Dubai’s Most Iconic Architectural Landmarks

December 21, 2022

Dubai is well-known for its visionary architecture and innovative design.

Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future in Dubai architecture is one of the most stunning buildings in the world. The museum is located along Sheikh Zayed Road, the city’s main thoroughfare. Its exterior looks like an asymmetric torus with artistic calligraphy. Shaun Killa, an architect, designed the museum in steel and glass to symbolize Dubai’s future vision. This translated to the three main elements of Dubai’s vision: the green hill and structure and the void. They are intended to be combined to represent the earth, the brilliance and future of mankind.

museum of the future

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is a landmark that has become a symbol of Dubai architecture and is a world-famous icon. It has been a landmark in Dubai since its opening in 2010. At 828m high, it pierces the skyline of the city as the tallest building in the world. The Burj Khalifa’s At The Top Tour is located in Downtown Dubai next to The Dubai Mall. It offers spectacular views from specially designed observation decks. You can admire many amazing design elements, including the 33,000sqm worth of LED nodes that are hybrid and illuminate the night sky from the tower’s exterior panels.

Infinity Bridge

Infinity Bridge links Deira and Bur Dubai districts in steely style. The bridge’s name and design are inspired by the mathematical infinity symbol. It consists of six lanes each way, 42m tall steel arches and a three-metre wide track for pedestrians and cyclists. The stunning views from this structure, which rises above the famous waters of Dubai Creek are to be seen to believe. This bridge is an integral part of the Al Shindagha Corridor Project. It involves the construction of a 13km-long road network that runs along Sheikh Rashid’s, Al Mina’s, Al Khaleej, and Cairo streets.

infinity bridge

Jameel Arts Centre

Jameel Arts Centre is located in an all-white, low-lying structure at the Jaddaf Waterfront on Dubai Creek. The centre is inspired by traditional sha’abi architecture, where rooms are arranged in a circle around a courtyard. This design was inspired by contemporary art and creativity. You can see two boxes-like clusters from the outside, while you can find spacious gallery spaces and expansive gardens courtyards that feature local plants. There’s even an outdoor sculpture park which is an outdoor gallery featuring commissioned work. It is designed to inspire. Take the time to discover its many facets.

arts center

Dubai Fireworks by Ain Dubai

Bluewaters Island’s 250m-high observation wheel is a record. It is almost twice as large as the London Eye and takes only 38 minutes to complete each of its 48 cabins. It is an architectural wonder, as the hub and spindle are the same weight as four A380 aircrafts. Visitors can enjoy 360-degree views over the city and the Arabian Gulf from the deck. You can learn more about the history of the wheel by taking a behind-the scenes tour.

Ain Dubai

The Opus

The Opus is a striking architectural design in Dubai architecture by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, who was renowned for her innovative approach to architecture. The building houses the first ME by Melia hotel in the area. It is constructed in the shape of a cube, with two towers that combine at the bottom. A bridge extends 71m above ground. The illusion that the middle has been ‘carved out’ gives it iconic curves. The Opus has 12 restaurants, a rooftop lounge and a selection of luxurious residences.

The Opus

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Jumeirah Beach Hotel was one of the original five-star properties in Dubai. It has been a landmark of luxury and comfort since its opening in 1997. The building’s shape is reminiscent of a cresting wave. It’s located along Jumeirah Beach’s shoreline and is within walking distance of the Burj Al Arab hotel, a sail-shaped icon of Dubai. The hotel’s corridors are curving, which guarantees perfect sunset views from all angles.

 jumeirah beach

Emirates Towers

Emirates Towers, a modern example of modern vision is one of Dubai’s most recognisable skyscrapers. It can be found along Sheikh Zayed Road. This road is home to other notable architectural structures, including the Burj Khalifa, which holds the world record for the highest number of buildings. The towers have triangular triangular facades that are equilateral and inspired by traditional Islamic themes. You’ll find a hotel block inside and an office tower, which houses the Prime Minister’s Office among other prominent names. The central podium connects both towers – The Boulevard, which is a major retail and dining destination in the area.

Emirates Tower

Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame, a unique structure, is a picture frame of extraordinary size that offers 360-degree views from 150m above the ground. Visitors can see Old Dubai, the dhow-laden Dubai Creek, and the surrounding souks. They also have a historical heritage district and pearl diving ports. To the south is a stunning view of the skyline and New Dubai architecture. These views connect the past and present of the emirate, making them a popular tourist attraction.

Dubai Frame

Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm is perhaps the most famous hotel in the world. Its eye-catching pink sandcastle designs, luxurious interiors, and prime location at the apex, Palm Jumeirah Island, one of Dubai’s landmarks, make it one of the most iconic hotels. The luxurious resort is only available to guests, but anyone can take a bucket list selfie right in front of the iconic towers and turrets on the adjacent Palm Boardwalk. You can also book a table at one of the resort’s celebrity-led restaurants such as Nobu by Nobu Matsuhisa or Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.

Dubai Half Day Sightseeing Tour
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Dubai Half Day Sightseeing Tour

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Cayan Tower

The Cayan Tower, a shimmering silver skyscraper, isn’t your average skyscraper. This innovative combination of engineering and Dubai architecture twists 90° as it rises. To create the distinctive helix shape, each of the luxury apartment buildings’ 75 floors is rotated by 1.2 degrees. The same architect who designed Burj Khalifa, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and Alami Dubai, collaborated with local experts Khatib & Alami Dubai. Local photographers share their best tips: You can see the entire structure from Marina Walk. For that unique golden glow, head over to Marina Walk at sunset.

Cyan Tower

Bridges on Dubai Water Canal

The Dubai Water Canal, a waterway measuring 3.2km in length that runs from Old Dubai Creek through Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf is 3.2km long. Large swathes of the Emirate are effectively now an island because of this waterway extension. Five pedestrian bridges provide stunning views of Dubai’s skyline and the iconic architecture. One is 120m long and suspended by metal cables. Another one has a striking S-curve design with an oval arch and another one made of twisted steel.

Bridges Dubai

The Green Planet

The Green Planet is both an inside and outside wonder. This innovative attraction, which features a lush indoor rainforest as well as over 3,000 animals and plants, brings the tropical environment of tropical ecosystems to the desert. The glass-case cylinder houses the forest, which has the world’s largest artificial tree as its center. A cube in origami style with contemporary Arabic calligraphy is surrounding the bio-dome. This award-winning structure breathes new life into the city.

Green Planet

WAFI

WAFI draws inspiration from ancient Egypt to create a landmark building in Dubai, which stands out amongst the taller skyscrapers. It is home to over 300 shops, a variety of restaurants, and the Raffles Dubai five-star hotel. The 18-floor building features a modernized pyramid formation. The structure’s ridges can be illuminated at night to give it a dramatic effect against the night sky. The mall’s Khan Murjan souk, which sells unique souvenirs and artisan wares, is also on display. It draws attention to its stained-glass ceiling made of hand-painted stained glasses.

Wafi

Mosque of Light

The Mosque of Light in Al Quoz was designed by Sumaya Dabbagh and features elegant triangular openings. The miniature windows, inspired by traditional Islamic mashrabiya, allow light to stream in to create a dramatic effect. The mosque is currently closed to the public, but visitors can still admire its beautiful exterior while they are there. Book a guided tour with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding if you are interested in learning more about Islamic tradition.

Mosque of Light

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