Frenchman begins climbing world's tallest tower

The 48-year-old daredevil says he expects the climb to take about six or seven hours to complete.

March 28, 2011 08:29 pm | Updated 08:30 pm IST - Dubai

French climber Alain Robert, also known known as the "French Spiderman", poses in front of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower which he began climbing, on Monday, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo: AP.

French climber Alain Robert, also known known as the "French Spiderman", poses in front of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower which he began climbing, on Monday, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo: AP.

A French skyscraper climber who calls himself “Spiderman” is starting to pull his way up the side of the world’s tallest tower in Dubai.

Alain Robert began his climb up the 2,717 foot—tall (828 meter) Burj Khalifa on Monday just before sunset.

The 48—year—old daredevil says he expects the climb to take about six or seven hours to complete.

Unlike on many previous climbs, Mr. Robert will use a rope and harness to comply with organizers’ requirements in the Gulf sheikdom.

The tapering metal and glass Burj Khalifa opened in January last year. Its owner says it has 160 habitable storeys.

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