Rising above the mist: The world's tallest building pierces the atmosphere as Dubai's skyscrapers are shrouded by fog

By Anthony Bond

PUBLISHED: 15:21 EST, 18 October 2012 | UPDATED: 19:56 EST, 18 October 2012


With a thick cloud of mist enveloping the world's tallest building, this incredible scene looks like it belongs in a science fiction film.

But instead of being taken from a Hollywood blockbuster, these stunning pictures are the result of a beautiful sunrise in Dubai.

The world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is pictured jutting above the fog, dwarfing its neighboring skyscrapers.

Stunning: The world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, juts above the fog in what looks like a science fiction scene

Stunning: The world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, juts above the fog in what looks like a science fiction scene

Misty: The other-wordly scene is caused by a natural phenomena as every year around this time the temperature begins to drop and humidity meets cooler air, forming the rolling fog

Misty: The other-wordly scene is caused by a natural phenomena as every year around this time the temperature begins to drop and humidity meets cooler air, forming the rolling fog

The sea of mist was caused by a natural phenomena. Every year around this time the temperature begins to drop and humidity meets cooler air, forming the rolling fog.

And as the sun rises it burns away the mist to reveal the desert once again.

These pictures were taken by German snapper Bjoern Lauen, who went up a tall building in the central business district at sunrise to capture the amazing sight.

 

More...

Mr Lauen, 32, said: 'This is Burj Khalifa, the highest building in the world in the heart of Downtown Dubai, surrounded by clouds and heavy white fog.

'It is a natural spectacle that only presents itself to the very early riser able to admire the scenery from a high enough location, above the clouds.

'In the early hours of a very few days every year, low and thick fog rolls into Dubai, one of the 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates.

'The fog develops overnight as a result of the disparity between high temperatures and humidity during the day and the drop of the mercury during the night. 

Dedicated: These pictures were taken by German snapper Bjoern Lauen, who went up a tall building in the central business district at sunrise to capture the amazing sight

Dedicated: These pictures were taken by German snapper Bjoern Lauen, who went up a tall building in the central business district at sunrise to capture the amazing sight

Amazing: As the sun rises it burns away the mist to reveal the desert once again

Amazing: As the sun rises it burns away the mist to reveal the desert once again

'It is a clear sign for the long awaited season change, from hot summer with temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius to the much cooler and pleasant winter months.'

Mr Lauen, who has lived in Dubai since 2005, added: 'It is a bit of a challenge for motorists on Dubai's roads and a rare natural spectacle for the very early riser.

'Once the sun climbs above the horizon; causing the fog to evaporate, Dubai is back to its normal appearance.

'During those few moments before, Downtown Dubai, with Burj Khalifa; the tallest building in the world in its centre, is covered under a blanket of white.

'Buildings, roads and construction sites disappear and nature paints an impressive and surreal picture.'

Standing at more than 828 metres (2,716.5 feet) and more than 160 stories, the Burj Khalifa is also the tallest free-standing structure in the world.


Add your comments

Comments (31)

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The city built on modern day slavery. enjoy your holiday there and work ex pats.

Click to rate     Rating   12

Report abuse

is the current jack and the beanstalk tale?

Click to rate     Rating   5

Report abuse

A single room please, yes I'll have one above the clouds!

Click to rate     Rating   25

Report abuse

Have you been to this slum? I lived there for two months, the cloud below is mist from humidity that you walk into when you walk out of a building. It tops 40 degrees yet you can never get a tan because of this low level "cloud" so it is a bit of a slip up to say these building are piercing the atmosphere.

Click to rate     Rating   35

Report abuse

Only 7 days left for our 4th visit to Dubai. What a fantastic place. I can't wait :-)

Click to rate     Rating   30

Report abuse

I love skyscraper that literally dwarf all other buildings around it. Like the Shard looks awesome. Canary Wharf looks good but it would look even better if it was 100 feet taller because there are a lot of tall buildings in the area. They make awesome pictures whereas many skyscrapers are close together does not look good.

Click to rate     Rating   8

Report abuse

This is not a skyscraper ....This fog

Click to rate     Rating   27

Report abuse

This is not a skyscraper ....This fog

Click to rate     Rating   24

Report abuse

Absolutely incredible how much has changed in the past 9 years in Dubai. Can remember when I took my first holiday there and they were only just starting to talk about the palm!

Click to rate     Rating   23

Report abuse

great view ! cool city !

Click to rate     Rating   32

Report abuse

Share this comment

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.