Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is renowned for its striking and innovative architecture that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. The cityscape is a testament to its rapid development and ambitious vision, featuring a mix of futuristic skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, and culturally significant landmarks.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a remarkable architectural feat. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, this groundbreaking universal museum— the first of its kind in the Arab world—features 9,200 square meters of gallery space showcasing a diverse array of historical and cultural artefacts from across the globe. Beyond its impressive collection, the museum’s centrepiece is its iconic 180-meter dome, composed of eight layers of star-latticed design.
The Capital Gate
Capital Gate, also known as the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi, is an architectural and engineering marvel, tilting 18 degrees westward and rising 160 meters (524.9 feet) high. In 2010, it was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the World’s Furthest Manmade Leaning Building.
Sheikh Zayed Bridge
Spanning the Maqta Channel to link Abu Dhabi city with the mainland, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge is an 843-meter marvel of steel and concrete. Recognized as the most intricate bridge ever built, it was designed by the late British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, who was honoured as the first female recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2014 and hailed by The Guardian as “the queen of the curve.” If you’re staying at a nearby Abu Dhabi beach resort, such as the Anantara Santorini, it’s likely you’ve passed this by on your way there!
The Etihad Towers
Modern and sophisticated, Etihad Towers exemplifies dramatic architecture at its best. Located along the bustling Abu Dhabi Corniche, this five-tower complex serves as a premier destination for living, working, shopping, dining, and staying, offering breathtaking panoramic views of both the city and the Arabian Gulf.