Reflecting on Architecture in Abu Dhabi, UAE

I often find myself gazing at buildings in Abu Dhabi, as it has such amazing architecture; but one thing I absolutely love is when I see a building reflected on another building. I find the patterns fascinating.

This morning, I was down at the pool for my morning swim, and, as I completed my lengths, I couldn’t help noticing the patterns surrounding me. So here is a selection of what I could see this morning.

Turquoise reflections in windows

 Orange and blue

Reflection in a window

Reflection of a tall tower

 Glass tower in a glass tower

 Wiggly lines in blue

 Reflections in the pool where I swim

 Patterns all over

The weather is heating up here in Abu Dhabi, but I really need to take my camera and walk around the city to photograph all those amazing reflections before it becomes unbearably hot. Abu Dhabi is amazing!

Elizabeth Coughlan

Reflections on Abu Dhabi Part 2

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

This beautiful architectural work of art is one the world’s largest mosques. It can accommodate 40,000 worshippers. There are 82 domes, and over a 1,000 columns, plus 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet. The mosque's first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried at the site.

The Colonnade in the courtyard of Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi

Richly decorated columns in the courtyard of Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi

Another perspective of the mosque

Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Abu Dhabi

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Abu Dhabi, has beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains, and Venetian-inspired architecture. It is a luxury beach resort, located just across from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The pristine beach of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel

The Venetian Village, in the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel

The Venetian Village is a fairly new development in Abu Dhabi, renowned for its fine dining. It houses a collection of internationally acclaimed artisan restaurants offering internationally acclaimed global cuisines.

The Shangri-La Hotel Canal

The Shangri-La Hotel is on a winding waterway, where Arabic traditional boats, known as abras, slowly meander throughout the tranquil scenery. The canal links the hotel s with a souk, a traditional Arabian market, where you can buy traditional artifacts, paintings, jewellery and clothes.

Here are two random reflections, just because I happen to like them.

The hallway of the Eastern Mangroves Hotel

The pool where I swim every morning when I am in Abu Dhabi.

There is something so peaceful about reflections. Don’t you agree?

Elizabeth Coughlan

Reflections on Abu Dhabi Part 1

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi reflected in the waters of the marina

I love visiting Abu Dhabi, as I find the architecture of this rapidly growing city, so interesting and innovative. Lately, I have been able to view the city from the water, thanks to my friends Billy and Lisa, who invite me out onto their boat trips. There are times, when the sea is calm, that the beauty of the buildings are reflected in the water. So this has become my latest project, “Reflections on Abu Dhabi”.

Buildings along the Corniche, a popular walkway along the edge of the sea.

The pointed towers in the background are the complex where Clare and Reg live. The Corniche is just a short walk away from them (as long as it’s not too hot to walk).

 Another view of the buildings along the Corniche

with beautiful reflections

Al Reem Island is developing quickly. 

I’m sure there is a completely new building in place every time I pass by

In addition to the modern architecture, 

there are new traditionally built houses too

This traditional architecture has a purpose in this hot, dry land

These traditional houses, reflected in the sea, have wind towers, or Barjeels. This is the traditional architecture found throughout the Arabian Gulf. In arid climates the wind tower acts as a ventilation system allowing hot air to rise out the top of it, and cooler directed winds to flow down into the home.

Le Méridien Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Mall and Beach Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi

These are just two of the many hotels with amazing beaches, in Abu Dhabi, that we sailed past on our boating trips. Great views, and a luxurious lifestyle: no wonder I love visiting Abu Dhabi.

Elizabeth Coughlan