The World’s Most Daring Lean: Meet Capital Gate In Abu Dhabi

by Sophie She

The World’s Most Daring Lean: Meet Capital Gate In Abu Dhabi

21 Jan 2025

When you think about odd buildings in the world, you probably think of the leaning Tower of Pisa, Salvador Dali’s Theatre-Museum with eggs on the roof (read more here) or Burj Khalifa at last.

Yet, I have another one for you. Nestled in the skyline of Abu Dhabi stands a building that pretty much defies conventional architectural norms: the Capital Gate or the ‘Feature Tower’. Fondly nicknamed the “Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi,” this 160-metre-tall masterpiece has etched its name in the annals of engineering ingenuity and design audacity.

A lean with purpose

What sets Capital Gate apart from other skyscrapers isn’t merely its height, but its dramatic lean of 18 degrees westward — a tilt that quadruples that of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Certified by the Guinness World Records in 2010 as the “World’s Furthest Leaning Manmade Tower,” this architectural feat was not an accident of subsiding foundations but a deliberate design choice, achieved through advanced engineering.

The vision behind the lean

Commissioned by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), Capital Gate was designed by the renowned architectural firm RMJM (Robert Matthew Johnson Marshall), one of the largest architecture and design networks in the world. The building was to symbolise the city’s ambitious vision of blending tradition with futuristic design. Its curvature and lean pay homage to desert landscapes, evoking the imagery of sand dunes shaped by the wind — a poetic nod to the natural environment of the UAE.

Instagram: @andazabudhabi

Engineering marvels

Achieving the 18-degree incline required groundbreaking engineering solutions. The building’s core was deliberately constructed to incline in the opposite direction of the final tilt. Engineers employed a technique known as pre-cambering, where the structure was designed to counteract gravitational and wind forces during construction. Additionally, 15,000 cubic metres of concrete reinforced by 10,000 tons of steel were used to create a dense central core that anchors the building.

The structure’s diagrid framework is another defining feature. This lattice-like exoskeleton not only enhances the building’s stability but also minimises the need for internal supports, allowing for expansive interior spaces and unobstructed views. The diagrid system has also become a hallmark of sustainable design, reducing material usage while maximizing structural integrity.

To further support the lean, the building sits on a foundation of over 490 piles drilled up to 30 meters deep into the ground. This robust support system ensures stability despite the extreme tilt and weight distribution challenges.

Instagram: @andazabudhabi

Functional elegance

While Capital Gate’s exterior is a triumph of visual and engineering bravado, its interior is equally impressive. The tower houses the five-star Andaz Capital Gate hotel, operated by Hyatt, occupying floors 18 to 33. The lower levels feature over 16,000 square metres of high-quality office space, aligning with its purpose as a hub for business and luxury.

The design ensures functionality meets aesthetic appeal. For instance, the tower’s unique orientation reduces solar heat gain, minimizing energy consumption for cooling. Its double-glazed facade incorporates solar shading, enhancing its environmental efficiency — a critical consideration in our climate.

A cultural landmark

More than just an architectural wonder, Capital Gate is a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic aspirations. It reflects the emirate’s commitment to innovation while respecting its natural and cultural heritage. Its lean stands as a metaphor for pushing boundaries and challenging norms, echoing the city’s transformation into a global hub of business, tourism, and culture.

by Sophie She