The Burj Khalifa has been a symbol of solidarity this week. The UAE landmark lit up on Sunday in tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant who was killed in a helicopter crash last week.
Arranged by Emirati business Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) and also long-term family friend of the Bryatnts, the display featured an image of Bryant with his daughter, Gianna, who also died in the accident.
Bin Sulayem, who was also responsible for bringing the Lakers to the UAE several years ago, said, “My deepest condolences to Vanessa Bryant, and the family of Kobe Bryant. Number 24 will forever be with us. Here is to my greatest of all time.”
The tallest building in the world, along with the Dubai and Adnoc Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, also lit up in the colours of the Chinese national flag on Sunday night in solidarity with the Beijing over the outbreak of new coronavirus.