93 10 years ago

My clumsy ass would have dropped that camera lol
@Richard__Cranium 9 years ago

Who else has sweaty palms right now?
@mrkac5543 3 years ago

Thank you for giving us that beautiful view from the tallest building in the world, truly that nerves of steel you had greetings from Mexico
@DaveMovold 6 years ago

NFW !!! JOE you are the Man !!!....I was freaking out just watching on my computer. Cheers, from Canada