A shopping mall in Dubai has claimed that it is the most visited place on earth, having recorded 105million visitors in 2023.
‘Dubai Mall’, the world’s largest based on total area, saw its 2022 visitor total of 88million jump by 19 per cent.
Figures released by the mall – which is owned and operated by Emaar – reveal that a staggering 20million people visited the complex in the first two months of this year alone, with 2024 set to be another record year.
Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar claims the new statistics show how the mall has become a global draw, attracting visitors from every corner of the world.
He said: ‘These numbers reflect Dubai Mall’s impressive status and mirror the forward-thinking leadership and strong economy of Dubai.
‘Dubai Mall’ has claimed that it is the most visited place on earth, having recorded 105million visitors in 2023
Dubai Mall saw its 2022 visitor total of 88million jump by 19 per cent. Above is the mall’s epic aquarium
‘Our mall embodies the city’s vibrant spirit and dedication to excellence, turning the leadership’s vision into a reality. Being an integral part of Dubai’s economic fabric, we play a crucial role in the city’s success and innovation.
‘This wide range of nationalities not only underscored the mall’s worldwide charm but also reflected the cosmopolitan culture of Dubai itself.’
The 12million-sq-ft shopping centre offers 1,200 retail stores, hundreds of food spots, an Olympic-sized ice rink, a giant aquarium, and a massive Chinatown district.
It stands next to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa (828m/2,717ft).
The 12million-sq-ft shopping centre offers 1,200 retail stores
Shopping mecca: Dubai Mall is the world’s largest based on total area
The mall stands next to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa (828m/2,717ft)
Other extremely popular shopping malls include the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, which received 52million visitors in 2019, according to Statista, and Mall of America, in Minnesota, which had approximately 40million visitors in 2019.
The UK’s most popular tourist attractions are Windsor Great Park (5.6million visitors in 2022); the Natural History Museum (4.6million visitors) and the British Museum (four million visitors).
These figures are dwarfed by Dubai Mall’s footfall, which is also vastly more popular than the world’s most visited city, Istanbul, which according to Euromonitor International, welcomed 20.2million international arrivals in 2023.
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