Abu Dhabi's neighbor city (and occasional rival) Dubai may boast some of the world's tallest buildings, but the Emirati capital's own skyline is no small feat. While it certainly lays claim to some height of its own, the city's real achievement lies in the visual beauty and engineering ingenuity of its skyscrapers. Breaking free of the straight, spindle-topped tower mold, the Abu Dhabi cityscape is dotted with gleaming edifices in all sorts of forms, from the coin-shaped Aldar headquarters to the Al Bahr Towers, often dubbed the "pineapple buildings" for their unique, energy-saving façade. Since an in-person tour of the city is a 12-hour plane ride away, we thought we'd bring the locale's marvels to you. Click through for the virtual version: clear views guaranteed.
The Capital Gate
Watch out, Pisa: Colloquially referred to as the "Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi," the RMJM-designed Capital Gate, which was completed in 2011, holds the Guinness World Record for the "world’s furthest-leaning man-made tower." It's also the Middle East's first building to use a material-saving diagrid form.
Al Bahr Towers
The twin, 29-story Al Bahr towers riff on the traditional Arabian mashrabiya (geometric window coverings) as an ingenious energy-saving measure: The windows react automatically to the sun, expanding to provide shade and reduce the need for air conditioning. The towers were designed by Aedas and completed in 2013.
Aldar headquarters building
More commonly known as the "Dirham building," after the Emirati currency, this coin-shaped structure took its design from the golden ratio. Completed in 2010 by MZ Architect, it also makes use of the structural diagrid.
The Shams Gate Towers
Stretching across Al Reem Island, the Gate Towers are actually three structures in one, devised by Khatib & Alami to hold over 3,000 luxury residences as well as retail space in the newly dubbed Gates District. The towers were completed in 2013, though the rest of the district is still under construction.
Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid
The tallest building in Abu Dhabi and the 25th tallest in the world, the Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid features an undulating façade guaranteed to catch the sunlight at any angle. Completed in 2014 by Foster + Partners, the tower is 92 stories high and is connected to a modern take on the traditional Souk, also a Foster + Partners design.
Etihad Towers
Not one but five towers, this complex by Australian firm DBI Design offers sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf and looks almost like swaying grass or trees against the skyline. Two of the five towers are connected via a walkway on the 75th floor.
