9 Impressive Landmark Towers in the Middle EastEhsan Bayat

For real estate developers in the Middle East, innovation has become a tradition. Commercial properties reach greater heights with the completion of each project, and this also extends to the areas of economic and environmental advancement. Building practices centered on sustainability and strategic technology assets allow companies to construct these iconic buildings in a way that meets green standards and promotes safety and productivity. The skylines in many major cities throughout the Arab states feature these landmark structures, which are known for their great size and bold design. Each one represents a milestone in the region and has inspired real development firms to break through new barriers. In the following, we examine the appeal of some of the most recognized and anticipated buildings and towers in the Middle East:

Emirates Towers – United Arab Emirates (UAE)Hazel Wong of NORR designed the Emirates Towers, which appears in the skyline of Dubai. The two towers face each other with a mirrored design of three-sided facades, each representing the earth, sun, or moon. Designed with the intention of becoming a landmark, the Emirates Towers represent a $468 million investment that has flourished into two world-class business and hotel structures.

Image courtesy Guilhem Vellut | Flickr

Kingdom Centre – Saudi Arabia

A portfolio project of the Kingdom Holding Company in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom Centre stands 302 meters tall. The unique style of this building features a 65-meter sky bridge that connects twin pillars extending upward from the main body of the structure. Visitors to the observation deck can ride two elevators to reach the top of the $450 million tower. The lower floors of the Kingdom Centre include a Four Seasons Hotel, apartments, and a shopping mall.

Aldar Properties Headquarters – UAEEnvisioned by the design firm MZ Architects, the Aldar Properties headquarters building holds distinction as the first circular building in the Middle East. The structure, which opened in 2010, achieved a silver rating in the US Green Building Council LEED certification system. Valued at more than $258 million, the headquarters building was the first in Abu Dhabi to implement a subterranean vacuum waste collection system for efficient recycling.

Kuwait Towers – Kuwait

The Kuwait Towers — three in all — have served as a national monument for more than 35 years. Swedish engineers designed the landmark building, which features thousands of Chinese steel paint colors that blend the sea with the sky. Located in Kuwait City, the towers attract tourists and accommodate business gatherings at the Royal Hall. The main tower hosts guests of the Horizon Restaurant and Le Café, and it features a rotating sphere that creates a panoramic view of the city from 123 meters above sea level.

Image courtesy ~W~ | Flickr

ADNOC Headquarters – UAE

The design firm HOK created the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company headquarters, which is valued for its location near the Royal Palace and Emirates Palace. At 342 meters tall, the building overlooks the Arabian Gulf and has office space for more than 4,200 employees. A rectangular podium and a separate auditorium complement the base of the tower.

United Tower – Bahrain

Announced in 2012, the United Tower in Manama, Bahrain, will be the first Wyndham Hotel property in the kingdom. The counterclockwise, spiral design of the five-star hotel tower sets it apart from other buildings in the region, and developers from the Cooperation Investment House plan to open its doors in 2016. Already a prominent fixture in the waterfront development of Bahrain Bay, United Tower will feature corporate office space and hotel guest rooms.

Lusail Marina Towers – Qatar

Currently under construction, the Lusail Marina Towers are shaped like crossed swords found on the seal of Qatar. The chairman of Katara Hospitality stated in 2012 that he and his staff planned to create a landmark for tourism and hospitality in the area. Once complete, the hotel will feature more than 1,000 rooms, and marketing for the facility will target sports enthusiasts, particularly during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Image courtesy Paul Trafford |Flickr

Capital Gate – UAE

Similar to the other towers on this list, the Capital Gate building was designed to attract attention, particularly from the business sector. The structure stands at an 18-degree tilt, which set records for architectural innovation. For perspective, the Leaning Tower of Pisa leans at fewer than 6 degrees. Glass and steel form the facade of the building, which includes a Hyatt Hotel and more than 16,000 square meters of corporate space.

The Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay – BahrainPositioned on the central island of Bahrain Bay, the Four Seasons Hotel is a focal point for visitors to the capital city of Manama. Designers at Skidmore Owings & Merrill set out to create a visual foundation for the surrounding area, and the resulting structure includes two vertical posts connected by two bridging sections, which contain guest rooms and a restaurant. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer an unhindered view of the Arabian Gulf from every room of the building.