1. Al Hamra Tower, Kuwait City
The Al Hamra Tower was completed in 2011 and it is one of Kuwait’s tallest buildings. It was designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and Callison architectural firms. The Al Hamra Tower is also the tallest carved concrete skyscraper in the world.
2. Aldar Headquarters Building, Abu Dhabi
The Aldar Headquarters is a circular building which is covered in glass, so it reflects. It was designed by MZ Architects and was completed in 2010. It received the Best Futuristic Design award at the Building Exchange Conference held in Spain.
3. Museum of Islamic Art, Doha
The Museum of Islamic Art is at the end of a seven-kilometer road and it was built in November 2008. The museum represents islamic art from 3 countries from over 1,400 years. It was also designed with the influence of ancient Islamic architecture by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei.
4. Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Burj Al Arab is actually a hotel that is set on an island. It was built in 1999 and is 321 meters tall. It has quickly become an icon of the United Arab Emirates and the Middle east. The hotel has become known as the world’s only “seven-star hotel.”
5. Kingdom Centre, Riyadh
Kingdom Centre is a 99 storey skyscraper containing a shopping mall, apartments and a Four Seasons Hotel. The tower was completed in 2002 and its unique design features a 56 meter skybridge, providing an impressive view of Riyadh.
6. Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest Mosque in the United Arab Emirates. It was designed by architects and contracting companies from around the world and the construction utilized materials from a wide range of countries. Completed in 2007, the mosque draws more than 40,000 worshippers for Eid.
7. Bahrain World Trade Center, Manama
The Bahrain World Trade Center is a 50 floor, twin tower complex that opened in 2008. It was designed by the multi-national construction firm Atkins, and was the first skyscraper to have wind turbines. The structure has won the 2006 LEAF Award for Best Use of Technology within a Large Scheme and the Arab Construction World for Sustainable Design Award.
8. Abraj Al-Bait Towers, Mecca
The Abraj Al-Bait Towers are also known as the Mecca Royal Clock Tower Hotel. The building features the world’s largest clock face and it was designed by Dar Al-Handasah. It is the tallest building in Saudi Arabia and the fourth tallest free-standing structure in the world.
9. Burj Khalifa, Dubai
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest artificial structure in the world and the Middle East’s most iconic building. It was designed by Adrian Smith at SOM and the structure smashed several world records and has captivated the region and the world’s attention.
