Architecture in Dubai: Top 10 Eye-Catching Buildings
A city that rose from ground 0 to the skyline in just 33 years, Dubai not only has the most impressive growth, safety, and stability, but it also has one of the most innovative and stunning architecture in the world.
Some of the world’s most famous buildings, like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, showcase Dubai’s commitment to architectural excellence. Apart from these, Dubai’s many other examples of relentless pursuit of excellence in design and construction make it a must-see city for visitors looking to stay for the holidays.
10 – Al Yaqoub Tower
Although not the most imposing architecture in Dubai, this tower still deserves a shout-out for its unusual look amongst Dubai’s skyscrapers. It was inspired by Elisabeth’s Tower in London (without the clock) and is one of the most eye-catching buildings on Sheikh Zayed Road.
9 – Al Rostamani (Maze) Tower
Drawn up by Planquadrat, the captivating façade houses a labyrinth created by a renowned maze maker Adrian Fisher. It utilizes projecting walls and ceiling discs that ascend along the main and rear façades, acting as a visually striking shield against sun, wind, and street noise. It can be found right next to Al Yaqoub Tower mentioned previously on Sheikh Zayed Road.
8 – Binghatti Pearls
Built in the heart of Dubai Silicone City, this 15-storey residential building is made into a spectacular architectural design of pearl shells. Inspired by Dubai’s historic pearl diving tradition, Binghatti Pearls also bring functionality to beauty as the pearl shells provide shading to the desert climate so that its residents can live in cooled-down areas and save up on AC bills.
7 – O-14 Tower (Swiss Cheese Tower)
Located in Dubai Creek, the O-14 Tower that has been named the Swiss Cheese Tower by the public actually had nothing to do with cheese when the architects were designing it. The concrete shell of O-14 acts as a structural exoskeleton, freeing the core from lateral forces and enabling column-free interior spaces.
This exoskeleton serves as the main vertical and lateral support system, allowing for flexible office layouts between the shell and the minimal core. By shifting lateral bracing to the perimeter, the core is minimized for vertical loads, utilities, and transportation, reducing floor plate thickness and enhancing tenant flexibility.
6 – Cayan Tower
From the same architectural team that designed the Burj Khalifa, Cayan Tower, formally known as the Infinity Tower, is the tallest building in the world that was constructed with a 90-degree spiral.
Housing 495 luxurious apartments, this innovative marvel not only looks great but was also built with Dubai’s arid desert climate and urban heat island effect in mind; its exterior is specifically designed to shield the interiors from the intense sun. The building’s dynamic façade serves as an effective sunshade, reducing direct sunlight exposure and minimizing heat absorption.
This unique feature not only adds to the building’s aesthetic allure but also demonstrates a strategic response to environmental considerations, making Cayan Tower a pioneering example of sustainable architecture in Dubai.
5 – Raffles Dubai
In the heart of the Wafi Mall, which was built to refer directly to the Egyptian past in terms of its architecture, stands the Raffles Dubai Hotel. Inspired by the great pyramids of Egypt themselves, this hotel strives to create a perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern luxury.
Conceived by the great architect Bryn Lummus, developed by lead architects Arif & Bin Toak, and with the interior design created by the LW Design Group, Raffles Dubai was named one of the top 10 best hotels in the world by Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards. In addition, the hotel’s commitment to minimizing its environmental impact through energy conservation, water, and waste management programs has led it to receive a Green Key Certification, making it yet another great example of how the UAE strives towards a sustainable future through architecture in Dubai.
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4 – Atlantis The Royal
Not to be confused with Atlantis the Palm (although that is another beautiful building by itself), Atlantis The Royal is the most ultra-luxury resort experience in the world. Brought to life by the world’s leading architects, designers, and artists, these giant steps naturally separate the residential and hotel parts while keeping a sense of community. Connected by a sky bridge that forms the resort’s iconic silhouette, the stepped terraces of Atlantis The Royal house pools, lounges, cabanas, and other amenities, creating a lush oasis.
Indulge in culinary delights at one of 17 restaurants, including 8 led by renowned chefs, or be captivated by mesmerizing fire-breathing fountains. Fashion enthusiasts will find paradise in The Royal Galleria and The Royal Promenade, home to a curated selection of luxury brands like Valentino, Graff, and Tanagra.
3 – Etihad Museum
Located at the very place where the UAE was founded in 1971, the Etihad Museum houses pavilions that include experience-driven exhibitions and interactive programs that are not only unique but also educational about the UAE’s history.
The unique curved white roof of the Etihad Museum, designed by Canadian architects Moriyama and Teshima, draws inspiration from the shape of the United Arab Emirates’ constitution. The museum’s seven columns symbolize the pens used to sign the historic document.
2 – The Opus
Envisioned by one of the best architects of this world – Dame Zaha Hadid, the Opus is the first and only hotel that she designed in its entirety, from the architecture to the interiors. Made to look like two buildings that merge into one cube, and the middle being eroded, the 20-story marvel can be seen in Business Bay.
The project director at Zaha Hadid Architects beautifully explained the building’s most interesting features: “The precise orthogonal geometries of the Opus’ elemental glass cube contrast dramatically with the fluidity of the eight-story void at its center.”
1 – Museum of the Future
Named “The most beautiful building in the world” by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Museum of the Future was designed by Killa Design Architects and engineered by Buro Happold Engineering Consultancy making this the most important architecture in Dubai that everyone has to visit when in UAE.
Made out of 1,024 specialized robot-assisted stainless steel pieces, the museum was made to convey the connection between the past traditional art forms and future technology, while canvasing the quotes of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum rendered in the calligraphy of Mattar bin Lahej.
Key Takeaways:
- Al Yaqoub Tower‘s Aesthetics: Al Yaqoub Tower stands out on Sheikh Zayed Road with its unusual design inspired by Elisabeth’s Tower in London.
- Al Rostamani Tower‘s Architectural Marvel: Conceived by Planquadrat, Al Rostamani Tower’s captivating façade houses a labyrinth by renowned maze maker Adrian Fisher, providing both visual appeal and functional elements.
- Binghatti Pearls‘ Functional Design: Inspired by pearl shells, Binghatti Pearls in Dubai Silicone City not only captivates with its design but also provides natural shading for residents in the desert climate.
- O-14 Tower‘s Exoskeleton Design: Located in Dubai Creek, the O-14 Tower, nicknamed the Swiss Cheese Tower, utilizes a concrete shell as a structural exoskeleton, allowing for flexible office layouts and enhancing tenant flexibility.
- Cayan Tower‘s Innovation: Designed by the same team as the Burj Khalifa, Cayan Tower stands as the world’s tallest building with a 90-degree spiral, showcasing both aesthetic appeal and sustainable architecture responsive to Dubai’s climate.
- Raffles Dubai‘s Blend of Traditions and Luxury: Located in Wafi Mall, Raffles Dubai draws inspiration from Egyptian pyramids, blending ancient traditions with modern luxury, earning recognition as one of the top 10 hotels globally.
- Atlantis Royal: Distinguished from Atlantis the Palm, Atlantis The Royal offers an ultra-luxury resort experience with iconic stepped terraces, a sky bridge, and a lush oasis of pools, lounges, and cabanas.
- Etihad Museum‘s Historical Significance: Situated where the UAE was founded, the Etihad Museum features a unique curved white roof symbolizing the UAE constitution, showcasing its historical and educational exhibitions.
- The Opus by Zaha Hadid: Envisioned by the renowned Dame Zaha Hadid, The Opus is a unique hotel in Business Bay with a distinctive design featuring precise geometries and a dramatic void.
- Museum of the Future: The Museum of the Future, deemed “The most beautiful building in the world,” reflects a blend of traditional art and future technology, featuring a design by Killa Design Architects and engineered by Buro Happold.
Written by: Anastasia Makarycheva
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