The Gate, Reem Island, Abu Dhabi

There are many amazing modern constructions in Abu Dhabi which merit architectural interest and on this page, I have decided to look at one such building, The Gate or Gate Towers. Gate Towers is an integral part of the landmark Shams Abu Dhabi development on Al Reem Island. It houses 3,533 residential units and is an award-winning mixed-use development. The construction was completed in 2013 and its 66 stories rise to 238 m (781 ft) in height. As a comparison here it is more or less roughly the same height as the One Canada Square (Canary Wharf) tower in London's Docklands. The Gate Towers concept is based on a future in which tall buildings appear at such density that many of the amenities of urban habitat on the ground, such as gardens can and should be replicated at height. A series of three residential gateway towers act as pillars supporting a skybridge. Each one would be an imposing residential building in its own right if simply situated as a standalone structure on, for example, London's Docklands. We went into the foyers of two of them to investigate and it is not possible for non-residents to venture further into the building and up to the top section. Therefore the only way to experience the building from the inside really is to either know someone who lives or works there or buy a place there of your own! The skybridge, which to me stood out the most, connects all three towers and houses 21 duplex penthouses. Sixteen of the penthouses have an indoor pool, overlooking the city. The skybridge length is approximately 300 m, extending beyond the edge of the East Tower and it glows at night serving as a marker, visible from miles away. Gate Towers was recognized as a "Best Tall Building Middle East & Africa" Finalist in the 2013 CTBUH Awards Program and has been quoted as follows; “The introduction of the ‘horizontal’ – the potential urban plane – into the increasingly ‘vertical’ of our cities, as seen here at Gate Towers, is an urgent urban imperative.” - Antony Wood, Awards Juror, CTBUH