Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates of the UAE.  The city of Abu Dhabi, أبو ظبي, is the capital and second largest city in the country, after Dubai.  The city lies on a T-shaped island less than 250 meters (820 feet) from the mainland.  Abu Dhabi is home to 921,000 people.

Back in 2007, Abu Dhabi was ranked as the richest city in the world.

The Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 encourages the development of new skyscrapers over the next decade.

There is so much construction going on over here.  I get the feeling that Abu Dhabi is tired of Dubai getting all of the architectural attention.  I've included several YouTube videos which give lots of details about some of the awesome buildings here.

The best known architectural landmark in Abu Dhabi is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.  It is named for the late president and founding father of the United Arab Emirates.  The mosque has 1,000 columns, 80 domes, the world's largest chandelier and the world's largest carpet.  It took over 12 years and $545 million to build.  It is the 8th largest mosque in the world and can accommodate about 41,000 people.  It's absolutely beautiful!! 

In 2007, the Abu Dhabi flagpole, at 404 feet, was the world's tallest flagpole.  Today it is only the 5th or 6th tallest.

Etihad Towers

The Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel.  It must be nice because it cost over $5.98 billion to build.  The hotel opened in 2005.

Capital Gate is known as the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi.  The 35 story skyscraper is 160 meters (520 feet) tall and inclines 18 degrees westward.  The tower was completed in 2011.  The Guinness Book of World Records certifies it as the "World's furthest leaning man-made tower."

The Al Bahar Towers are twin office buildings.  They feature an intelligent sunscreen system which helps reduce energy and cooling costs.

©CNN

Ferrari World, on Yas Island, is the world's largest indoor theme park.  It is also home of the world's fastest roller coaster.



The Aldar headquarters building is pretty cool.  It was completed in 2010.  It is the first circular building of its kind in the Middle East.