Among the buildings that have reshaped Abu Dhabi’s urban landscape, Aldar’s headquarters stands out as one of the most distinctive architectural designs in the Arab world.

Since its opening in 2010, the circular tower overlooking Al Raha Beach has become an engineering icon that broke the traditional form of skyscrapers, with its glass façade resembling a disc floating in the desert.

The world's first circular tower is located in Abu Dhabi

Aldar’s headquarters was designed to be the world’s first circular skyscraper, a vision realized by MZ Architects, founded by architect Marwan Zoghbi. The idea emerged from a simple question he raised during the design phase: why must towers always be vertical?

The world's first circular skyscraper located in Abu Dhabi (CNN Arabic)

The flowing form of the building was inspired by ripples created by a drop of water, with a height of about 110 meters and a vast glass façade covering an area equivalent to four football fields.

The world's first circular skyscraper located in Abu Dhabi (CNN Arabic)

Aldar's Headquarters in Abu Dhabi: A Non-traditional Engineering Challenge

The construction of the circular tower was a complex engineering challenge, requiring a structural system that ensures both balance and stability. It uses a diagonal steel exoskeleton that reinforces the circular shape while reducing the need for internal columns, creating more open interior spaces.

The world's first circular skyscraper located in Abu Dhabi (CNN Arabic)

The design also draws on the golden ratio to define its key focal points, blending engineering precision with aesthetic harmony.

The world's first circular skyscraper located in Abu Dhabi (CNN Arabic)

Aldar's Headquarters: Among the First Sustainable Buildings in Abu Dhabi

Beyond its striking architectural identity, Aldar’s headquarters was built according to LEED green building standards, making it one of the early sustainable buildings in Abu Dhabi, combining innovation with environmental responsibility.