Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa has clinched yet another global record, being named the world’s most popular landmark due to its staggering annual visitor count.
The landmark, which soars at a height of 828 meters, has become a magnet for approximately 17 million tourists each year, as per a study conducted by the analytics website, Switch On Business. This research scrutinized search volumes and visitor numbers for over 150 renowned global landmarks.
Beyond its towering stature, which is threefold the height of Paris’ Eiffel Tower, the Burj Khalifa records nearly 22 million Google searches annually. This translates to a handsome ticket revenue of around $621 million each year.
The Taj Mahal in India occupies the second slot, pulling in 7.5 million tourists annually, and sharing the 22 million Google search volume with Burj Khalifa. Niagara Falls secures third place with approximately 13 million annual visitors.
Mir Wasim Raja of Galadari Brothers International Travel Services emphasized the tower’s importance, stating, “Most cities boast a landmark which is a primary travel attraction. In Dubai, that’s unquestionably the Burj Khalifa.” The attraction offers visitors the thrill of ascending close to 800 meters in under a minute and panoramic views of the city.
For those planning a visit, Ranju Abraham from Tours on Board advises, “The best viewing times differ with the seasons. In summer, aim for 4pm to 7pm, and in winter, 3pm to 6pm for a combination of day, sunset, and night vistas.”
Tickets to the tower’s sky view observatory commence at Dh80 and can go beyond Dh750.