Guinness World Records (GWR), the official authority for record-breaking achievements, today unveiled the scale of Arab world contributions to record-breaking as it celebrates its Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of chronicling the extraordinary.
GWR is celebrating 70 years as the global authority on record-breaking achievements. It all started with a pub question “What’s the fastest game bird in Europe?”, a query that inspired the very first Guinness World Records book, compiled in a room above a London gym and published on 27th August 1955. That single volume sparked worldwide curiosity about extraordinary feats, and GWR has since authenticated thousands of records in sport, technology, the human body, super skills and collections.
To mark the moment, GWR are celebrating record holder achievements and milestone moments over the last 70 years, including a handful of record holders who have been positively impacted by record breaking in their lives.
Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief, Craig Glenday said: “As we mark the 70th anniversary of the release of our first edition back in the 1950s, we’re proud to be building on 70 amazing years as the global curator of superlative facts and achievements. We’ve seen so many iconic moments, the most amazing feats of strength and skill and endurance from talent across the globe and long may it continue. We’re now looking forward and celebrating the current – and next! – generation of record breakers. We want everyone to be part of it, whether that’s using our new record selector tool or having a go at one of our 70 unclaimed records, they are there for the taking!”
Regional Highlights: Arab Achievements for the 70th Anniversary
- UAE: In Abu Dhabi, Italian stuntman Niccolò Fava broke two fiery new records – the Greatest distance covered wakeboarding while lit on fire and the Fastest 100 m wakeboarding while lit on fire – in a spectacular celebration of the 70th anniversary. Known for his roles in major Hollywood productions including Mission: Impossible, Fava has combined acting with extreme stunt mastery to become a global face of action sports. (Download Video Here).
- Saudi Arabia: In Jeddah, Ahmad Othman achieved the world record for the Greatest distance motorcycle wheelie held by mouth, showcasing extraordinary determination and daring. (Download Video Here)
- Egypt: Former naval special forces captain Walaa Hafez defied quadriplegia to set a world record for the Longest SCUBA dive in a controlled environment (male) (CI1) with (6 hours 4 minutes) (Download Video Here). Egyptian swimmer Omar Shaaban also broke his own record with the Highest jump out of water wearing monofin at 2.32m, extending his dominance in a feat first set in 2020. (Download Video Here).
1,600 Arab Records in 70 Years
Since its founding in 1955 by Sir Hugh Beaver, Guinness World Records™ has awarded nearly 1,600 enduring Arab world records across multiple fields. To mark the anniversary, GWR has produced a short film showcasing some of the most iconic achievements from the region.
- UAE leads the Arab world with 680 records, including Burj Khalifa (world’s tallest building), the Dubai Mall (largest shopping center by total area), the world’s longest fireworks waterfall in Ras Al Khaimah, and One Za’abeel (world’s longest cantilevered building).
- Saudi Arabia follows with 300 records, from the first Arab astronaut Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud in 1985, to the first Arab woman in space Rayyanah Barnawi in 2023, alongside global sporting, cultural, and entertainment milestones.
- Egypt holds 130 records, from the widest suspension bridge to the dominance of Al Ahly football club in African championships.
- Qatar counts 108 records, including the fastest crossing of the country on foot and the world’s largest calisthenics park.
- Other notable Arab records span across Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait, Iraq, Morocco, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Tunisia, Algeria, Yemen, and Libya, reflecting a spirit of ambition that transcends borders.
Closing Note: Be Part of It
As part of its global “Be Part of It” campaign, Guinness World Records has released a list of 70 unclaimed records open to challengers. Fans and aspiring record-breakers can explore opportunities through the new Record Selector tool at www.guinnessworldrecords.com.
