9 times Dubai beat the world at everything

Tallest, biggest, fastest – find out nine times Dubai beat the world at everything.

If you hadn’t already gathered, we’re pretty excited to have announced Dubai as Marella Cruises’ newest home port. This city in the United Arab Emirates doesn’t do anything by halves – from the buildings to the shopping malls, everything here has to be bigger and better than ever before…

1. TALLEST BUILDING

If you haven’t heard of this skyscraper, we can only assume you’ve been living under a rock. Visible from 60 miles away, the Burj Khalifa is a staggering 2,716 feet high. To put it in perspective, if you could (somehow) put the Eiffel Tower on top of the Shard, the Burj Khalifa would still be taller by a whopping 197 metres. We think we’ll take the lift.

2. LARGEST SHOPPING MALL

The UAE is famous for its high-end shopping, so it’s no surprise that the Dubai Mall is the biggest in the world. With over 1,200 shops, 160 eateries, an ice rink and amusement park, this place has got it all. So you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for – it just might take a while.

3. BIGGEST SWEETSHOP

If you’ve ever dreamed of going to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, this place is a must-see. Candylicious is the largest sweetshop on Earth. Sadly there aren’t any Oompa Loompas, but you can still drool over rich chocolate, retro sweets and ice cream. To top it all off, Candylicious has the biggest wall of pick ‘n’ mix in the world – well, why not?

4. TALLEST HOTEL

If you’re afraid of heights, this hotel probably isn’t the one for you. Made up of two towers, 76 storeys and over 1,600 rooms, JW Marriott Marquis has the highest ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs in the world.

5. LARGEST INDOOR SKI RESORT

Ski Dubai is made up of 22,500 square metres of indoor slopes. It also happens to have the world’s first indoor black run, so pro-skiers are sorted. Meanwhile, beginners can learn how to ski, snowboard and toboggan – or you could just have a snowball fight.

6. TALLEST RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

Looking out over the Marina District, the affluent residents of Princess Tower are truly living the high life. With over 700 luxury apartments, two pools and a gym, this place takes A-list living to a whole other level.

7. BIGGEST ARTIFICIAL ISLAND

If someone mentions Dubai, chances are you’ll think of the Palm Jumeirah. This man-made island covers a jaw-dropping 560 hectares – that’s 350 football pitches, to you and me. Featuring world-class hotels, luxury villas and stylish apartments, this palm-shaped suburb is a glamorous place to be.

8. LARGEST AIRPORT TERMINAL

Airport time usually means aimless wandering, where your choices are limited to Maccy D’s or Starbucks. Not here. Spending a few hours in Terminal Three at Dubai International Airport is like a holiday in itself. You can enjoy endless retail therapy, dine in gourmet restaurants, stay in a luxury hotel, and unwind in no less than three spas or a Zen Garden. We’re not joking.