π️ Jeddah Tower: The Future Tallest Skyscraper in the World, Surpassing Burj Khalifa
π Introduction
The world’s tallest building title is about to change hands.
While the Burj Khalifa in Dubai has held the crown since 2010 at 828 meters, another Middle Eastern marvel is rising fast: Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia — soon to become the first skyscraper to cross 1,000 meters (1 km) in height.
This isn't just an engineering feat. It’s a symbol of national ambition, futuristic design, and a growing architectural rivalry between Gulf nations.
π️ What is Jeddah Tower?
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Height (planned): 1,008 meters (3,307 feet)
Floors: Over 170
Developer: Jeddah Economic Company (JEC)
Design: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture
Budget: Estimated $1.5 billion USD
Originally announced in 2011 and delayed by technical, political, and pandemic-related issues, construction has resumed in 2023, aiming for completion by 2028.
π§ What Makes Jeddah Tower Special?
1️⃣ The First "Kilometer-High" Skyscraper
No other building has reached this height in human history
Requires new concrete, wind resistance, and elevator systems
2️⃣ Smart Design for Harsh Environments
Tri-petal structure for wind resistance
High-strength concrete to survive desert heat
Sky terraces and viewing platforms at record-breaking heights
3️⃣ Mega Project Within a Mega Plan
Jeddah Tower is the centerpiece of the Jeddah Economic City — a futuristic urban zone for finance, tourism, and innovation.
π’ Jeddah Tower vs. Burj Khalifa
Feature Burj Khalifa (UAE) | Jeddah Tower (Saudi Arabia)
Height: 828 meters | 1,008 meters (planned)
Completion Year: 2010 | Expected by 2028
Floors:163 | 170+
Cost: $1.5 billion | $1.5+ billion
Design Architect: Adrian Smith | Adrian Smith (again!)
Viewing Deck Height: 555 m | ~660 m (planned)
πΈπ¦ Why Saudi Arabia Is Building It
Jeddah Tower isn’t just about height — it’s about vision.
Part of Vision 2030: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plan to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy beyond oil
Attract investment, tourism, and innovation
Compete directly with Dubai as the Gulf’s global hub
Represent modern Saudi Arabia on the world stage
π️ Global Race for the Skies
Besides Jeddah Tower, other mega-projects are aiming high:
Dubai Creek Tower (on hold)
Merdeka 118 (Malaysia — already #2 tallest at 678.9m)
Sky Mile Tower (Japan — in planning, 1,700m!)
NEOM’s The Line (Saudi Arabia’s other vertical city)
π§© Challenges & Delays
Despite its vision, Jeddah Tower faced:
Political reshuffles
Funding issues
Technical challenges of extreme-height construction
COVID-19 delays
But new contractors have signed on in 2023, and cranes are rising again.
⚠️ Disclaimer
> This blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. All project data and timelines are based on publicly available sources as of 2025. Final building heights, designs, and completion dates may vary.
π£️ Final Thoughts
The Jeddah Tower isn’t just about reaching the sky — it’s about defining the future of cities.
If completed as planned, it will be a bold message from Saudi Arabia to the world:
> “We build the impossible.”
Would you visit the world’s tallest tower?
π Comment your thoughts — and share this post if you love megastructures and future cities.
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