The UAE is home to many impressive structures, including the majestic Burj Al Arab, Princess Tower (the world’s second-tallest residential tower), and of course, the world’s tallest building — Burj Khalifa — which soars high at 828 metres!
So far, however, we’ve only mentioned structures that are based in Dubai. But did you know that the capital, Abu Dhabi, also has several iconic skyscrapers? In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 tallest buildings in the city, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
Abu Dhabi’s Tallest Buildings
Across the city of Abu Dhabi, you will find an interesting mix of low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise structures, including skyscrapers. Here’s a countdown of the top tallest buildings in the city, beginning with the tenth tallest…
Number 10: Etihad Tower 3
Etihad Tower 3 is a 60-storey building that is part of the Etihad Towers Complex. With a height of 260.3 metres or 854 feet, it is the tenth tallest building in Abu Dhabi and the 62nd tallest building in the entire UAE.
Number 9: Nation Tower 1
Standing tall at 268 metres or 879 feet, Nation Tower 1 is the ninth tallest building in Abu Dhabi, and the 56th tallest in the whole country. As you may have guessed, it is part of the Nation Towers complex, which includes residences (rental apartments), restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment facilities.
Nation Tower 1 is connected to Tower 2 on the 48th floor. Notably, the building has energy-efficient lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and other sustainable features.
Number 8: Office Tower, World Trade Centre
Better known as the “Trust Tower,” the Office Tower is part of the World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi complex. Soaring high at 276.6 metres or 907 feet, it is the eight tallest building in the city, and the 49th tallest building in the UAE.
Completed in 2012, Trust Tower has 60 storeys and houses the offices of the World Trade Centre Association, along with residences, a large mall, and a souk. It is also connected to a hotel, Courtyard by Marriott. Interestingly, the World Trade Centre complex is situated on the location of Abu Dhabi’s old central market, thus marking a significant place in the city’s colourful history.
Number 7: Etihad Tower 1
Just like the first building on this list, the next structure, Etihad Tower 1, is part of the Etihad Towers complex. Etihad Tower 1 is better known as Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. It has 69 storeys, all in all.
With a height of 277.6 metres or 911 feet, Etihad Tower 1 is the seventh tallest building in Abu Dhabi, and is the 46th tallest building in the whole country.
Number 6: City of Lights Tower 1
As you may have guessed, this building is part of the City of Lights complex, which is located on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. Standing tall at 282.1 metres or 926 feet high, City of Lights Tower 1 is the sixth tallest building in the capital, and the 39th tallest building in the entire UAE.
Also known as City of Lights C1 Tower, the 63-storey building includes residential units, a 30-storey hotel, a gym, swimming pool, and even a playground for kids. It also features a common waterfront marina where you will find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shopping boutiques.
Number 5: Sky Tower
Also located on Al Reem Island, particularly at Shams Gate District, is Sky Tower. It is the fifth tallest building in the city, with a height of 292.2 metres or 959 feet.
Comprised of 47 floors, Sky Tower houses apartments, penthouses, and offices. It also features a fitness club, swimming pool, sports complex, and a shopping area, Shams Boutik Mall. Interestingly, Sky Tower has a “twin,” the Sun Tower. Both are part of Shams Abu Dhabi development project.
Number 4: Etihad Tower 2
Also part of the Etihad Towers Complex, Etihad Tower 2 stands tall at 305.3 metres or 1,000 feet, making it the fourth tallest building in Abu Dhabi, and the 30th tallest building in the country.
Situated along Corniche Road, Etihad Tower has 80 floors, including rental apartments, a swimming pool, gym, saunas, and other facilities.
Number 3: The Landmark
And now, we’re on top three! This rank belongs to The Landmark, the third tallest building in the capital, and the 22nd tallest building in the entire UAE. More popularly known as “Landmark Tower,” the building’s design draws inspiration from the 12-sided dodecagon, which is often used in Islamic architecture.
Situated on Corniche Road, The Landmark is comprised of 77 floors, of which 35 are used for commercial purposes, while the rest is residential. The building has apartments, offices, a fitness centre, restaurants, and a sky garden.
Number 2: ADNOC Headquarters
The second tallest building in Abu Dhabi is not residential, but a commercial one. As you may have guessed, this building houses the headquarters of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), a leading oil and gas company in the city, if not the entire country!
At 342 metres or 1,122 feet tall, ADNOC Headquarters is the second tallest building in the capital, and the 14th tallest building in the UAE. Comprised of 67 floors, the building houses offices, a Crisis Management Centre, a heritage museum, and even a “corniche club.”
Number 1: Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid
The title of Abu Dhabi’s tallest building goes to Burj Mohammed bin Rashid, which is part of the World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi complex, adjacent to the Trust Tower.
Soaring high at 381.2 metres or 1,251 feet, this residential tower is the tallest in the capital, and the fifth tallest building in the whole country! It is also recognised as the seventh tallest residential building in the world!
Comprised of 92-storeys, Burj Mohammed bin Rashid was completed in 2014. It has more than 400 residential units, including apartments and penthouses. The building also has a gym, swimming pool, recreational hall, terrace garden, and kids’ play area. It also has 13 high-speed elevators. Cool!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Abu Dhabi has its share of towering skyscrapers, which are very impressive to look at, indeed! Just imagine the breathtaking views that you can see from these buildings! Whether you are a tourist, expat, or business traveler, you will definitely enjoy seeing these impressive structures in the city.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more leisurely trip, and you’d like to explore the city by bicycle… Check out this list of the best places to go cycling in Abu Dhabi. Enjoy!