9 modern architectural wonders in the Middle East

For thousands of years, the Middle East has been wowing the world with the impressive architectural feats of the ancient Egyptians, the ancient ruins of Baalbek and the lost city of Petra. Today, this tradition of world-class architecture is far from being a thing of the past. Throughout the region, mind-blowingly impressive buildings have been popping-up to continue captivating the world. Here are 9 of our favorite modern architectural wonders in the Middle East.

Completed in 2011, Kuwait's tallest building was designed by the Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and Callison architectural firms. Not only is Al Hamra Tower's sleek design unique, the building is also the tallest carved concrete skyscraper in the world.

This giant mirror is actually a skyscraper, just not a traditional one. Built by MZ Architects, Aldar HQ was completed in 2010 and received the Best Futuristic Design award at the Building Exchange Conference held in Spain.

Designed with the influence of ancient Islamic architecture by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei, the museum was established in 2008. In 2015, it was shortlisted for the Leading Cultural Destinations Awards, dubbed the "Oscars for museums."

Dubai's lavish hotel was completed in 1999 and has quickly become an icon of the emirate and the Middle East. It is the third tallest hotel in the world and was designed by Tom Wright of WKK Architects. Due to the influence of critics and journalists, the hotel has become known as "the world's only seven-star hotel," although management has never used this term in marketing.

Containing a shopping mall, apartments and a Four Seasons Hotel, the tower was completed in 2002. The unique design features a 56 meter skybridge, providing an impressive view of Riyadh and the kingdom laid out below.

Designed by architects and contracting companies from around the world, the construction utilized materials from a wide range of countries. Completed in 2007, the mosque draws more than 40,000 worshippers for Eid.

The twin tower complex was opened in 2008. Designed by the multi-national construction firm Atkins, the structure has won 2006 LEAF Award for Best Use of Technology within a Large Scheme and the Arab Construction World for Sustainable Design Award.

Also known as the Mecca Royal Clock Tower Hotel, the building features the world's largest clock face and was opened in 2012. The tallest building in Saudi Arabia and the fourth tallest free-standing structure in the world, it was designed by Dar Al-Handasah.

As the tallest artificial structure in the world, the Middle East's most iconic building needs little introduction.   Designed by Adrian Smith at SOM, the structure smashed several world records and has captivated the region and the world's attention.

Although it's just a design at this point, The Bride would dwarf the Burj Khalifa if completed, and of course it would become the hands-down tallest building in Iraq and the world. Announced by AMBS in late 2015, the project is advertised as a "vertical city." We'll wait and see how the plans move forward.

Also outdoing the Burj Khalifa, Jeddah Tower – formerly known as Kingdom Tower – broke ground in 2013. Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture designed the building and the projected completion date is 2020.