Abu Dhabi Architecture City Guide: 50 Years of City Making

Written by Nour Fakharany
Published on April 17, 2023

Capital city of the United Arab Emirates, the city of Abu Dhabi is located on an island in the Persian Gulf, connected to the mainland by a short bridge. Home to the local and federal government offices, as well as to the President of the UAE, Abu Dhabi was formerly an undeveloped town with only local significance that transformed into a large metropolis, at a record speed of development and urbanization.

Japanese architect Katsuhiko Takahashi created the master plan of the city in 1967, with a target population of 40,000. Encouraged in the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030, tall skyscrapers symbolize nowadays its iconic architecture, as well as new developments of Al Maryah Island, and the Sheikh Zayed mosque initiated and constructed under the administration of the late President Sheikh Zayed, a pivotal figure in the development of the contemporary UAE.

The following list showcases 20 contemporary architecture projects demonstrating what the city of Abu Dhabi offers, with projects from pioneering architecture figures such as Jean Nouvel, Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, MZ Architects, and Adjaye Associates.

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