The UAE is known for its distinctive architecture, characterised by a blend of luxury and ambitious designs from the Burj Khalifa to the Museum of the Future and more.
The country has pursued innovative construction projects that have shaped the iconic skyline ranging from tall skyscrapers to buildings influenced by historical traditions.
Here are the iconic buildings in the UAE and all you need to know about these architectural marvels:
Museum of the Future
An iconic structure on Sheikh Zayed Road, standing 225 feet tall, the unique shaped building opened in 2022 with the facade featuring quotes of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum rendered in the calligraphy of Mattar bin Lahej.
The rounded building represents humanity, the mound of green above signifies the earth and the center void represents the unknown future.
Designed by Killa Design architects and engineered by Buro Happold engineering consultancy, the architectural marvel is constructed from stainless steel, comprising of 1,024 pieces crafted through a specialised robotic-assisted manufacturing process.
The total surface area covered by these components is 17,600 square meters.
Aldar HQ
This building located in Abu Dhabi is distinctive for its circular shape, the first of its kind in the region. The 23-story building, located on Al Raha Beach was constructed using a diagrid steel structure.
Designed by MZ Architects, the building was completed in 2010 and has since served as the official HQ for Aldar.
Dubai Frame
Standing at 150 metres above Zabeel Park, Dubai Frame stands at a unique architectural marvel in Dubai. This tourist attraction features two aspects: the Old Dubai Gallery and the Modern Dubai Gallery.
At the heart of the experience lies the Sky Deck, offering panoramic views of both sides. The North side featuring views of old Dubai including Deira and Bur Dubai while the South side features views of the skyline including the Burj Khalifa.
Opus Zaha Hadid
Located in Business Bay, this building boats a unique structure designed by Iraqi architect, artist and designer Zaha Hadid. The building offers the illusion of two separate towers that hover over the ground, connected by an atrium.
Additionally, a 38-meter bridge connects the towers across the void through the 71st floor.
The facade features a curvilinear style with mirrored glass reflecting the city skyline. The building’s complex geometry demanded innovative construction techniques.
One tower houses the Melia Hotel, with interiors designed by Hadid herself. The other tower offers high-end office spaces.
Both towers have access to restaurants, bars, a spa, swimming pool, clubs and more.
O14 Business Bay
This office building in Business Bay is a 22-story tower also known as the ‘Swiss Cheese Building’ for its unique resemblance and holes along its facade.
This 40-centimeter thick concrete shell, pierced by over 1,300 holes of varying sizes is merely just an aesthetic choice, It’s the building’s structural core, eliminating the need for internal columns and maximising usable space.
The space between the exoskeleton and the glass facade acts as a chimney, allowing hot air to rise and escape, naturally drawing in cooler air below. This ingenious design reduces reliance on traditional air conditioning, making it a sustainable architectural design.
Ferrari World
Housed under a colossal red roof resembling the iconic Prancing Horse logo, the theme park boats a distinctively recognisable structure.
The space frame structure, the tallest of its kind in the world, stretches over 200,000 square meters, creating a climate-controlled environment for year-round enjoyment.
The sleek, modern design features flowing curves and pops of red, housing the fastest rollercoaster in the world – The Formula Rossa and several other thrilling rides and exhibits.
Burj Khalifa
Holds the coveted title of the world’s tallest building since its inauguration in 2010 with a height of 828 meters (2,717 feet) with 163 floors. The building’s exterior is constructed with glass and aluminum panels.
The mixed-use skyscraper holds apartments, hotels, corporate offices and observation decks.
The building boasts a complex concrete core and perimeter wall system, ensuring exceptional stability against wind and seismic activity.
A beacon of the Dubai Skyline, the skyscraper is one of the most recognisable around the world and has also gained traction as a focal point for one of the biggest New Year’s celebrations in the world.
Atlantis The Royal
The recently unveiled Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah is the new and improved sister property of the iconic Atlantis, The Palm.
The Royal Atlantis boasts a captivating design with an exterior that boasts curves and geometric shapes through a unique collaboration between renowned architects and designers.
The hotel boasts a diverse collection of luxurious rooms, suites, and signature penthouses, as well as 17 restaurants and bars.
The terraces step toward each other, connected by a sky bridge that defines the distinctive silhouette of Atlantis The Royal. Serving as a gateway between the two structures, the sky bridge features pools, lounges, cabanas, and various amenities.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Located on Saadiyat Island, the iconic museum is designed with inspiration by the traditional mashrabiya, a latticework screen used in Islamic architecture, the museum’s dome appears to float above the galleries.
This intricate web of interlocking geometric shapes, crafted from stainless steel and aluminum, filters sunlight creating an effect within the galleries.
The museum sits on an island connected by two bridges showcasing a diverse collection of artwork including the Mona Lisa.
Running under an agreement with France and UAE, it allows the use of the Louvre’s name until 2037, making it France’s largest cultural project abroad.
Burj Al Arab
One of Dubai’s first architectural marvels, known as the only seven-star hotel in the world stands 1,053 feet tall with a distinctive sail-shaped design by Tom Wright of WS Atkins.
The facade is covered in Teflon-coated fiberglass fabric build on its own man-made island 280m off Dubai’s coastline. The hotel houses the world’s tallest atrium, flanked by golden columns.
The Burj Al Arab’s interior boasts over 30 varieties of Statuario marble, 24-carat gold leaf embellishments, and nearly 87,000 hand-fixed Swarovski crystals, curated by Chinese interior designer Khuan Chew, of KCA International.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah offers its own fleet of Rolls-Royces, for guest transfers to and from Dubai International Airport or around the emirate.
Cayan Tower
Recognisable by its twisted exteriors, the Cayan Tower was designed by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill.
Featuring a unique 90-degree helical twist, the design serves a functional purpose, maximising panoramic views from each of its 75 floors.
Additionally, the tower incorporates sustainable features, including a double-glazed facade that minimises heat gain and optimises energy efficiency.
Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi stands as an architectural marvel and a global symbol of tolerance and cultural exchange.
Drawing inspiration from Mughal, Mamluk, Ottoman, and Persian architectural styles, the mosque is a harmonious blend of diverse artistic traditions.
This structure features 82 white marble domes, 1,096 amethyst and jasper-embedded columns, and intricate floral motifs.
The world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, adorned with floral designs, stretches across the main prayer hall.
Additional design elements include Swarovski crystal chandeliers resembling palm trees.
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