In the showdown between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Abu Dhabi won this round single-handly, after the emirate's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was named the fourth best landmark in the world in TripAdvisor's "Traveler's Choice" awards.
At No. 4, the mosque fell behind only the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu and Angor Wat – and knocked the iconic Eiffel Tower out of the Top 10 altogether.
The list honors over 700 landmarks worldwide. Using reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers across the world, winners were generated using an algorithm that calculated the quantity and quality of reviews for landmarks worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
Besides being the only Middle Eastern landmark on the list, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was also the newest attraction named to the list. Built between 1996 and 2007, what it lacks in years it more than makes up for in impressive architecture; from the 82 domes to white marble facade, it is truly a site to be seen.
"The Travelers' Choice Landmarks highlight some of the world's most iconic, must-see attractions that have won over the TripAdvisor community," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "Travelers can experience colorful history and culture at these award-winning sights."
There were two sites for the United States and Italy, although the inclusion of Alcatraz, an island that used to house a prison, leaves us scratching our heads.
The full list is below.
1. Angkor Wat - Siem Reap, Cambodia 2. Machu Picchu - Machu Picchu, Peru 3. Taj Mahal - Agra, India 4. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 5. Basilica of the Sagrada Familia - Barcelona, Spain 6. St. Peter's Basilica - Vatican City 7. Milan Cathedral (Duomo) - Milan, Italy 8. Alcatraz - San Francisco, USA 9. Christ the Redeemer - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 10. Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco, USA