Architect Zaha Hadid has designed several landmark buildings throughout the Middle East. Here are nine of her most iconic structures.

1. 9 Examples of the
Inspiring Architecture
of Zaha Hadid
Dr. Ehsan Bayat

2. 9 Examples of the Inspiring
Architecture of Zaha Hadid
 The Middle East is known for its burgeoning real estate market and innovative architecture. Some of
the world’s most renowned architects, including winners of the Pritzker Prize, have designed
skyscrapers and infrastructure in the region. One such visionary is the late Dame Zaha Hadid (1950-
2016).
 Born in Iraq, Zaha Hadid was a London-based architect who had a profound impact on her field. Her
career first gained momentum with her concept for the Vitra Fire Station in Germany, and her
portfolio subsequently grew to include the MAXXI National Museum of the 21st Century Arts in Rome,
the Guangzhou Opera House in China, and the London Aquatics Center for the 2012 Olympic Games.
 Zaha Hadid focused on creating fluid designs, and her commitment to that style earned her the
informal title “Queen of the Curve” from The Guardian newspaper. She not only introduced new
theories of design, but she also opened up many doors for women in her field. In 2004, she became
the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, the Nobel Prize equivalent in architecture, and in 2012,
she received the honor of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
 Considered one of the greatest architects of her generation, Hadid established a distinctive brand
that can be seen in the many structures she designed. Her creations will continue to come to life
even after her death, as many of the projects are still in the construction or planning phases,
including several in the Middle East. Here is a look at a few of these, as well as other Zaha Hadid
buildings in the region.

3. 1.The Opus – Dubai, UAE
 In 2007, Hadid revealed her plans for
The Opus, a cube-like structure with
an artistically curved opening at the
center. The development serves
commercial, retail, and residential
purposes, and in 2017, the ME Dubai
Hotel will open inside of the building,
which is located in the Burj Khalifa
district of Dubai.
- Image by Edward Sanderson | Flickr

4. 2.Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Center –
Abu Dhabi, UAE
 A central piece of the cultural district on
Saadiyat Island, the Abu Dhabi Performing Arts
Center is home to multiple theaters and
contains seating for thousands. The structure,
which may also function as an academy one
day, is designed so that it appears to hover
above the water.
- Image by Luca Mauri | Flickr

5. 3.Sheikh Zayed Bridge – Abu Dhabi,
UAE
 The Sheikh Zayed Bridge, finished
in 2010, spans the Maqtah
channel to connect Abu Dhabi
Island with the mainland. Beyond
its practical usefulness, the
bridge also offers aesthetic
beauty, with its dramatically
curved arches that mimic the
shape of sand dunes. Hadid’s
design both facilitates everyday
travel and attracts tourists. - Image by Still Epsilon | Flickr

6. 4.Bee’ah Headquarters – Sharjah, UAE
 Hadid created a design for the headquarters of the Bee’ah waste
management company in the shape of sand dunes, so that the building will
blend in seamlessly with its surroundings. She announced the concept in 2014.
The 7,000-square-foot, energy-efficient structure will be built largely from
reclaimed materials.

7. 5.King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and
Research Centre – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
 Opened in 2016, this non-profit research center was designed like a modular
structure. The unique shape of the building allows for future growth, as each
six-sided section connects with the next, similar to the form of a honeycomb.
In addition, the outer shell of the building lets in sunlight while shielding
occupants from direct rays.

8. 6.King Abdullah Financial District
Metro Station – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
 The ArRiyadh Development Authority commissioned Hadid and her team to
design a showstopper of a metro station for the city’s new public transit
system. Projected for a 2017 completion, this innovatively designed station
will connect metro lines 1, 4, and 6. The outer shape of the four-story
building resembles a wave, with undulating sections of intricate latticework.

9. 7. Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and
International Affairs – Beirut, Lebanon
 The Issam Fares Institute is a think tank that operates on the campus of
Hadid’s alma mater, the American University of Beirut. With its cantilever
design, the upper floors extend out over the ground below, allowing the
facility to maximize its footprint. Inside, visitors will find a reading room,
research space, and a 100-seat auditorium.

10. 8.Central Bank of Iraq – Baghdad, Iraq
 In 2011, Hadid agreed to design the Central Bank of Iraq, and while the
project remains on hold, the renderings and specifications are complete.
Hadid envisioned a 172-meter tower with a twisting exoskeleton rising from a
podium along the shores of the Tigris River. A pattern of open and closed
spaces will adorn the tower’s façade to create an effect that mirrors the
waves on the river.

11. 9.Al Wakrah Stadium – Al Wakrah,
Qatar
 Hadid announced the plans for the Al Wakrah Stadium in 2013. Projected to
accommodate roughly 40,000 people, the stadium will operate as one of the
venues for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. The dhow, a traditional Arabian
sailboat, inspired the shape of the stadium.