French 'Spiderman' scales world's tallest tower

The climb was held yesterday as part of the 'Education Without Borders 2011' international student conference organised by the UAE's Higher Colleges of Technology.

Unlike on many previous climbs, the 48-year-old daredevil is using a rope and harness to comply with organisers' requirements.

"All safety precautions were taken with the cooperation of various governmental authorities," a statement from the developer said.

Thousands of spectators watched him in action from Burj Park and Downtown Dubai.
"Alain Robert's scaling of Burj Khalifa is indeed momentous, and we are honoured to host the climb as part of the prestigious 'Education Without Borders' conference that brought the world’s leading educationalists and thought-leaders to witness the unprecedented feat," Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, the developer of Burj Khalifa, said:

Robert saw the attempt to climb Burj Khalifa as a true challenge. Robert has climbed more than 70 skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, Chicago's Willis Tower and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Towering high at a height of 828 metres (2,716.5 ft), Burj Khalifa is now a full-fledged community featuring homes, offices, hotel suites and restaurants