One of Abu Dhabi's most unusual buildings stands in the Al Raha district — a round skyscraper of blue glass that houses the head office of the developer Aldar Properties.
From a distance it looks like a coin or a hockey puck; the glass shimmers in the sun by day, and its office windows glow at night.
Why it's worth a look
HQ Aldar became the world's first round skyscraper, and its design won a "best futuristic project" award in 2008. The building has high-tech heating, drainage and waste systems; despite its unusual shape, all the sections are engineered to withstand even strong winds.
How to get there
The building is clearly visible right from the highway on the drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. You can't go inside — it's a working office, not a museum — so it's best appreciated from the outside.
Tips before you go
It's not worth a special trip on its own — most visitors see it on the way to Abu Dhabi or as part of a city sightseeing tour that covers the capital's other key sights.
Al Raha, Abu Dhabi · 24.441412, 54.575308
