Dubai Mall aquarium
Middle East mall in the UAE is the most visited site in the world in 2023.
In an unprecedented turn of events, a mall in Dubai has surpassed all other sites to become the most visited place in the world in 2023. Dubai Mall reported a record-breaking 105 million visitors in 2023, marking a 19% increase from the previous year and solidifying its position as the most visited place globally. To put this into perspective, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Giza pyramid, and the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca all had significantly fewer visitors in the same time frame.
New data released by the Dubai Mall revealed that a staggering 20 million people visited the mall in the first two months of this year alone, setting the stage for another record-breaking year in 2024. Events like the Dubai Shopping Festival and innovative digital engagement strategies have been instrumental in driving the mall’s success.
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Dubai Mall dinosaur
“These numbers are a testament to Dubai Mall’s remarkable status and epitomize the visionary leadership and strong economy of Dubai. Our mall embodies the vibrant spirit of the city and its commitment to excellence, turning the leadership’s vision into reality. As an integral part of Dubai’s economic landscape, we play a pivotal role in the city’s success and innovation,” said Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar.
Dubai Mall entrance at twilight
The juxtaposition of Dubai’s excess is best exemplified by the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, located near the mall. This serves as a stark reminder of the city’s questionable urban planning practices. With approximately 160 floors and no on-site human waste disposal system, the daily task of transporting around 8 tonnes of human waste from the skyscraper to a waste treatment center is a glaring issue.
How does a Dubai Mall compare to other world sites of interest?
The Vatican
The Vatican City in Rome, the world’s smallest country ruled by the Pope, receives over 5 million visitors annually.
The Eiffel Tower
In 2023, the Eiffel Tower welcomed 6.3 million visitors, with the upcoming Olympics in Paris in 2024 promising a new wave of tourism for the iconic monument.
Pyramids of Giza
With over 14 million visitors in a year, the Pyramids of Giza stand out as one of the most popular tourist sites globally.
The Old City of Jerusalem
Estimates suggest around 3 to 4 million visitors explored Jerusalem last year, with iconic sites like the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock drawing significant crowds.
Mecca
Over 13.5 million Muslims undertook the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca in 2023, marking a record-breaking year for Islam’s holiest city.
