The Guinness Book of World Records compiles records for both extreme human accomplishments and natural phenomena. In this instance, our attention has been drawn to Middle Eastern human achievements, notably, man-made structures whose architectural beauty has shattered numerous records. From Saudi Arabia’s largest mirrored building to Algeria’s Djamaa El Djazaïr, we can assure you that you’ll be in for an interesting ride across the region.
AlUla largest mirrored building
The Maraya music hall was built in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla desert and was named ‘Maraya’ as it means reflection or mirror in Arabic. The structure was created to mirror and emphasize the desert’s surrounding region’s natural beauty. It entered the Guinness World Records and broke all previous records for the largest mirror building in the area. The architectural work of art is used as a location for gatherings, parties, concerts, and business meetings. Its surroundings, which include several Islamic and religious structures as well as naturally carved rocks, old texts and cave art became Saudi Arabia’s first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Abraj Al Bait
The Abraj Al Bait Towers complex in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca is the largest building by capacity as it is designed to house 65,000 people. It is a short walking distance away from the world’s largest mosque, Masjid al-Haram. It is a complex of seven skyscraper hotels that are fully owned by the Saudi government and another firm. These hotels have certainly accomplished a lot of record numbers in Guinness world records all by themselves. The developer and contractor of Abraj Al Bait are the Saudi Binladin Group, which is the Kingdom’s largest construction company.
Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall, which has 1,200 stores, is the world’s largest mall by square footage, according to Guinness World Records. According to Weetas, Dubai Mall was the most visited building on earth in 2011 with over 54 million annual visitors. The opening of Dubai Mall in 2008, the second-largest mall opening in retail history, had about 1000 stores. More than 1200 retail stores are now included in the rising number of establishments. The enormous mall’s overall footprint is around 13 million square feet, and its internal floor area is 5.9 million square feet. More than 120 restaurants and cafes, a luxurious hotel, and 22 movie theatres are all located within this expansive complex.
Djamaa El Djazaïr
The Djamaa el Djazar, sometimes referred to as the Great Mosque of Algiers, is home to the tallest minaret. It is a sizable contemporary religious complex in the capital of Algeria that is located away from the main hall and rises 264.3m above the city’s streets. The China State Construction Engineering Corporation built the mosque complex between 2012 and 2019, reportedly at a cost of about $1 billion, and it was inaugurated on April 29, 2019. It is not just Africa’s tallest skyscraper but also has the world’s highest minaret.
Largest vertical maze
In the center of the Dubai Financial District, just off Sheikh Zayed Road, sits the 55-story-tall Maze Tower. The Al Rostamani Group designed the striking front and rear facades of the building which are composed of balconies that form a complex maze. The Al Rostamani Group was recognized and rewarded by Guinness World Records for building such a distinctive and iconic tower that has aided in the development and change of the area. With developments like these, Dubai has already established a reputation for being at the forefront of design and development.
Each of these buildings holds a record for its impressive grandeur and exquisite design, demonstrating the region’s modernity and use of cultural heritage.