In celebration of Philippine’s Independence Day, the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, will be lit up with the colors of the Philippine flag for the first time ever by exactly 9:40 PM on June 12th, United Arab Emirates time (1 AM on June 13th in the Philippines).
The news was announced by the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates.
Photo Courtesy Day & Night Magazine
The Burj Khalifa is known as the world’s tallest building at a height of 2,716 ft. It has 163 floors and 58 functioning elevators. Want to know how high that is? Just know for a fact that it is actually three times as tall as Eiffel Tower in France and two times taller than the Empire State Building in America. Furthermore, it reportedly took 22 million “man hours” to complete the construction of the tower.
The building’s first draft and plans were proposed in 2003 but the construction work ran for six years. Construction of the building started in 2004 and was completed in 2010. It is located in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, the tower was initially named as Burj Dubai.
“I received a letter from Emaar to say that they want to pay tribute to the Filipinos by lighting up the Burj Khalifa with the colors of the Philippine flag. I was so delighted to hear that news because I know that it will inspire a lot of Filipinos in UAE,” shares Ambassador Hjayceelyn Quintana who mentioned that Emaar’s wonderful gesture will inspire the many Filipinos who are working presently in the UAE.
As for making the event a reality, we can also thank Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes who made it possible by meeting with Emaar to ensure that the lighting of the tower event goes well. Cortes will represent Ambassador Quintana for the lighting ceremony of the event.
“This monumental occasion manifests the collective pride and joy of the Filipino Community in the UAE and their appreciation to the multi-cultural community in the country for welcoming them in this diverse society,” Cortes mentioned.
Besides Burj Khalifa, Dubai’s Festival City will feature a special show by IMAGINE for the Philippine Independence Day celebrations that will occur over four days, from June 12 to June 15.
What do you think of this news? Tell us what you think about this gesture by the UAE government in the comments!
