‘Gaudy spectacle of excess’ named most visited place on earth [Video]

A gargantuan shopping centre in Dubai has taken the title of most visited place on earth in 2023, but not everyone is convinced it’s worth a trip.

Dubai Mall, the world’s largest based on total area, recorded 105 million visitors last year, up 19% from 88 million in 2022.

It looks like it’s set to be another record year for the destination too, as mall operators Emaar claim 20 million people have already visited in the first two months of 2024.

Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar said: ‘These numbers reflect Dubai Mall’s impressive status and mirror the forward-thinking leadership and strong economy of Dubai. 

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.’ 

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