And here are some of them...
31 December 2018
| Last updated on 14 January 2020
On the last day of 2018
It’s only fit that we reflect what the UAE has truly accomplished in just 365 days in 2018…
Day by day, all of us reading the news would not miss headlines of yet another broken record done by the UAE – from the largest structures, to achievements to unimaginable records reached.
The UAE has and will always continue to surprise us with its achievements and so many of us are lucky to call this place home.
We already made a list about the BIGGEST achievements the UAE has achieved in 2018 – click here to see what they are
But here’s a full list of the times the UAE set a global mark for breaking records like no other country ever.
In only 365 days, the UAE managed to break 11 magnificent records and we cannot be prouder of this country.
1. Portrait of Sheikh Zayed by using first aid boxes
The time the UAE made a whole portrait dedicated to the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, by just using first aid boxes.
Using the colours of the UAE flag, the portrait slowly came together as volunteers aligned box per box next to each other.
At the end, almost 4,000 first aid boxes were used to make the image of Sheikh Zayed.
2. One billionth passenger welcomed in DXB airport
A truly remarkable moment was set in stone for the Dubai-based international airport when it welcomed its one billionth passenger since it opened in 1960.
The special passenger was travelling on a 14-hour flight from Orlando, Florida when the landmarked moment took place in the airport.
In less than 7 years, the airport managed to rank up an additional 500 million passengers, which previously took 51 years to celebrate flyer number 500,000 in December of 2011.
3. RAK to hold the biggest fireworks display for NYE 2019
The UAE is probably known for the best and biggest firework displays and it’s the reason why so many flock to celebrate this special day in the country.
But to end 2018 on a high note, Ras Al Khaimah decided to throw the biggest firework displays in celebration of the New Year.
The display, which will be another bid for a Guinness World Record, will happen on Al Marjan Island and will no doubt light up the skies of the emirate for 12 whole minutes!
4. DXB airport was the busiest airport in the world in August 2018
Another proud moment for DXB airport was back in August, when the Dubai-based airport was recorded to be the busiest airport in the world.
The Dubai International Airport took to Twitter on Wednesday to announce the good news, saying that almost 8.37 million customers passed through the airport back in August.
5. Dubai was the 4th most international city in 2018
Home to over 200 nationalities, it’s no surprise that Dubai was voted to be amongst the most international cities in the world.
People hailing from all over the world come to this small city in the UAE to build better futures and grow families in a safe and secure environment.
And not only residents, Dubai has managed to welcome 15.8 million tourists came to Dubai in 2017 alone.
6. World’s largest jigsaw puzzle of late Sheikh Zayed
DMCC and the Dubai Government have successfully claimed a new Guinness World Records title for the world's largest jigsaw puzzle by surface area.
In celebration of the Year of Zayed, this extraordinary wooden jigsaw has over 12,000 pieces that feature the official logo of the national initiative! Plus, the record-breaking piece also spans an area of over 6,000 m².
7. World’s largest car dance in UAE in 2018
The UAE has somehow managed to make cars dance in 2018 and managed to break a record for it too.
The largest synchronized car dance took place in the UAE this week and drivers broke the world record.
While moving in unison, a large number of cars came together to move in a formation – almost resembling somewhat of a dance in an irregular shape.
Almost 180 four-wheel Nissan cars took part in the Guinness World Record and while driving after one another, they formed a driving routine in the giant shape of a desert falcon.
8. Dubai metro broken record in 2018
To mark the anniversary of RTA turning 13 years old, the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai set up up major celebrations via the Dubai Metro on Thursday, November 1.
Metro users got the opportunity to be a part of the Guinness World Record by simply commuting via the Metro and the record was set by the most diverse group of multinational rides as they hop from Etisalat Metro Station.
9. Dubai’s largest awareness ribbon for psoriasis
Many of the records broken by the UAE this year were for a greater cause and one of them in specific was towards the awareness of psoriasis.
The UAE put together the largest awareness ribbon for the skin disease by making a ribbon that measured around 1,463.85 square metres.
Held by the Dubai Health Authority at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, the largest ribbon in the world held the colours of orange and orchid for Psoriasis and it aims to increase the awareness of the disease and its effect on people.
10. Largest driving awareness campaign using Lego blocks
With the help of 160,000 Legos; it broke a Guinness World Record just a few days ago.
As part of an awareness campaign by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai won the achievement by putting together the biggest awareness message using Lego blocks.
The campaign is called “Your Life is worth more than a phone call,” and aims to send a loud and clear awareness message to an ongoing issue with drivers nowadays.
11. Largest Mickey mouse floral structure
To celebrate the 90th anniversary of Disney's Mickey Mouse, the world's tallest Mickey Mouse floral structure was unveiled at Dubai Miracle Garden this week.
The sculpture feature is Disney's first character floral display in the Middle East, and is made from almost 100,000 plants and flowers - it stands at 18 meters long, and weighs roughly 35 tonnes.
Keep doing great things UAE!
we can’t wait to see what 2019 has in store!