what to see in dubai

The views from the top of the tallest building in the world are epic. (Photo: Getty Images)

Dubai

10 Reasons Dubai Earns Its Bragging Rights

When it comes to world records, Dubai is a city with heavy bragging rights.

From the world’s tallest building to the largest indoor theme park and shopping mall, Dubai is bursting with attractions that will leave a lasting impression during your visit to the United Arab Emirates. Discover which sights are a must-see in this city known for its luxury scene and awe-inspiring skyline.

1. Tallest Building

Soaring at 160-stories high, the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building. Test your fear of heights by visiting the observation deck offering a bird’s eye view of Dubai. Chances are, the site may seem familiar since it was the building Tom Cruise climbed in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.” The Burj Khalifa is also home to the highest base jump from a building, surpassing 2,700 feet.

2. Highest Tennis Court

Nothing beats a match between tennis greats Andre Agassi and Roger Federer, unless that game is 1,000 feet high in the sky. Dubai breaks records again with the highest tennis court adapted from a helipad at the top of the Burj Al Arab hotel.

3. Largest Shopping Mall

what to see in dubai
Find your Zen at the aquarium in the world’s largest mall. (Photo: Getty Images)

Shopaholics can feed their addiction at the world’s largest retail center, The Dubai Mall. Not only does it carry 1,200 high-end shops, it also boasts over 200 restaurants, an ice rink, a cinema and aquarium.

4. Longest Painting

Created in support of Autism awareness, the world’s longest painting spans across nearly 35,600 feet in Dubai. The artwork was created by 20,000 students who painted their self-portrait under the theme, “I’m different, just like you.”

5. Largest Indoor Theme Park

Get your adrenaline pumping at the world’s largest indoor theme park. IMG Worlds of Adventure equates to the size of 28 football fields and offers rides based on Cartoon Network and Marvel superheroes. Travelers can also check out the park’s retail stores, restaurants and cinema.

6. Longest Graffiti Scroll

Dubai is gaining acclaim for its rising art scene. In fact, the city holds the surprising record of having the world’s longest graffiti wall. Check out over 1.2 miles of artwork from 150 graffiti artists in Jumeirah Beach Park.

7. Biggest Luxury Car Parade

what to see in dubai
Get your zoom on in Dubai. (Photo: Getty Images)

Dubai is a land of luxury, especially when it comes to cars. During the 2014 Dubai Motor Festival, 58 different brands of vehicles made a 3.2-kilometer lap at the Meydan Racecourse, breaking the record for the world’s largest luxury car parade.

8. Longest Selfie Relay

Say cheese! Dubai is number one when it comes to having the greatest number of consecutive selfies taken in the entire world. The selfie chain, which also took place during the Dubai Motor Festival, comprised of 289 smiling faces.

9. Tallest Chocolate Sculpture

Got a sweet tooth? There’s no shortage of delicious decadence in Dubai. The city broke records with the world’s tallest chocolate sculpture put on display at Dubai International Airport. The building structure stood 44 feet tall.

Unfortunately, the chocolate replica of Burj Khalifa was taken down two weeks after its completion but lives on in mouthwatering photos. No need to fret, there are plenty of chocolatiers around the city for those wishing to satisfy their cravings.

10. Tallest Hotel

Dubai is renowned for having some of the tallest hotels in the world. Take travel to new heights at The Gevora Hotel, standing at nearly 1,170 feet high. The hotel was built on the very same street as JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, which used to be the world’s tallest until the Gevora’s recent completion.

This article was published through a partnership with Vacations by Marriott. Read the original story: 10 World-Breaking Records in Dubai on the blog.

Watch: Traveler 7: Dubai