Latest news with #landmarks
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 1st in Middle East, 8th among world's top attractions in 2025
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) in Abu Dhabi has achieved a new global milestone by advancing to higher ranks on the list of the world's most prominent landmarks, according to leading travel and tourism platform TripAdvisor's 2025 global report. In the Top Attractions category, the SZGM ranked eighth globally among 25 distinguished landmarks, climbing two places from its 2024 ranking. It also retained its position as the number one attraction in the Middle East in this category, topping a list of the region's ten most iconic sites. SZGM's global ranking is based on a comprehensive analysis of more than eight million landmarks worldwide. It ranked within the top one per cent of all sites reviewed, reflecting its distinguished status both regionally and internationally, and reaffirming its leading role in promoting cultural tourism in the United Arab Emirates. In another notable accomplishment, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah was ranked among the top 10 per cent of landmarks worldwide, according to selections made by travellers from across the globe. This achievement is particularly remarkable given the recent activation of visitor services at the mosque. These milestones, achieved by both mosques, affirm their leadership as cultural destinations on the global tourism map. Both have become prominent international landmarks, drawing visitors from diverse cultures around the world. Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC), said, 'The global recognition attained by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi reflects the visionary leadership of the UAE. It is the outcome of the centre's strategic plan, which focuses on enhancing services and providing exceptional experiences for its guests. "This success crowns a continuous series of outstanding initiatives and services offered throughout the year. These efforts have included the development of both cultural and physical infrastructure, enhancement of facilities, excellence in specialist staff, and the empowerment of Emirati youth by qualifying them to deliver cultural tours and host the mosque's diverse visitors through distinguished programmes that embody the mosque's civilisational message.' He added, 'These accomplishments open new horizons for the centre, through which we anticipate the future with strategies and plans that enable it to continue fulfilling its civilisational mission with greater efficiency. They also allow us to consistently enrich the guest experience through religious and cultural programmes, exhibitions, and initiatives that reflect the mosque's message, presented in innovative formats and a refined manner that meets aspirations and fulfils our vision.' The SZGM also revives and celebrates the elements of Islamic civilisation, embodying a distinctive architectural representation of Islamic art and heritage. It has established itself as a singular cultural tourism destination, welcoming more than seven million visitors and worshippers annually from across the globe. At the SZGM in Abu Dhabi, visitors can spend an entire day enjoying a wide array of offerings — from the visitor centre, which includes exhibition halls, an auditorium, and a library, to Souq Al Jami', featuring shops, recreational spaces, and restaurants catering to all age groups. These facilities offer moments of rest and enjoyment within a unique atmosphere, further complemented by the mosque's jogging track that invites community members of all backgrounds to engage in physical activity while taking in the breathtaking exterior views of the SZGM. The SZGMC operates under a strategic plan, implemented through a cohesive system led by highly skilled professionals across various disciplines. These national talents work to provide exceptional cultural experiences to visitors from around the world. Among the most distinguished of these are the cultural tours, which are delivered by a select group of Emirati Cultural Tour Specialists who represent the UAE's civilisational identity and promote its message of peace and harmony. Owing to its prestigious global standing, the SZGM has become a key destination for high-level dignitaries visiting the UAE. Overseas visitors account for approximately 82 percent of its total guests. Among the most prominent offerings are the general cultural tours and the 'Unseen Glimpses' tours — guided experiences delivered aboard custom electric club cars that offer guests exclusive insights into areas previously unexplored by the public. These experiences are part of an integrated set of high-standard services and activities, including Souq Al Jami, the mosque's jogging track, and the Sura evening tours, which grant visitors access to the mosque 24 hours a day. The Sura experience is designed for visitors to Abu Dhabi and the UAE who are on short transit stays or unable to visit during regular hours. It offers them an opportunity to witness aspects of the mosque not typically accessible during the day, such as scheduled maintenance and extraordinary cleaning operations. The SZGMC also provides El-Delleel, a multimedia device that offers immersive cultural tours in 14 international languages, including a dedicated sign language tour designed for guests who are deaf or have hearing impairments, as well as tailored tours for children, ensuring an inclusive visitor experience. Reflecting the SZGMC's continuous expansion in offering distinguished cultural experiences, the Dome of Peace at SZGM has emerged as a leading cultural destination in Abu Dhabi, providing visitors with a comprehensive and immersive journey that blends authenticity with innovation, all within a single, integrated space. The SZGMC has played a pivotal role in reinforcing the SZGM's standing as a global hub for cultural dialogue, through diverse facilities that include the specialised Al Jami Library, a cultural auditorium, and a series of permanent and temporary exhibitions that spotlight ancient civilisations. Among the most notable exhibitions are Al-Andalus: History and Civilisation, Coins of Islam: History Revealed, Islamic Coins: Civilisational Testimonies, Artistic Characteristics — Elegant Calligraphy and Inspiring Features, and the Hajj: Memories of a Journey, exhibition. Additionally, the Light & Peace Museum offers a dynamic, interactive space that fuses art with knowledge, while the Diya — A Universe of Light immersive experience invites visitors on a sensory journey. Presented in a 360-degree format with sound, visual, and wind effects, the experience takes guests from a celestial realm illuminated by starlight to the very heart of the UAE's heritage, visually narrating the SZGM's enduring message of coexistence and peace.
New York Times
5 days ago
- New York Times
A Landmarks Chair Bows Out, After Preserving 1,437 Sites
Good morning. It's Friday. Today we'll look back at the career of Sarah Carroll, the chair of the city 's Landmarks Preservation Commission. She's retiring. We'll also get details on 'deed theft' charges against two people accused of forging an 88-year-old woman's signature and taking ownership of her house in Queens. Before the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission moved to a new office in April, the chair, Sarah Carroll, found herself going through old filing cabinets. In one was a report with a prediction by one of her predecessors, Beverly Moss Spatt: There were probably 35,000 buildings in New York City that could be designated as landmarks. The city has exceeded Spatt's expectations from the 1970s: There are more than 38,000 landmarks, including 1,437 buildings and sites that have been designated since Carroll took over in 2018. Now Carroll, 59, is retiring. She said she wanted to move to Maine, where she spent summers as a child and where her older daughter is going to college. She has been unusual among the 12 chairs in the 60-year history of the commission. While her predecessors mostly had backgrounds as civic activists, architects or lawyers, she was the first with a master's degree in preservation. She was also the first who had been a staff member at the commission. She started as a public information associate in 1994 and rose through the ranks, spending nearly 10 years as the director of preservation and four as the executive director. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Zawya
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ranks first in Middle East, 8th globally in 2025
ABU DHABI - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) in Abu Dhabi has achieved a new global milestone by advancing to higher ranks on the list of the world's most prominent landmarks, according to leading travel and tourism platform TripAdvisor's 2025 global report. In the Top Attractions category, the SZGM ranked eighth globally among 25 distinguished landmarks, climbing two places from its 2024 ranking. It also retained its position as the number one attraction in the Middle East in this category, topping a list of the region's ten most iconic sites. SZGM's global ranking is based on a comprehensive analysis of more than eight million landmarks worldwide. It ranked within the top one per cent of all sites reviewed, reflecting its distinguished status both regionally and internationally, and reaffirming its leading role in promoting cultural tourism in the United Arab Emirates. In another notable accomplishment, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah was ranked among the top 10 per cent of landmarks worldwide, according to selections made by travellers from across the globe. This achievement is particularly remarkable given the recent activation of visitor services at the mosque. These milestones, achieved by both mosques, affirm their leadership as cultural destinations on the global tourism map. Both have become prominent international landmarks, drawing visitors from diverse cultures around the world. Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC), said, 'The global recognition attained by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi reflects the visionary leadership of the UAE. It is the outcome of the centre's strategic plan, which focuses on enhancing services and providing exceptional experiences for its guests. "This success crowns a continuous series of outstanding initiatives and services offered throughout the year. These efforts have included the development of both cultural and physical infrastructure, enhancement of facilities, excellence in specialist staff, and the empowerment of Emirati youth by qualifying them to deliver cultural tours and host the mosque's diverse visitors through distinguished programmes that embody the mosque's civilisational message.' He added, 'These accomplishments open new horizons for the centre, through which we anticipate the future with strategies and plans that enable it to continue fulfilling its civilisational mission with greater efficiency. They also allow us to consistently enrich the guest experience through religious and cultural programmes, exhibitions, and initiatives that reflect the mosque's message, presented in innovative formats and a refined manner that meets aspirations and fulfils our vision.' The high international rankings achieved by SZGM in Abu Dhabi underscore its global distinction as a unique model among places of worship and cultural landmarks, serving as a benchmark in the region and beyond. Its role extends beyond that of a religious site hosting prayers and rituals - it stands out as a beacon of civilisation and culture, advancing the UAE's message of peaceful coexistence and harmony. The SZGM also revives and celebrates the elements of Islamic civilisation, embodying a distinctive architectural representation of Islamic art and heritage. It has established itself as a singular cultural tourism destination, welcoming more than seven million visitors and worshippers annually from across the globe. Within its serene spaces, people of different cultures and faiths come together, forming a human tapestry framed by values of fraternity, within a sanctuary of peace and coexistence. Shared human values bind them, and the language of civilisational dialogue becomes the bridge through which they transcend all differences. The SZGMC is steadfast in its continuous development of diverse, integrated services across all its landmarks and facilities, maintaining the highest standards to meet the evolving needs of its guests. At the SZGM in Abu Dhabi, visitors can spend an entire day enjoying a wide array of offerings - from the visitor centre, which includes exhibition halls, an auditorium, and a library, to Souq Al Jami', featuring shops, recreational spaces, and restaurants catering to all age groups. These facilities offer moments of rest and enjoyment within a unique atmosphere, further complemented by the mosque's jogging track that invites community members of all backgrounds to engage in physical activity while taking in the breathtaking exterior views of the SZGM. The SZGMC operates under a strategic plan, implemented through a cohesive system led by highly skilled professionals across various disciplines. These national talents work to provide exceptional cultural experiences to visitors from around the world. Among the most distinguished of these are the cultural tours, which are delivered by a select group of Emirati Cultural Tour Specialists who represent the UAE's civilisational identity and promote its message of peace and harmony. Owing to its prestigious global standing, the SZGM has become a key destination for high-level dignitaries visiting the UAE. Overseas visitors account for approximately 82 percent of its total guests. In the first half of the current year, the SZGMC continued to expand its innovative services and experiences, contributing to a notable rise in visitor numbers. Among the most prominent offerings are the general cultural tours and the 'Unseen Glimpses' tours - guided experiences delivered aboard custom electric club cars that offer guests exclusive insights into areas previously unexplored by the public. These experiences are part of an integrated set of high-standard services and activities, including Souq Al Jami, the mosque's jogging track, and the Sura evening tours, which grant visitors access to the mosque 24 hours a day. The Sura experience is designed for visitors to Abu Dhabi and the UAE who are on short transit stays or unable to visit during regular hours. It offers them an opportunity to witness aspects of the mosque not typically accessible during the day, such as scheduled maintenance and extraordinary cleaning operations. The SZGMC also provides El-Delleel, a multimedia device that offers immersive cultural tours in 14 international languages, including a dedicated sign language tour designed for guests who are deaf or have hearing impairments, as well as tailored tours for children, ensuring an inclusive visitor experience. Reflecting the SZGMC's continuous expansion in offering distinguished cultural experiences, the Dome of Peace at SZGM has emerged as a leading cultural destination in Abu Dhabi, providing visitors with a comprehensive and immersive journey that blends authenticity with innovation, all within a single, integrated space. The SZGMC has played a pivotal role in reinforcing the SZGM's standing as a global hub for cultural dialogue, through diverse facilities that include the specialised Al Jami Library, a cultural auditorium, and a series of permanent and temporary exhibitions that spotlight ancient civilisations. Among the most notable exhibitions are Al-Andalus: History and Civilisation, Coins of Islam: History Revealed, Islamic Coins: Civilisational Testimonies, Artistic Characteristics – Elegant Calligraphy and Inspiring Features, and the Hajj: Memories of a Journey, exhibition. Additionally, the Light & Peace Museum offers a dynamic, interactive space that fuses art with knowledge, while the Diya – A Universe of Light immersive experience invites visitors on a sensory journey. Presented in a 360-degree format with sound, visual, and wind effects, the experience takes guests from a celestial realm illuminated by starlight to the very heart of the UAE's heritage, visually narrating the SZGM's enduring message of coexistence and peace.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Light Night Leeds to celebrate city's landmarks and public spaces
Some of Leeds' most recognisable buildings are set to be celebrated during the city's annual Light Night event. Under the theme of "landmarks", the festival aims to draw attention to some of the city's historic civic buildings, modern architecture and public Queens Hotel will provide a backdrop for a projection marking 200 years of the modern railway, with Leeds Civic Hall hosting an installation created using books from the British Library's event, which includes projections, light artworks, performances and interactive pieces, will take place on 23 and 24 October between 18:00 and 22:00 BST. The Queens Hotel projection, called One Second Lovestory, is by German artist Dirk Rauscher and captures the moment when "two people's eyes meet at a busy train station". An estimated 210,400 people attended the 2024 edition over two days, an increase of 5% from 2023 numbers. Leeds City Council called the festival a "collective experience which celebrates artistic ingenuity and the power of the arts to unite"."Light Night Leeds is an event which truly exemplifies the very best of culture and life in the city, bringing thousands of people together," a spokesperson said. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Still throwing shrimp on the barbie: why is Tourism Australia's advertising stuck in 1984?
By Anita Manfreda, Simon Pawson of Tourism Australia has just launched its latest global A$130m campaign, "Come and Say G'day". It's a sequel to the 2022 ad featuring brand ambassador Ruby the Roo. The ad is a feast of sweeping drone shots, saturated colours, iconic landmarks and feel-good energy. Friendly animals, iconic landscapes and a familiar message: come and say g'day. Tourism Australia is rolling out five tailored ads for key markets. Each features celebrity endorsements: Robert Irwin in the United States; Nigella Lawson in the United Kingdom; and with stars from China (Yosh Yu), Japan (Abareru-kun) and India (Sara Tendulkar) fronting the others. It's a smart shift that acknowledges what tourism marketers have long known: you can't please everyone with one ad. But despite its polish, the campaign recycles old-school imagery - quirky, sunny, laid-back Australia - offering a nostalgic view that feels stuck in 1984, not tuned to 2025. A long tradition of stereotypes Australian tourism ads have long leaned on a small set of cultural clichés. Perhaps the most famous is the one which also created the mould: Paul Hogan's famous 1984 "shrimp on the barbie" campaign. It was the first widely-aired campaign to crystallise the now-familiar image of Australia for international audiences: laid-back, larrikin, sun-soaked. It deliberately played into stereotypes Americans found appealing - friendly locals, casual charm, and a wild but welcoming landscape and wildlife. Many have said this wasn't just a tourism ad but a nation-branding exercise that framed Australians as approachable, humorous and uncomplicated. Subsequent campaigns have continued to echo this formula, sometimes ironically, as in the 2018 Dundee reboot, and sometimes earnestly, like the controversial 2006 line "So where the bloody hell are you?" (which was banned in the UK). A 2008 Baz Luhrmann-directed campaign brought cinematic flair to the same stereotypes and imagery, tying it to his film Australia. With a $40 million budget and a rollout across 22 countries, it leaned on emotional storytelling and sweeping outback visuals. Despite its ambition, the campaign drew mixed reviews . Tourism operators said it felt out of touch, more fantasy than invitation, with some questioning whether its landscapes even looked uniquely Australian. Australia has changed a lot in 40 years, but tourism ads have returned again and again to familiar themes: white sandy beaches, red desert landscapes, barbecues and blokey humour. These images helped build Australia's global brand in the late 20th century, especially in English-speaking markets. But times have changed, and tourists are savvier. They want to see the real culture of a place. And here we are again: outback peril, thieving emus and the shrimp/prawn clash feels like a 1984 throwback. Who gets left out? For a country in the 21st century that prides itself on diversity, the 2025 campaign feels strangely one-dimensional. There are flashes of multiculturalism from the international stars, but the campaign centres on broad white stereotypes of "Aussie-ness": the blokey pub with the wisecracking bartender, sunburned adventurers speeding on a 4WD in the outback, and laid-back lunches debating the pronunciation of imported dishes. There's no meaningful presence of contemporary Indigenous voices or storytelling - just the echo of a didgeridoo, a fleeting image of Uluru as a background slide, and a brief cameo from Kamilaroi actor and playwright Thomas Weatherall. There's nothing about Australia's vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods, food scenes or festivals beyond the usual mainstream. The campaign positions Australia as an adventure playground, but doesn't say anything about who lives here. This is particularly disappointing given Tourism Australia's own research shows travellers are increasingly interested in meaningful, authentic experiences. People want to connect with locals, understand cultural stories and travel more sustainably. National tourism campaigns face enormous scrutiny. This often means bold ideas become watered down. Creativity is sacrificed and so is the chance to tell a richer, more honest story about who we are. Tourism ads don't need to lose their charm. Ruby the Roo is endearing and memorable. But the way we tell stories about Australia needs to evolve. Internationally, there are successful campaigns that move beyond clichés. New Zealand's long-running 100% Pure New Zealand campaign includes strong environmental messaging and Māori cultural narratives. Canada's Indigenous Tourism campaign puts First Nations voices front and centre. Australia could take a leaf out of their books. Celebrity cameos are appealing, but if we want the world to see our real and wonderfully multicultural Australia, we need to let our local guides, community operators and cultural custodians tell their stories. For 40 years, we've rolled out variations of the same campaign, relying on familiar clichés while ignoring repeated calls for deeper, more inclusive storytelling. Tourism campaigns don't just sell destinations. They tell stories about national identity. They shape how we see ourselves, and how the world sees us. Right now, we're telling a story that's safe, surface-level and stuck in a 1980s time warp. * This story was first published on The Conversation *Anita Manfreda is Senior Lecturer in Tourism, Torrens University Australia; Simon Pawson is Professor of Tourism, Torrens University Australia.
