The UAE is home to some of the biggest and most breathtaking world records.
Whether it’s the tallest, the fastest, or the most extravagant, the UAE sets the benchmark. Across the Emirates, you’ll find headline-making achievements that feel almost unreal in person. From sky-scraping feats to larger-than-life spectacles and crowd-pleasing experiences, these places have set the kind if UAE world records you’ll want to see (and snap) with friends or family.
The world’s tallest building
The Burj Khalifa towers over Downtown Dubai at a staggering 830 meters. It is one of the World’s most iconic structures, drawing visitors from around the World. The building, which encompasses 163 floors, took six years to construct, from January 2004 to January 2010. It features observation decks, restaurants, a luxurious swimming pool, and the fashion-forward Armani Hotel Dubai. Perfect for tourists and locals alike, visitors can head to At.mosphere Lounge for a dining experience high in the clouds.
The world’s tallest landmark sign
Dubai’s Hatta Sign smashed its way into the Guinness World Records book in September 2023. Perched atop the Hajar Mountains, the ‘Tallest Landmark Sign’ in the world — a towering 19.28-meter structure — has swiftly become a symbol of Hatta and its status as one of the UAE’s most picturesque regions. To put this achievement into perspective, the Hatta Sign surpasses the famed Hollywood sign, which stands at 13.7 metres. Like its American counterpart, this sign also lights up the night sky, enhancing its appeal.
The world’s highest suspended hotel suite
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is renowned for its luxurious, glamorous hotel suites, each with a private butler. Yet this Abu Dhabi address prides itself on being home to the World’s highest suspended suite. Positioned 200 meters above the capital, the appropriately named ‘Abu Dhabi Suite’ is positioned between the 48th and 49th floors of Nation Towers. The two-storey suite boasts a grand staircase leading to three royal bedrooms, a commodious living room adorned with gold and velvet, a dining room, a library, a private cinema, a gymnasium, and even a spa.
The world’s furthest-leaning artificial structure
Abu Dhabi’s Andaz Capital Gate is just as eye-catching on the inside as it is on the exterior. Also known as the ‘Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi’, Andaz Capital Gate was designed to incline at 18° west whilst rising 35 storeys to a height of 160 meters. In addition to the hotel, which takes over the 18th floor and above, the cobra-shaped building features ample office space and has become a landmark on the Abu Dhabi skyline.
The world’s tallest hotel
The world’s tallest hotel, Ciel Dubai Marina, is now officially open in Dubai Marina, staking its claim and soaring 82 floors and 377 metres above the waterfront. Inside, guests can expect 1,004 rooms and suites, offering a fully immersive, multi-sensory escape. Food and drink are a major focus. West 13 channels a relaxed Mediterranean spirit, while East 14 serves an expansive Asian buffet. Adding star power is Tattu Dubai, a modern Asian concept from the UK, spread across multiple levels. Well-being is built into the experience with a 24-hour gym and a soon-to-open spa.
The world’s largest standing lantern
You certainly couldn’t hold this lantern. Sharjah’s Souq Al Jubail features a 13-meter-high lantern, officially recognised as the largest lantern ever made. This warm welcome to the market invites customers to shop with its bold red glow. Initially, the Global Event Management Group built this replica for Sharjah’s Ramadan celebrations in 2016, and it became a permanent fixture at the souq entrance.
The world’s biggest picture frame
The Dubai Frame is a landmark located in the picturesque Zabeel Park. The monument, museum and observatory features a lift that ascends 48 floors to a height of 150 meters, where a glass-floored viewing deck awaits. This worthwhile attraction opened in early 2018 and offers views of old Dubai on one side and a modern metropolis on the other.
The world’s deepest swimming pool
The UAE is home to many swimming pools. However, Dubai reached extreme depths with the opening of Deep Dive Dubai in 2021. The World’s deepest swimming pool reaches an impressive 60 meters and contains 14 million litres of fresh water. The attraction recreates a sunken city, with submerged cars and rooms, providing an immersive experience for divers of all levels.
The world’s tallest observation wheel
The stunning Bluewaters Island is home to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest Ferris wheel. Reaching a staggering height of 250 meters, the record-breaking structure offers unique views of Dubai’s iconic landmarks from 48 air-conditioned cabins, which can hold up to 1,400 passengers. One rotation takes approximately 38 minutes, allowing guests to witness spectacular city views from the JBR skyline to the Burj Al Arab.
The world’s largest flower arrangement
Walk into a blossoming euphoria of colour and elegance at Dubai Miracle Garden. Here, more than 50 million natural flowers are arranged into impressive displays, including horses, aeroplanes, elephants and more. The family-friendly attraction features dining options and roaming entertainment.
The world’s tallest infinity pool
Perched 76 floors above the city within Ciel Dubai Marina, the world’s tallest hotel, TATTU Dubai’s Sky Pool offers an open-air sanctuary with blockbuster skyline views over Palm Jumeirah. Mornings invite calm with breakfast rituals and serene lounging, while afternoons are all about indulgence upon 50 plush daybeds, accompanied by premium bottle service. As the sun sinks, the energy lifts with DJ-led events that keep the atmosphere effortlessly elevated from sunrise to sundown. Officially, the world’s highest infinity pool, the venue has already been visited by Hollywood actor Jason Momoa.
The world’s largest vertical maze
The maze tower stands out on the Dubai skyline thanks to its unique and unmissable design. The building on Sheikh Zayed Road, developed by Al Rostomani, comprises 57 floors. The skyscraper houses office and residential space, as well as a rooftop swimming pool. From the outside, a vertical maze runs up the front and back of this building, setting a new global record as the world’s largest vertical maze.
The world’s fastest spinning rollercoaster
Reaching speeds of 70kmph, the Now You See Me High Roller at Motiongate Dubai currently holds the title of the world’s fastest spinning rollercoaster. Not for the faint of heart, the thrilling ride features a seven-storey vertical drop as riders race to expose the antics of a criminal mastermind.
The world’s tallest indoor climbing wall
CLYMB Abu Dhabi, on Yas Island, is home to the world’s largest indoor climbing wall. This uniquely shaped building invites adventurers to step outside their comfort zone and into a world of adventure. CLYMB welcomes guests of all ages and levels of experience to enjoy all five climbing walls. Whether you are a climber or just enjoy the sport, the SUMMYT wall will be something you do not want to miss out on. Rising a whopping 138 feet high, there are thirteen routes to reach the top.
The world’s largest indoor theme park
Delve into a world of adventure and cinema at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. The Yas Island attraction features 29 fun-filled rides suitable for all ages. Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment, where you can meet your television heroes, from Tom and Jerry to The Flintstones family and Batman.
The world’s longest zipline
Plummet through the mountainous Ras Al Khaimah landscape, down a zipline at 160kmph. The world’s longest zipline on the UAE’s tallest peak takes three minutes to complete and has been enjoyed by over 70,000 people.
The world’s largest golden ring
Rosella Jewellery is a producer of bracelets, earrings, and rings, with stores in Al Barsha and the Gold Souk. Their handmade accessories are impressive, but the gold ring at Deira’s Gold Souk is unlike any other. The 21-karat gold piece, named Najmat Taiba, weighs 64 kilograms and features crystal detailing. The unique ring, made in 2000, is valued at AED 11 million.
