Designed by Bangkok firm Aesthetics Architects, the dome-like building will be very energy-efficient and feature sun shades to control the heat.

The dome at the foot of the building will house a botanic garden.

Unfortunately, as Qatar has one of the highest GDP in the world, construction processes are not likely to be as energy-efficient as the building itself. More pics here.

Not only are they oil-rich, but Kuwait is also meeting its construction deadlines. 

The country's tallest building - the 412m Al Hamra Tower - is on track to open in 2010, construction officials have confirmed.

Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merill, the tower is being built in Kuwait City by Turner Construction with Ahmadiah Contracting and Trading Company and will be the world's largest sculpted tower once completed.

The supertall will become boring office space when it officially opens at the end of 2010, but it will also feature some cinemas and an IMAX screen.

Topping out is expected later this year.

Looking more like something a Wizard of Oz fan or Kansas resident might dream up, it was designed for a recent competition in Taiwan.

Much like a tornado, the Tornado Tower has a rotating facade covered with curved blades that rotate with the wind and generate energy for the building.

It is all a bit far out and I haven't been able to find any plans to build it. However, golf enthusiasts are sure to approve - it kind of resembles a tee. Fore!

Check out more pics here, including the weirdo interior.

As part of a major renovation costing US$500m, US$100m has been earmarked for greening the skyscraper immortalised in blockbuster King Kong.

The entire plan will cut energy in the building by up to 38%, which will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 105,000 metric tonnes a year.

The retrofit project will be overseen by Bill Clinton's Clinton Climate Initiative group and aim to allow the building to command higher rents when it is completed in 2013.

The green retrofit will include:

     - Upgrade of the building's 6,500 windows

     - Installation of an internet system that workers can monitor their energy use on

     - Installation of new air-con and heating systems that adjust to demand

     - Upgrade of the building control system to provide more details about demand and use of its systems

     - Installation of energy-efficient lighting.

In an interesting parallel, this retrofit of the building born out of hard times (it was built following the 1930s Wall Street crash) will take place following 2008's Wall Street woes.

Disgruntled migrant worker Han Wushun, of Sichuan Province, blew himself up last week in protest to having his claim for £450 in unpaid wages rejected.

Two office workers in Xinjiang were injured when Wushun detonated explosives he was toting in a backpack. He had sued the Xinjiang Beixin Road and Bridge Construction Company last year, but lost when management said his contract had been paid in full.

Meanwhile, 20 people have been arrested by Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption for alleged corruption in the award of Highways Department contracts.

Five of those arrested were Highways Department officials. The allegations concern the sale of tender information and confidential documents by Highways staff to subcontractors to help them win contracts.

A senior engineer caught accepting an envelope containing £1760 from a subcontractor sparked the frenzy of arrests.

According to reports, the department's chief engineer and three inspectors were arrested along with 15 individuals from contracting companies, including executives.

Designed by Leeser Architects, the Helix Hotel in Zayed Bay will not have floors per se, but spirals that flow like water from one use to another - from retail and residential to luxury spas.

The hollow centre ensures foot traffic follows the spiral while the design of the various levels allows natural air and light to circulate and penetrate the building.

The environmentally-conscious hotel will be clad in GROW panels made from 100% recycled polyethylene to collect energy from the sun and wind.

An ocean-fed waterfall will keep everyone inside cool as a cucumber.

Good to see the economic downturn isn't resulting in a creativity downturn in the UAE.

Yingli Tower in Chongqing is the latest tower to commence construction and will be a 320m high office tower in the high-rise city.

It isn't the most exciting design but does vaguely resemble that mighty fine skyscraper the Empire State Building.

Although it was supposed to be completed this year, foundation work has just begun.

Chongqing is fast becoming a bustling metropolis of skyscrapers. There are more than 100 towers rising more than 200m planned. Check out the list here.