Central Market Project, Futuristic skyscraper in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The Central Market Project is a two-tower complex in Abu Dhabi designed by Foster and Partners. Burj Mohammed bin Rashid, the taller tower, rises 382 metres over 92 floors with a slender profile and a strongly curved roof; the adjacent Trust Tower offices reach 278 metres and 60 floors. A mall and souk link the towers to a Courtyard by Marriott hotel.
Construction began in 2008 and the complex was scheduled for completion in 2010, but the 2008 financial crisis pushed the date to 2014. The crisis also forced contractors to withdraw the planned 255 m Central Market Hotel Tower, leaving two skyscrapers. The Trust Tower offices were completed in Q2 2012 and opened publicly in 2013; the residential Burj Mohammed bin Rashid was completed in 2014.
The complex takes its name from the Central Market that once stood on this site, and its retail levels are laid out as a souk, a covered market of stalls and shops. The souk and the adjoining mall are operated by the World Trade Center and link the Trust Tower to the Courtyard by Marriott hotel.
The building is accessible to visitors through several entrances that connect to the main public areas. Plan for longer visits during the hottest hours of the day since moving around outdoors can be uncomfortable.
The complex was planned with three towers, but the 2008 financial crisis led contractors to withdraw the Central Market Hotel Tower, a 255 m, 16-floor Courtyard by Marriott block. The result is the two towers standing today, the residential Burj Mohammed bin Rashid and the Trust Tower offices.
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