Four major projects from the Middle East – Zaha Hadid Architects-designed residential tower Opus, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Dubai Safari and Dubai Frame – have been shortlisted for the ABB LEAF 2020/21 Awards by the jury for their innovative building designs.

Comprising the best new international building design projects over the last 24 months, the awards jury has received its largest number of entries to date across 17 diverse categories.

Three of these projects are by Dubai municipality: Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL) at Dubai Creek in the Al Jaddaf area has been shortlisted in the Best Achievement in Environmental Performance Project; Dubai Safari in the Best Regenerative Impact Project category; and Dubai Frame is in the fray for the Best Tall Building Project.

Opus in Dubai is in the running for the title of the Best Mixed Use Building Project.

All of the shortlisted projects include buildings that are setting the benchmark for the international architectural community; winners will be announced during the official ABB LEAF Awards ceremony, on October 14 in London.