Burj Dubai photo update may 1st 2009

Burj Dubai photo update may 1st 2009, photos were taken standing on the roof of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel at the Sheikh Zayed Road.



Zoomed photo of Burj Dubai

Dubai Skyline

Here is a nice photo of the skyline of Dubai during a recent storm. This image also makes for a nice computer screen background. You might want to crop the image a little to remove the border...

Lightning hits the Burj Dubai

Here is a amimated gif of a recent lightning strike at the Burj Dubai.

Dubai's lightning risk soars with highrises

Dubai: With more and more tall structures coming up in Dubai, the chances of a lightning strike is increasing, according to a technical expert.

Sonjib Banerjee, technical director of Duval Messien, a French multinational specialised in Global Protection services, told Gulf News that it seems it is now mandatory to have lightning protection systems which are pro-active, intelligent, remotely monitored and maintenance-free for tall structures.

He said it is a myth that Dubai and the Gulf area are not vulnerable to lightning strikes. He referred to a lightning strike near Burj Dubai on November 26 and said it confirms the need for adequate lightning protection measures for all tall structures.

"The thunderstorm days in the UAE are about 10 per year. This means that, one lightning strike may happen per square kilometre per year in worst conditions, with a minimum of one lightning strike per 7 square kilometre per year," he said.

"A 100-metre-high building of 30 floors is five times more at risk in comparison to 50-metre-high building of 15 floors. This risk factor goes up, as the height of the building goes up," he said.

Banerjee said the probability of a lightning strike is calculated based on utility, type of construction and location of the structure.

Banerjee also said proper earthing is the only "safety valve" in the event of any electrical fault or lightning strike. The key challenge of the industry is to disseminate the latest knowledge in earthing science and to incorporate the latest technology in the country's safety regulations, he said.

"A survey reveals that 70 per cent of the residents in the UAE are at risk of being involved in electrical fires. Use of proper electrical accessories like three-pin plugs and sockets and branded circuit breakers are some precautionary measures against electrical fire hazards," he said.

Banerjee said the issue of electrical safety impacts the community, including the environment. The intelligent community needs to be more aware of each safety component, the options available and how electrical faults are dissipated.

He said all facilities that use electricity are at risk. The intensity of damage depends on the load capacity of each equipment. Faults can strike anywhere and cause an accident.

"We need to have safety measures inbuilt in the system to avert it. Inflammable materials catch fire faster, but they are part of our life at home or work. The consequential damages in both cases are huge," he said.

Safety standards

Standards of electrical safety of structures are defined in various international codes. Banerjee said the structures in Dubai need to follow these codes without compromise. The implication of such compromise may directly affect the safety of lives and assets. It also involves understanding the effect of the structures on the environment.

"In the entire concept of electrical safety system, buildings in Dubai like all parts of the world, must adhere to proven standards. Currently we believe there may be a need to re-evaluate some areas of concern, based on latest available technology and proven science," he said.

Naming Dubai’s Burj Dubai Lake

BY now you’ll be wondering how the fountain in Dubai’s Burj Dubai Lake got its name? Wonder no more at the wonder:

WHEN we commissioned this fountain for Burj Dubai Lake, we knew it would be one of the worlds finest water features, integrating water, music and light into a grand spectacle. Powerful water nozzles shoot sprays to the height of a fifty-storey building, while over 6,600 lights and 50 colour projectors create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 different water expressions.

By holding a competition to choose a suitable name for this fountain, we wanted to engage the residents of Dubai in the creation of a new landmark for the city, and to demonstrate the spirit of solidarity among UAE residents. The response to the competition has been overwhelming, with more than 4,000 participants from over 100 nationalities taking part. Entries were received from across the globe, reflecting Dubai’s growing global significance.

“What we were looking for was a name for the fountain that is simple, has instant brand recall, and above all celebrates the global standing of Dubai as a multicultural destination, and home to over 180 nationalities. On September 15th, a distinguished panel met and selected the winning name, which echoes the rising global prominence of Dubai, and will be a fitting tribute to the city. The name they have chosen is ‘Dubai Fountain’”…