Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower

As if Saudi Arabia’s Mecca wasn’t already impressive enough, part of the Hajj pilgrimage to
the world’s largest mosque, the site became even more impressive in 2012 when the clock
tower reached heights of 1,971 feet (601 m) above the famous Masjid al-Haram mosque.
With 120 floors, it became the second tallest in the world and remains the third tallest
today. For perspective, look at the rooftops of the tall buildings surrounding the clock
tower. Those would be the 4th-tallest buildings in Los Angeles, if that tells you how
shockingly tall the clock tower actually is. Partly because of the enormous clocks on top, the
building doesn’t look as large as it actually is, and the perspective is impossible to
comprehend unless you visit in person. But understand that the portion of the skyscraper
from the base of the clock to the tip of the spire wouldn’t even fit in the world’s largest
sports stadium if it were laid sideways! That really shows the enormity of the building! Each
of the four clocks that adorn the top of the skyscraper has a massive diameter of 50.3 yards
(46 m), the largest clocks in the world.

5.) Taipei 101
Taiwan’s most famous skyscraper reigned as the world’s tallest from 2004 to 2010, and
remains the 10th tallest now at 1,667 feet (508 m). It was the world’s first building to surpass
1,500 feet in height, as well as the 500-meter barrier. Year before the Burj Khalifa stole the
show, Taipei 101 captivated us with the incredible advancement of skyscraper technology.
Resembling an Asian pagoda, but doing it better than Jin Mao and the Petronas towers, the
green glass and unique architecture are simply gorgeous.

6.) Chow Tai Fook Finance Center

Tied for the 7th tallest building in the world, this jewel of Tianjin’s skyline in northeastern
China stands 1,739 feet (530 m) tall. Completed in 2018 with 108 stories, it resembles a
giant, elongated bullet. While many skyscrapers have employed this curvaceous façade over
the past decade, the sheer size of this example is more stunning than your average curvy
building. It was designed by the same architectural firm that completed the Burj Khalifa. Had
this building been completed in 2004 it would have easily been the world’s tallest,
exceeding the Petronas Towers by 256 feet (78 m).

7.) Petronas Towers
With two identical towers, I won’t single out one for the list. So we’ll count both buildings as
a single entity in the rankings. The world’s tallest from 1998 to 2004 at 1,483 feet (452 m), it
fueled the explosion of supertall skyscraper construction in Asia, pioneering the very trend
that relegated the Petronas Towers down to the world’s 17th tallest now. Despite that, the
completion of these stunning towers in Malaysia was notable as the first time the world’s
tallest building stood outside the U.S. since 1894 (Germany’s Ulm Minster Church at 530 feet
or 162 m). In the 17 years since 2004, 16 taller skyscrapers have been erected, 13 of those in
Asia. But it does not diminish the significance of the Petronas project, nor its beautiful
appearance.

8.) One World Trade Center

New York proved its resilience by completing this structure 13 years after terrorists
destroyed its predecessors. As the tallest building in Western Hemisphere, and the 6th
tallest in the world, the elegant structure stands only 81 feet northwest of the former North
Tower. When finished in 2014, its final height was an emblematic 1,776 feet (541 m),
marking the year of America’s independence. Riding the elevator to the observation deck
allows for a fascinating recreation of Manhattan’s history from Native American occupation
to modern times. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum at its base is also one of the most
unforgettable attractions for visitors to New York.

9.) Al Hamra Tower

The tallest building in Kuwait City is an overachiever on this list at only 34th tallest in the
world. It’s less than 50% of the height of the Burj Khalifa, but what it lacks in stature it more
than makes up for in style. Al Hamra is no slouch at 1,354 feet (413 m) tall with 80 floors.
After opening in 2011, its unique style has earned high marks from architects worldwide.
The American firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, a legendary firm that designed the Burj
Khalifa and Chow Tai Fook Financial Center, co-designed the Al Hamra as well as many
notable skyscrapers worldwide.