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Sunday, November 18: Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post challenge for today, architecture, is perfect, as I just returned home from Abu Dhabi, UAE yesterday. This city and Dubai, where I’ve been before, are well-known the world over for their modern and daring architecture. Here are a few samples from my trip to Abu Dhabi.
Architecture in the gallery below includes models for the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, which is currently in the planning phase. This Cultural District will include the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, designed by Frank Gehry, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, the Zayed National Museum by Foster + Partners, a Maritime Museum designed by Tadao Ando, and a Performing Arts Center by Zaha Hadid.
The gallery also includes The Capital Gate Tower in Abu Dhabi with an 18-degree slope, prompting the Guinness World Records to name it the “furthest leaning man-made tower.” The leaning tower of Pisa, by comparison, tilts just 4 degrees. The 35-story structure, designed by the British architecture firm Robert Matthew Johnson Marshall, holds office space and a 5-star Hyatt hotel.
Also included is the new Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan Mosque and the over-the-top Emirates Palace. I will write more about these in coming posts.
a nomad in the land of nizwa 
The leaning tower is so interestingly different, Cathy, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be beyond amazing when it’s built. Thanks for sharing your wonderful pics. 🙂
Thanks Sylvia. More will come; this is just for Jake’s challenge…. 🙂
What a blend of surreal, modern and cutting edge architecture among traditional Arab mosques and palaces. Something else to see for the rich and famous and curious tourists. Great photos. That mall looks like the interior is all wood. Beautiful.
Yes, Lynne, it’s really interesting architecturally what they are doing in Abu Dhabi. However, I don’t really understand the appeal of the city to the rich and famous; I was about ready to come home after one day. In my opinion, after you’ve driven around and looked at the architecture, there really isn’t much to do!
Seems like an interesting place, Cath. The mosque looks fabulous. Isn’t oriental architecture fabulous? Great mix of old and new.
Thanks, Jo. I love the mosque and its Islamic architecture. It really is amazing. Yes, though Abu Dhabi is mainly all new, I like that they are combining modern and ancient influences in their architecture.
Wow, I can imagine the opulence inside the Emirates palace.
Yes, I will write more on this later, with pictures…. It is quite decadent. This is oil wealth for you…. 🙂
An incredible variety of styles. I like the combination of the old and the new, but I must confess I think the old has more character.
I agree, Carol. Though modern architecture is interesting, I still find much more character (and romance) in the traditional.
Amazing architecture design my friend, Thanks for sharing this 🙂
Thank you, Jake, for creating another fun challenge!
Thank you so, so much for introducing these amazing architecture! 🙂
Thank you, Amy!
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I love the palace!
Thanks! More on that will follow!
The UAE is on my list! And now your write-up has pushed it up a couple notches. Now that I have a car, I might be able to make this happen right after winter break. Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures, Catbird.
Thank you so much! I think you’ll enjoy it! Let me know how it goes… 🙂
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