Dubai, Developer Threatens to Stop Elevators in World's Tallest Skyscraper

Some renters in the world's tallest building recently had their access privileges revoked and may face losing both elevators and air conditioning if they don't pay the developer's service fees of $25,000. The 163-story Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world's tallest building. With an architectural height of just over 2,700 feet, it offers 900 luxury apartments, including 1-bedroom rentals going for $55,000 per year. However, some renters recently had their access privileges revoked and may face losing both elevators and air conditioning if they don't pay the developer's service fees of $25,000. The building's developer, Emaar, recently cut off access to community amenities like the gym, pool, tennis courts, and garage for those residents who have not paid their fees. They were going to turn off their elevators and air conditioning too, but have temporarily held off so renters could still get to their apartments. If Emaar carries out its threats, not only will people need to walk up tons of stairs to get home, but the building's windows don't open and could cause uncomfortable if not hazardous conditions in the blazing hot weather. Emaar says they've given plenty of notice and reminders. However, it's unclear whether the tenants are really in default, or the problem lies with their middleman landlords, many of whom use nonpayment tactics because they feel the service fees are too high. One renter said, "We view it as a small win for tenants that we can use the elevators but it's best to move soon."