Dubai today opened the world’s tallest skyscraper, hoping to shift international attention away from its deep financial crisis and rekindle the optimism that once fuelled its turbocharged growth.

Dubai is set to open the world’s tallest building amid tight security today, celebrating the tower as a bold feat on the world stage despite the city state’s shaky financial footing.

BURJ Dubai, the world’s tallest building since July, has become the world’s tallest free-standing structure, reaching 1,822 feet, the developers said.