For years, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai has held the title of the world’s tallest building at 828 meters. But soon that record may belong to its Gulf neighbour. In Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Economic City, construction is underway on what is expected to become the tallest tower on the planet — the Jeddah Tower — reaching an astonishing 1,000 meters (one kilometre).
If completed as planned, Jeddah Tower will rise at least 172 meters taller than Burj Khalifa and include more floors, sprawling luxury facilities and cutting-edge engineering.
Restarted in 2025 Under Vision 2030
The ambitious project first broke ground after its announcement in 2011, with construction progressing until 2020, when work was halted due to allegations of corruption. By then, 63 floors had already been built. In 2025, construction resumed with renewed momentum as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia’s economy and global urban profile.
According to recent reports, around 80 floors have now been completed, with teams racing to install structural elements, facades, and the technology that will make Jeddah Tower a modern engineering marvel.
Inside the Tower: Mixed-Use Skyscraper of the Future
The Jeddah Tower is being designed as a mixed-use vertical city. Plans include:
- Luxury hotels
- Office spaces
- Residential apartments
- High-speed elevators capable of whisking occupants efficiently up and down the immense structure
Developers say the interior will feature world-class amenities and experiences comparable to the world’s finest skyscrapers.
What Makes Jeddah Tower Special?
Experts believe the tower will not just be defined by its height, but by its:
- Advanced engineering systems to withstand wind, weather, and seismic forces
- Ultra-fast vertical transportation
- Sustainable technologies for energy management
- Panoramic observation decks offering unmatched views of the Red Sea and the city below
It is expected to become not only an architectural icon but also a major destination for global tourism and business.
Timeline and Expectations
Developers say the tower is scheduled to be completed by 2028, marking a new milestone in the Middle East’s race for architectural supremacy. When finished, the Jeddah Tower will redefine global skylines and further cement the Gulf region’s place in cutting-edge urban design.
As engineers, architects and planners push to finish this one-kilometre giant, the world watches: soon the tallest building title may move from Dubai to Saudi Arabia — and that view from the top will be worth the climb.
