Wednesday, Mar 30, 2011
Gulf News
Dubai A little more than six hours was the time taken by Alain Robert, dubbed the ‘French Spiderman’, to climb Burj Khalifa on Monday evening.
Robert, after scaling the exterior of the tower, finally reached the summit of Burj Khalifa at 12.30am on Tuesday to the cheers of many spectators waiting patiently below.
He took his first foothold on the world’s tallest tower at 6.10pm on Monday evening with one aim — to reach the top.
Robert’s 828 metre climb was to inspire the more than 2,000 students who descended on Dubai on Monday for the three-day Education Without Borders (EWB) conference being hosted by the Higher Colleges of Technology.
“I’m doing this to show the students there is no edge or borders and to inspire people to break the mould and not limit themselves,” said Robert. “Part of my message is not only to follow your heart but to try to innovate in all things you do.”
Following his heart is what led Robert to the tip of the world’s tallest building. It is climbing buildings that brings him joy.
“To live we don’t need much, just a roof over our heads, some food and drink and that’s it... everything else is superficial,” said Robert. “I climb because I need to find something I enjoy in life and I enjoy climbing buildings.
“I’ve climbed the second, third and fourth tallest buildings. All that is missing is Burj Khalifa.”
Ahmad Al Matroushi, managing director of Emaar Properties PJSC, said: “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.”
ATIQ-UR-REHMAN/Gulf News
Amazing feat
Fireworks seen at the Education Without Borders event for which Alain Robert, the ‘French Spiderman’, scaled the Burj Khalifa.
By Rania Moussly
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
