Two projects in the Middle East by leading architect Zaha Hadid have been put on hold in the face of budget cuts and funding issues.

Hadid’s £82.3m Dubai Opera House has been cancelled along with other projects by struggling developer Sama Dubai, despite the firm’s recent merger with Dubai Properties and a £6.9bn government bailout.

Hadid’s Performing Arts Centre on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, is also on hold as the client, the city’s Tourism Development & Investment Company, tries to secure additional funding from banks.

By staff writer.