Most famous buildings in Abu Dhabi
Dubai may be famous for having one of the best skylines in the world, but Abu Dhabi’s architectural marvels are just as impressive. From the clam-shaped ALDAR headquarters to a tower that rivals the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, here are some of the most iconic and famous buildings in Abu Dhabi.
Most famous buildings in Abu Dhabi
- Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid Residence
- The Landmark
- Etihad Towers
- Capital Gate
- The Gate Towers
- ALDAR HQ
- Al Bahr Towers
Like Dubai, the emirate of Abu Dhabi rose from its Bedouin past as a modest pearl diving and fishing village to one of the richest cities in the world after the discovery of oil. Today, the city is not only known for its wealth but also its many architectural wonders.
Make sure you add these Abu Dhabi iconic buildings to your sightseeing itinerary if you plan on visiting the emirate soon!
Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid
It’s hard for anyone to miss the massively tall Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid Residence. The 92-storey residential building stands out from other structures in the capital’s Corniche Area.
It also officially became the tallest building in Abu Dhabi on its completion in 2014, a title it retains to date. Featuring more than 400 living units, the 381-metre residence tower has direct access to the World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi (WTCAD) and the WTC Mall.
Developed by ALDAR Properties, rental apartments in Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid are ideal for those looking to stay in the most luxurious places in Abu Dhabi.
The Landmark
Rising 879 feet, The Landmark is a modern super-tall skyscraper and one of the tallest buildings in Abu Dhabi. Also known as the Landmark Tower, the US-based company Pelli Clarke Associates designed the structure. This development helped the firm win an international award.
The mixed-use property includes 72 floors and five basement levels. Of these, 35 floors are for commercial use, while the rest are dedicated to residential units and amenities like basement parking. The structure is on Corniche Road, a 9km boulevard alongside Corniche Beach.
Like what you see? Consider renting apartments in Landmark Tower.
Etihad Towers
The Etihad Towers, located at the westernmost side of the Abu Dhabi Corniche, is pretty hard to miss, considering their unique structure that curves beautifully at the top.
Etihad Towers are a cluster of five high-rise buildings. The unique aesthetic of the structure is credited to DBI Design, the Australian company that designed it.
Capital Gate
The fourth entry on our list of Abu Dhabi famous buildings is also the quirkiest. The Capital Gate Tower earns props for being one of the more interesting additions to the city’s famed skyscraper skyline.
Also known as the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi, the 160m tall slanting structure is recognised as the “world’s furthest leaning man-made tower” by Guinness World Records.
Apart from a mind-boggling design, the 35-storey tower features a suspended outdoor pool on the 19th floor. Want to know what it’s like living here? Consider renting an apartment in the Capital Gate Tower.
The Gate Towers
Next on our list of Abu Dhabi famous buildings is The Gate Towers. Interestingly, The Gate Towers’s design is inspired by the famous Stonehenge in England.
Located at the heart of Shams in Al Reem Island, the three-tower building is easily recognisable by the bridge at the top that connects the towers — much like the supported boulders in Stonehenge.
The award-winning development has 3,533 units, including 1 to 3-bedroom apartments, penthouses and townhouses. With panoramic views of the city skyline and the Arabian Gulf, living in the apartments for rent in The Gate Towers is a dream.
ALDAR HQ
Want to see a building that is shaped like a giant coin? Head to the ALDAR Headquarters, which is considered one of the most famous buildings in Abu Dhabi! The structure is an impressive architectural feat – at the time of its completion, it was the first circular skyscraper in the world.
The ALDAR Headquarters is located between E11 and the waters leading to the city’s outer islands. Owned by ALDAR Properties, it was completed in 2010 and has a height of 361 feet.
Al Bahr Towers
The Al Bahr Towers, one of the famous Abu Dhabi buildings, is a stunning eco-friendly architectural marvel captivating visitors of all ages. Inspired by nature and culture, architect Abdulmajid Karanouh and Aedas Architects designed these twin circular towers with a unique mashrabiya-style facade.
Also, the honeycomb-like panels on the 29-story towers automatically adjust to the sun’s position, reducing energy consumption by filtering out over half of the sunlight.
FAQs About Abu Dhabi Most Famous Buildings
Which is the tallest building in Abu Dhabi.
Burj Mohammad Bin Rashid is the tallest building in Abu Dhabi.
Can I live in Etihad Towers?
Yes, Etihad Towers offers residential spaces along with commercial buildings. You can view the surrounding Arabian Sea and the vibrant city from the towers.
Also, those who like to live a high life can always visit and indulge in the many activities at Etihad Towers. The apartments in Etihad Towers may be a bit pricey, but the bragging rights are worth the expense.
What is the inspiration behind the ALDAR HQ structure?
Most who see it say that it looks like a giant coin placed on its edge. But in actuality, the structure’s design is inspired by the clamshell, a reference to Abu Dhabi’s maritime heritage. The disc-shaped look of the building was achieved by using a structural diagrid, which is a diagonal steel grid.
This brings us to the end of our guide to iconic Abu Dhabi buildings names. Check out the most famous buildings in Dubai during your next trip to the UAE. In a few years, you will be able to visit some of the upcoming Dubai development projects.
For more information on the best tourist attractions in the country, stay tuned to MyBayut.
