`Spiderman` scales world`s tallest tower

Dubai: Alain Robert, who is popularly known as the `French Spiderman`, scaled the 2,716 feet-tall Burj Khalifa, the world`s tallest tower here in a record-clinching feat today. The climb was held 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. PTI