March 23, 2001: Dubai sets new world records

2001 - Dubai entered the Guinness Book of World Records, creating two new concepts and breaking four previously existing world records. The event, at the Dubai Marina, the luxury residential complex of Emaar Properties, was attended by Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The official certification of the six events was done by Stuart E. F. Claxton, a Guinness Book of World Records official. The largest Madkhan (incense burner) created by Ajmal Perfumes and weighing 1,000kg; and the biggest shopping bag, 180cm high and 120cm in width, created by Paris Gallery, featured in the new concept category. Breaking previous records were the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel with its feat of lighting 2,100 candles on a seven-metre long cake.

1801 - Russia’s Czar Paul I is assassinated and is succeeded by Alexander I.

1806 - Explorers Lewis and Clark, having reached the US Pacific coast, begin their journey back east.

1857 - The world’s first passenger elevator, built by Elisha Otis, goes into service in New York City.

1861 - Italy installs its first government under Count Camillo di Cavour.

1918 - Lithuania proclaims its independence.

1919 - Benito Mussolini starts fascist movement in Italy.

1933 - German Reichstag grants Adolf Hitler dictatorial powers until April 1937.

1988 - Contra guerrillas sign a ceasefire agreement with the Sandinista government in Nicaragua.

1994 - Mexican presidential candidate Luis Donaldo Colosio is assassinated at an election rally in Tijuana.

1995 - Renato Ruggiero is named the first head of the World Trade Organisation.

1996 - Lee Teng-hui is elected President of the Republic of China.

2001 - The Mir space station returns to Earth, ending its 15-year, 3.5 billion-kilometre odyssey.

2006 - Najah Al Attar is appointed Vice-President of Syria, the first woman to hold the position.

2008 - UAE announces plans to set up a nuclear agency.

2010 - President Barack Obama signs into law a drastic overhaul of the US health care system.

2011 - Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor dies at 79.

2013 - Australian Warren Rodwell is freed after 15 months as a captive of militants in Philippines.