Architectual Projects designed by Zaha Hadid in the UAE

About Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid was a revolutionary architect known worldwide for her designs, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Guangzhou Opera House, to name just a couple. However, this Iraqi-born architect also left her indelible mark in the Arab world, drawing most of her inspiration from the natural beauty of Gulf landscapes.

Renowned for their audacious and awe-inspiring creations, Zaha Hadid Architects has left an indelible mark on the UAE's urban landscape, transforming the desert horizon into a canvas of innovation and ambition.

Sheikh Zayed Bridge - Abu Dhabi

Being the first design by Zaha in the UAE, the bridge was named in honor of the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed.

The bridge serves as a symbol of the connection between the past and the future, and it took 10 years for its completion, from preliminary modeling and designs to the actual construction, which was accomplished in just 3 years.

The result justifies all the effort, as it now stands as one of the most iconic symbols of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Zaha designed its asymmetrical arches to resemble the desert dunes, creating a harmonious blend of concrete and steel with the natural surroundings.

The Opus - Dubai

Originally named "The Void," this new development, which hosts both retail and commercial spaces, is located in Burj Khalifa district and carries an estimated construction cost of AED 2.5 billion ($700 million).

Its design resembles a large cube that reflects the images of all the buildings around. In reality, it is composed of two separate towers connected by an asymmetric 38-meter-long structural bridge.

Together with the ME Dubai Hotel, the Opus is the house of 12 restaurants as well as a rooftop bar and 56,000 sq. ft. of office space. Zaha Hadid was the sole architect behind every aspect of this project, from the initial design drawings and specifications to the cutting-edge interior designs. 

Bee'ha Headquarters - Sharjah

Bee'ha is a waste management company based in Sharjah, founded in 2007 with a mission to promote sustainability. Given the firm's background, the Bee'ha Headquarters project was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, taking into account minimal water consumption, the optimization of materials, and the reduction of the carbon footprint. This 9,000-square-meter building serves as the management and administrative center for Bee'ha Group.

The design was inspired by the forms of the dunes, creating a unique and revolutionary building. All internal spaces are strategically positioned to maximize natural light and provide outward views without the need for extensive glass use.

A smart building management system has been integrated to automatically adjust lighting and temperature based on occupancy and time of day.