'Palace in the sky' kept secret for 13 years goes on sale for huge sum – with insane extra

A penthouse dubbed "a palace in the sky" has been unveiled to the market after being kept under wraps for 13 years. The property, listed at a jaw-dropping £40million, is nestled among the clouds in the world's tallest building and is sprawled over 21,000 square feet across two floors. Situated on the 107th and 108th floor of the Burj Khalifa, an 830m-high skyscraper in Dubai, UAE, the home boasts 12 parking spaces, gated gardens, three gyms, tennis courts and a private internal elevator.

Whoever snaps up the penthouse also gains access to the facilities inside the Armani Hotel. According to the listing, held by Asad Khan, CEO of Invest Dubai Real Estate, the home was initially reserved for a high-profile celebrity residing in Dubai. But now, the "truly one-of-a-kind" residence is up for grabs and offers complete freedom when it comes to customisation. Currently, the penthouse sits unfurnished and undecorated, presenting endless possibilities.

One of the standout features of the home is the large panelled windows that stretch from the floor to the ceiling. The windows offer breathtaking 360-degree, unobstructed views of the outside world. From the property, you can see the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah, and on a clear day, the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. To give potential buyers a glimpse into what the penthouse could look like once furnished and decorated, AI images have been generated by UK design firm gt&i.

The designs encompass the main living area, bedrooms, a home office, bathroom, home cinema and even a children's playroom. The living area is adorned with cream and gold, featuring a marble floor, cream sofas and a winding staircase with a gold handrail. The bedroom and bathroom exude a darker vibe, enhanced by warm mood lighting that adds to the lavish atmosphere. A contemporary stone bath sits by the window, while the bedroom also boasts a hot tub with breathtaking views. The AI-rendered interior of the property includes an office with an intricate bookcase.

After years of being vacant and unused, the property was bought by entrepreneur Karl Haddad and his business partner in 2022. Karl now feels it's the ideal time to showcase the home which blends ultimate privacy with opulence. In 2024, construction work also began on the world's second tallest skyscraper, the 725m-high Burj Azizi, also in Dubai. The seven-star building will be a hotel and include holiday homes, apartments and penthouses.