The 50 Most Influential Buildings Have Been Announced And The Middle East Made The List – Obviously
The Burj Khalifa and the Bahrain World Trade Center are among the stunning skyscrapers that made it to the top 50
So it’s official – a complete list of fifty of the world’s most influential buildings over the last 50 years has just been released, and the Middle East featured not once, not twice, but five architecturally fabulous times.
Featuring structures from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, here are the five buildings that can be officially crowned the most influential towers in the Middle East.
Al Bahar Towers, Abu Dhabi
Aedas via CTBUH
These 29-storey twin skyscrapers serve as the Abu Dhabi Investment Council’s headquarters and Al Hilal Bank head offices. Their unique honeycomb-like exterior, designed to open and close in response to the movement of the sun to reduce heat intake, have helped establish the building’s prominence as one of Abu Dhabi’s finest landmarks.
Bahrain World Trade Center, Manama
Instagram/housewrecker
Located in Manama, Bahrain, this impressive 240m high, 50-storey twin tower complex was the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design.
Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Instagram/burjalarab
The beloved Burj Al Arab has become one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. Complete with its breathtaking sail-shaped design, the Burj Al Arab is said to be the world’s first and only seven star hotel.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Instagram/burjkhalifa
Seeing as it’s currently the world’s tallest building, standing proudly at 829m high, it’s no surprise that the Burj Khalifa has made the list. Fun fact: this stunning skyscraper is home to 304 hotel rooms, 900 apartments and nearly 3000 parking spaces. Visit burjkhalifa.ae for more information.
National Commercial Bank, Jeddah
Instagram/woolloomooloo.moobooks
These corporate headquarters have been Saudi Arabia’s tallest building for 17 years, and was one of the first tall buildings in the region to adapt and modernise the specific techniques of local architecture in the Middle East.
For the full list of the world’s most influential buildings, click here.