On August 8, 2023, Dubai’s renowned Burj Khalifa achieved yet another global distinction by being declared the world’s most popular landmark, owing to its remarkable annual visitor count. Standing at an impressive height of 828 meters, the iconic structure attracts approximately 17 million tourists annually, as indicated by a study conducted by analytics website Switch On Business. This research scrutinized search volumes and visitor numbers for over 150 globally renowned landmarks.
Beyond its towering stature, which is three times the height of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Burj Khalifa also garners nearly 22 million Google searches each year. This translates to a significant ticket revenue of approximately $621 million annually.
Occupying the second position is India’s Taj Mahal, drawing in 7.5 million visitors annually and sharing the 22 million Google search volume with the Burj Khalifa. Niagara Falls secures the third spot with approximately 13 million visitors every year.
Mir Wasim Raja of Galadari Brothers International Travel Services highlighted the tower’s significance, stating that the Burj Khalifa is unquestionably Dubai’s primary travel attraction. The tower offers visitors the exhilarating experience of ascending nearly 800 meters in under a minute, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
For those planning a visit, Ranju Abraham from Tours on Board offers advice on optimal viewing times based on the seasons. In summer, the best time is between 4 pm to 7 pm, while in winter, it’s from 3 pm to 6 pm to enjoy a combination of daytime, sunset, and nighttime vistas.
Tickets for the tower’s sky view observatory start at AED80 and can go up to AED750 or more.