Shining Tower is a unique twin-tower development in Abu Dhabi with modern architecture and a leaning design. The two buildings seem to approach one another but never touch; hence, the project is also often referred to as the “Dancing Towers”. The development is a mixture of residential apartments, offices, shops, parking, and shared facilities within one development.
The unique composition of the development, combining use and form, is what makes the development stand out. The one tower is principally for residential apartments; the other is for offices and commercial use. The glass façade and the elegance of its form and meticulous design lend a unique character to Abu Dhabi’s tallest structures.
Where is Shining Tower?
The complex is in Al Khalidiyah, a central Abu Dhabi community, on Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street. According to the address listed by CTBUH for its tower records, the tower is located on this street, and according to local property guides, the development is associated with the Al Khalidiyah area.
The location makes it accessible by residents and office users to a growing urban zone than a new peripheral zone. The many local building guides will list the amenities nearby, including Khalidiyah Mall, Corniche Beach, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transport. Bayut estimates the distance to Corniche Beach to be about 5 minutes by car, and Heritage Village is approximately 12 minutes. Timings may vary depending on traffic.
The office tower is also used by businesses for the street address. For instance, Trowers & Hamlins has an office in Abu Dhabi on Office 3103, Floor 31, Shining Towers, Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street.
Why are the towers called Dancing Towers?
The nickname is derived from its architecture. Both towers are designed like a pair of dancers dancing without touching, and the motif and facade of the towers, with their leaning and twisting effect, play with one another. The shorter building is described by Dutch Foundations as a 33-storey residential building, while the taller one is a 42-storey office building.
The structural solution was more challenging than that of a typical vertical tower. According to project engineering information, the buildings’ stability is provided primarily by eccentric concrete cores, and also by shear walls and frame action. The response to the lean, movement, and environmental effects of the buildings was to be achieved by the highly glazed façade.
One of the particularly interesting aspects of the façade engineering was the use of a cold-bent curtain wall. The engineering solution was to typify a flat curtain wall, then bend it after manufacture to conform to the inclined geometry – which was a cheaper method than the use of costly bi-directional curved glass. This detail is recorded in engineering project materials that are related to the development.
Shining Tower height and floor count
Sources do not agree on a single convention for counting floors. According to CTBUH records, Shining Towers A is 169 metres tall with 34 floors, while Towers B is 139 metres tall and has 29 floors. It has it marked as built in 2012 both of these buildings.
Instead, the local property sources call the complex a 33-storey tower of flats and a 42-storey commercial tower. The difference seems more due to the interpretation of the project description and counting of floors than to the fact that one source might be talking about a totally different project. When technical specifications are important, the more precise reference is the figures recorded by the CTBUH, which are not directly comparable to height figures.
So the complex can be seen more as a pair of high-rise buildings rather than a single tower that is being developed. That’s a distinction that is important when you’re looking for office addresses, apartment listings, or floor numbers/building services.
Residential apartments
The housing side targets primarily flagship household groups searching for bigger flats in the heart of the city. Two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartments are always the top property plans described in property guides. Two-bedroom units cost roughly 1,350 square feet, and three-bedroom units range between 2,100 and 2,700 square feet, according to Bayut.
According to property sources, typical apartment features include living and dining rooms, built-in wardrobes, kitchens, balconies, and at least two bathrooms. Descriptions of staff accommodation apply to some three-bedroom accommodations, but there are different layouts in individual properties, and prospective purchasers/tenants need to check the floor plan and current listing before deciding.
Asking prices in the current market should not be considered as building prices. A few days ago, Property Finder published a new page of the market, where 6 rental offers were listed and ranged from AED 95,000 to AED 130,000 per year, with the median being AED 122,500 when the page was crawled. These are for listing market only and are subject to change rapidly.
Amenities and building facilities
Shared development includes facilities to be used for residential purposes as well as commercial purposes. Basement parking, retail areas, landscaped podium spaces, security, concierge services, and fitness facilities are among the other services reported by local building guides.
Typical facilities reported are:
- The development’s baseline parking will be provided in the basement.
- There is 24-hour security and CCTV.
- Gym and fitness centers.
- Concierge services
- Retail spaces located in lower levels and podium
- High-speed elevators and fire lifts.
Due to the office use of the commercial building, the vertical transportation system is more extensive. Bayut reports four low-zone elevators, six high-zone elevators, and a fire lift in the commercial tower, and there are three high-speed elevators in the residential tower.
The three-storey podium that connects the towers to day-to-day services is also significant in the development. It features retail and leisure space, landscaped spaces, and the three basement levels provide parking and building services.
Offices and commercial use
The office tower is an active business address in Abu Dhabi. Organisations in the company’s contact pages and office directories today are noted on individual floors and office numbers in the complex, for example Trowers & Hamlins and Korn Ferry & Technometer Middle East.
This can be beneficial not just for the local community, but for professionals who visit there for meetings, consultancy services and corporate services. Office location details may change, so please verify with the company’s contact page.
Ground and podium level retail provides an additional layer of everyday use. The building has been used to house a Carrefour City store and restaurant, and service companies have also been based there.
Parking and transportation
One of the main facilities of the complex is the parking lot. Documentation for the project states there are three basement levels, with parking and building-service functions below the towers.
Visitors may need to arrange parking according to the particular office, shop, or residential unit. In the case of nearby valet options, it may be possible for the visitor to obtain a parking service, but the visitor should check with the place they are visiting to make sure that the parking service is in operation, as it may not be at all times, Bayut says.
Another benefit of the central Al Khalidiyah area is that it is near public transport. The local building guides indicate the bus facilities in the vicinity, and the public transport system in Abu Dhabi also connects to the rest of the island and central areas. Scheduled routes and stops are subject to change; please refer to official mobility information from Abu Dhabi prior to travel.
Parking and transportation
Useful for those who would like to have access to existing amenities in the City without residing in a remote development. There are several popular tourist destinations in the surroundings of Al Khalidiyah and Corniche.
The closest major shopping center is Khalidiyah Mall, and waterfront activities are available at Corniche Beach. Another popular site nearby that’s often mentioned in building guides is Heritage Village.
Local retail, fitness centres, clinics, restaurants and supermarkets are located nearby too. The blend of neighbourhood and commercial buildings and everyday services, and their proximity in Al Khalidiyah, is captured in the mix.
In addition, the central location of the office may be helpful for visitors to the development, as several professional firms are based there. That saves the time and distance of travelling to a separate business district for some appointments.
Nearby places
This is the best feature: the connection of the two towers. They do not stand up in straight uprights but are inclined toward each other and thus appear to move. This idea gives rise to the nickname “Dancing Towers” and is at the heart of the identity of the development.
The structural and façade engineering required the design to consider the unusual geometry, while the façades are extremely glazed. According to CTBUH, Aedas is the architect, while Ramboll Group is the structural engineering and MEP consultant for this tower.
The project also won the GCC Tower Project of the Year at the GCC Construction Week Awards 2010. The award is independently referenced in relevant project documentation from Ramboll and within a company profile from the Emirates Green Building Council.
What makes the architecture distinctive?
The practical benefit for the residents is the relatively large apartments and the central Abu Dhabi location. Being able to access shops, restaurants, the waterfront, and local services can lessen the need for long day trips. The layout of the apartments, parking, and current rent should be checked for each apartment.
The development is an easily identifiable office address for businesses, featuring retail and service functions on the bottom floor. It is also situated within Al Khalidiyah, which creates a central area for employees and visitors to work.
The primary factor is that a central mixed-use complex is different than a more peaceful residential neighborhood. The amount of traffic to the building, activity around the retail areas, and the density of the surrounding city may be important to people who are looking for a home, so it is important to visit before signing a lease or purchase contract.
Is Shining Tower good for living or working?
Listings are subject to change, and building information does not necessarily apply to all units in the building. Please view, review, and confirm the apartment, floor, parking availability, and current service plan before committing to a property.
The following are examples of a practical checklist:
- Ensure the correct unit size and layout.
- Inquire if there are designated parking spots and how visitor parking operates.
- Check the listing or agent’s office to determine the current annual rent or sale amount.
- Perform an inspection of the apartment’s maintenance condition, appliances, and fixtures.
- Confirm building rules, service charges, and additional charges (if applicable) for the transaction.
This is particularly relevant, as online property pages often include past project data and real-time listings. A building fact can stay stable for years, and an asking price, available unit, or tenant directory can change within days.
Conclusion
Shining Tower is particularly noteworthy for its unique twin tower design, which integrates a mix of residential, office, and retail development in the heart of Al Khalidiyah. It is not only a place that is well known, but also has a well-documented architecture, a documented engineering approach, is close to many amenities of the major city, and also has a proven business presence.
The most crucial difference is between stable building facts and changing market information for those considering the development. Construction history, architectural details, and overall facilities can be found via several reputable sources, with rent and sale price, available units, tenant directories, and visitor arrangements always being verified by checking current listings or the appropriate operator.
Read Also: Tameem House Office Building: Offices, Location, Access and Building Details
Frequently asked questions
What is Shining Tower known for?
It is known for its unique leaning twin-tower design, often called the “Dancing Towers.”
Where is the development located?
It is situated on Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street, Al Khalidiyah in Abu Dhabi.
When was Shining Tower completed?
CTBUH records show that the development was completed in 2012.
What types of apartments are available?
The residential tower mainly offers 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments.
Is the development residential?
Yes. It is an integrated development that includes residential units, offices, and retail facilities.
Does the complex have parking?
Yes, there is parking at the complex on 3 levels of the basement.
Is there a gym in the building?
There is a gym and fitness facility in the building.
What is near the development?
Khalidiyah Mall, Corniche Beach, and Corniche Heritage Village are nearby attractions.
Why are the towers called Dancing Towers?
The name is given because of their design; the two towers are leaning towards each other like a pair of dancers.
Who designed the development?
Aedas designed the building, and Ramboll Group provided structural and MEP engineering services.
Did the development win an architectural award?
Yes, it did win the GCC Tower Project of the Year in 2010.
