Burj Khalifa Competes for Seven Wonders of the Contemporary World Nomination in Global Initiative
Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa has entered the global competition to be recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Contemporary World. This initiative, launched by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), seeks to identify significant landmarks and buildings constructed since 1801 that have played a crucial role in shaping the travel and tourism sectors, while also supporting local communities and economic growth.
The WTTC has announced that the public worldwide will have the chance to nominate landmarks that represent the modern era of travel. This initiative aims to establish a new global standard for contemporary wonders, emphasizing not only architectural and cultural significance but also the economic impact these landmarks have on revitalizing local economies, attracting investments, and creating jobs.
The campaign will unfold in four phases over the course of a year. Nominations will open on July 7, 2026, with a list of 70 nominated entries to be revealed on January 7, 2027, coinciding with the start of public voting. By April 7, 2027, this list will be narrowed down to 30 finalists, culminating in the announcement of the Seven Contemporary Wonders of the World on July 7, 2027.
Burj Khalifa: A Symbol of Dubai’s Urban and Tourism Transformation
The Burj Khalifa is highlighted as one of the most significant modern architectural icons in a promotional video released by the WTTC. Completed in 2010 after approximately six years of construction, the tower stands at 828 meters, making it the tallest building in the world, with a construction cost of around $1.5 billion.
Beyond its architectural marvel, the Burj Khalifa has emerged as a key tourist and investment destination, contributing significantly to the development of Downtown Dubai as a global hub for tourism, commerce, and leisure activities. The tower features world-class viewing platforms, a hotel, offices, and residential units, attracting millions of visitors each year. While specific annual revenue figures remain unverified, ticket sales contribute significantly to its economic impact.
Museum of the Future
Another contender for the Seven Contemporary Wonders is the Museum of the Future, also located in Dubai. This landmark has quickly gained recognition as one of the city’s most famous modern icons, characterized by its unique geometric design resembling a ring adorned with Arabic calligraphy.
The museum, which took approximately seven years to complete, opened its doors in February 2022 at a cost of around 500 million dirhams. It has garnered international attention, attracting over one million visitors from 163 countries in its first year and surpassing two million visitors from more than 172 countries within its first two years of operation, according to the Dubai Government Media Office and the Dubai Future Foundation.
Other Main Entries from the Arab World
The Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza is also among the nominated landmarks. It is recognized as the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization. Construction began in 2002 and took over two decades to complete, officially opening in November 2025, with an investment nearing $1 billion.
Housing approximately 100,000 artifacts, the museum features the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures on display for the first time in one location. It is expected to attract up to seven million visitors annually, significantly boosting Egypt’s tourism revenues and visitor spending.
Rabat Grand Theatre in Morocco
Another notable entry is the Grand Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid. Situated along the banks of the Abou Regreg River, this project is part of the Rabat-Salé riverfront development initiative.
Near completion in 2021, the theatre’s estimated cost ranged from €190 million to €200 million. It stands as one of the largest cultural projects in Morocco and Africa, featuring performance halls for theatre and music, aimed at enhancing Rabat’s status as a global cultural and architectural destination.
Gloria Guevara, CEO of the WTTC, emphasized that wonders are not confined to achievements of the past. She invited the public to participate in honoring landmarks that have defined the modern era and will continue to inspire future generations. Guevara noted that impactful tourism assets do more than attract visitors; they also create jobs, stimulate investments, support local businesses, and enhance the global standing of destinations.
Global List of Modern Era Landmarks
Other potential candidates for the competition include Big Ben in London, the Statue of Liberty, The Ambassador and The Vessel in the United States, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, Marina Bay Sands and Jewel Changi in Singapore, the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia, the Eiffel Tower and the Louis Vuitton Foundation in France, as well as the Sagrada Familia Church and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.
This initiative revives the concept of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which included the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus, the Temple of Artemis, the Mausoleum of Mausolus, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
In 2007, the New7Wonders Foundation initiated a campaign to select new Seven Wonders of the World, resulting in the designation of the Great Wall of China, Petra, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, the Colosseum, and the Taj Mahal, while the Great Pyramid was granted honorary status as the only surviving wonder from the original list.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-07-09 16:10:00 • By the Editorial Desk
