The Middle East is replete with innovative and daring real estate. Here are a few of the most iconic towers in the region.

1. 9 Impressive Landmark
Towers in the Middle East
Ehsan Bayat

2. 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:

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Aldar Properties Headquarters – UAE
Envisioned 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.

6. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. The Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay –
Bahrain
Positioned 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.