The UAE's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi has been hailed for its excellent architecture time and again — which probably explains why it's gained global recognition in recent years.
This week, it was named the third-best landmark in the world by Trip Advisor users who participated in the online platform's 2019 "Travelers' Choice Awards." Though its ranking dropped one spot from its position in 2016 and 2017, it's still a significant feat to be featured in the top 10 for the third year in a row.
The list features the world's top 25 landmarks shortlisted from 759 monuments located in 68 countries. According to the website, the Abu Dhabi Mosque is "by far the youngest world landmark" in the top 10 and "holds its own against more established icons."
Angor Wat, a temple complex in Cambodia, came first in the ranking, followed by Spain's Plaza de Espana (Spain Square).
This year's award winners were determined by data gathered on Trip Advisor, the world's largest travel platform, over the past 12 months. Here are the world's top 10 landmarks:
- Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Italy
- Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Taj Mahal, Agra, India
- Duomo di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California
- Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
- Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest, Hungary
Other monuments that won a vote this year include Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square) in Prague, which ranked No. 11 on the list, followed by France's Notre-Dame de Paris (No. 12).
Dubai's Burj Khalifa also made it to the list, coming in at No. 19.
Not the first time the mosque makes it to this list's top 10
The mosque ranked 2nd on Trip Advisor's "Top 25 landmarks" for two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017. When it won the spot in 2017, Ahmed Juma Al Za'abi, deputy minister for presidential affairs and chairman of the board of trustees of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, issued a statement celebrating the news.
"Achieving second place for two years in a row, as one of most significant architectural monuments in the world, culminates the tremendous efforts and exceptional services the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers to visitors from all walks of life," he said.
In recent years, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has become an iconic landmark and a favorite spot among worshipers, tourists and people from all over the world who marvel at its magnificent architecture.
The mosque aims to promote tolerance, respect and cultural exchanges between people of all backgrounds. It's considered one of the most popular photography spot among tourists and celebrities alike.