The unique Aldar Headquarters was designed by MZ Architects and this semispherical building comprises two circular convex-shaped facades that are joined by a narrow band of indented glazing. The structure is fully glazed and is circular and curved in all directions. It is the Middle East’s first circular building and is now one of the iconic buildings in the United Arab Emirates.  

A building with a height of 121m and 23 stories, the Aldar Headquarters have received several recognitions for its distinctive and futuristic design. Located in the Al-Dana district of Al Raha Beach in Abu Dhabi, the Aldar Headquarters could accommodate over 120,000 people and is surrounded by the canal, city and sea.

The Aldar Headquarters was built to transform the skyline of Abu Dhabi. It houses corporate offices and its structure was Inspired by a clam shell that represents the country’s seafaring heritage. The architect who designed it visualised two giant circular curved walls of glass that resemble an open shell. The building was intended to appear as an ideal beauty of classical architecture while portraying an identity for the area. 

A complex external diamond-shaped steel structure called a diagrid was developed to achieve the building’s splendid shape. The diagrid also enabled the creation of structural efficiency and stability for the circular building without the need of internal columns. The circular part of the building symbolises unity, stability and rationality. It is known to be a symbol of infinity. 

Developed in line with the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system, the Aldar Headquarters was built to be one of the first eco-friendly official buildings in Abu Dhabi that is made from recyclable materials such as steel, concrete and glass. A district cooling plant is also included together with efficient lighting and water systems. 

The impressive building maximises natural light and its meeting areas and offices are found spread around on each floor. There is also a subterranean automated vacuum-waste collection system that reuses all the building’s waste products. The system sucks rubbish directly to a local waste transfer station for the purpose of recycling.