Abu Dhabi has seen a boom of construction like few other cities have ever seen. The capital of the United Arab Emirates has become an architect’s playground as dozens of new, futuristic skyscrapers have risen along the shores of the Persian Gulf. Here are a few of our favorite buildings.
The late Zaha Hadid designed the Sheikh Zayed Bridge which was completed in 2010. The 842-meter bridge is incredibly intricate. The three arches mimic the undulating sand dunes of the desert.
Sheikh Zayed Bridge. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.
Etihad Towers boast 5 towers, ranging from 54 floors to 74 floors. DBI Design was the architect on the project which was finished in 2011.
Etihad Towers. Image courtesy of Booking.com
Capital Gate, designed by RMJM Dubai, was finished in 2010. Guinness World Records certified it “World’s furthest leaning man-made tower,” leaning an amazing 18 degrees.
Capital Gate. Image courtesy of e-Architect.
Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel was finished in 2009. Asymptote Architecture designed two towers connected by a structural skin bridge. One tower rises from within the Yas Marina Circuit F1 racetrack while the other rises from the adjacent marina. The Grid Shell that encloses the entire structure is comprised of 5,389 pivoting LED panes.
Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel. Image courtesy of Aizak Buyondo.
Aldar Headquarters was designed by MZ Architects. Construction was completed in 2010.
Aldar Headquarters. Image courtesy of Wikiarquitectura.