Jeddah Tower Construction Accelerates, Set to Redefine World’s Tallest Building Race
Jeddah/Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s ambition to dominate the global skyline is rising—quite literally. The Jeddah Tower, poised to cross the one-kilometre mark, is fast emerging as the future world’s tallest building, overtaking Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa.
Construction on the mega-structure has picked up pace since work resumed in January 2025. Industry updates cited by Gulf-region media say the tower has already climbed close to 80 floors, with builders adding a new level every three to four days—a remarkable speed for a project of this scale.
Once completed, the Jeddah Tower is expected to soar over 1,000 metres, standing roughly 170–180 metres taller than the Burj Khalifa, which currently holds the global height record at 828 metres. If timelines hold, the tower is scheduled for completion by 2028, according to project officials and regional development reports.
🚨Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower set to overtake Burj Khalifa, hits 80-Floor Mark.
Once Jeddah tower completes,it will become world’s tallest building. pic.twitter.com/z14G1IzCuo
— Indian Infra Report (@Indianinfoguide) December 20, 2025
Vision 2030’s Vertical Icon
Previously known as the Kingdom Tower, the project is a centrepiece of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s push to diversify its economy, attract global investment, and rebrand itself as a hub for tourism, business, and futuristic urban development.
Located in Jeddah Economic City, the skyscraper will feature more than 160 floors, housing a Four Seasons Hotel, ultra-luxury residences, serviced apartments, and premium office spaces. A major highlight will be its record-breaking observation deck, offering sweeping views of the Red Sea and Jeddah’s expanding skyline.
Engineering at the Edge
The tower is designed by renowned architect Adrian Smith, who also co-designed the Burj Khalifa. The structure incorporates advanced energy-efficient systems, desert-optimised cooling technologies, and high-speed elevators capable of moving at over 10 metres per second, placing it among the most technologically advanced buildings ever attempted.
Burj Khalifa: The Benchmark
Meanwhile, the Burj Khalifa continues to reign as an architectural marvel. With 163 floors, multiple observation decks, and At.mosphere, the world’s highest restaurant, the Dubai landmark still holds several world records. Built between 2004 and 2010 at a cost of around $1.5 billion, it remains a global symbol of modern engineering.
What Comes After One Kilometre
Saudi Arabia’s skyline ambitions do not end here. Long-term plans already speak of the Rise Tower, a conceptual project envisioned to reach an astonishing two kilometres, potentially pushing the boundaries of skyscraper design even further.
With construction accelerating and international attention growing, the Jeddah Tower is not just challenging the Burj Khalifa’s supremacy—it is redefining how high human ambition can build.
