The Jeddah Tower, currently under construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is poised to become the world’s tallest building upon completion. Standing at over 1,000 meters, it will surpass the Burj Khalifa in Dubai by approximately 180 meters. This monumental project is a central element of the Jeddah Economic City development, aiming to transform the city’s skyline and bolster its status as a global metropolis.
Design and Architectural Vision
Designed by renowned architect Adrian Smith, who also contributed to the Burj Khalifa, the Jeddah Tower features a sleek, tapering silhouette inspired by the desert plant Arfaj. Its aerodynamic form is intended to minimize wind resistance and enhance structural stability. The building’s design incorporates a smooth, sloped exterior to reduce wind loads and improve aerodynamic performance. This approach aims to address challenges such as building sway and structural settling, common issues in supertall skyscrapers. The tower’s foundation is engineered to support its immense height, utilizing advanced geotechnical techniques to ensure stability on the site’s soft rock and permeable coral substrata.
The building’s triangular footprint and sloped exterior also help minimize wind vortex effects and sway, while allowing for excellent views of the Red Sea. It will contain over 200 floors, with 167 habitable levels, including high-end residential apartments, corporate offices, luxury hotels, and the world’s highest observation deck at around 664 meters.
Construction Timeline and Challenges
Construction of the Jeddah Tower commenced in 2013 but faced significant delays due to various factors, including labour disputes and the global COVID-19 pandemic. By 2018, the project was halted when structural concrete work was suspended, leaving the tower approximately one-third completed. However, in October 2023, a new request for proposals was issued to a multinational group of construction firms to resume the project. Construction officially resumed in January 2025, with an estimated completion date set for 2028 .
Project Scope and Features
Once completed, the Jeddah Tower will encompass 165 floors, including office spaces, residential apartments, a Four Seasons hotel, retail areas, and the world’s highest observation deck at 664 meters above ground. The tower’s design aims to function as a “vertical city,” integrating various amenities to create a self-sustaining environment. The surrounding Jeddah Economic City development will feature a waterfront district with public spaces, a shopping mall, and additional residential and commercial developments, covering a 50-hectare area.
Jeddah Tower will be a mixed-use “vertical city,” offering a wide range of facilities:
Luxury hotel: Operated by the Four Seasons, featuring world-class accommodations.
Residential units: High-end apartments with panoramic sea and city views.
Office spaces: Ultra-modern corporate offices designed for global companies.
Sky Terrace: An outdoor balcony spanning over 30 meters in diameter on the 157th floor, originally designed to be a helipad but now repurposed as a viewing platform.
Observation deck: The world’s tallest, offering unmatched views from over 660 meters above the ground.
The tower will also be supported by a robust infrastructure, including 59 elevators, some of which are double-deck, and energy-efficient systems to ensure sustainability in Saudi Arabia’s harsh desert climate.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The Jeddah Tower is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic plan to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues. By attracting international investment and tourism, the tower aims to position Jeddah as a leading global city. The project’s scale and ambition reflect the nation’s commitment to innovation and architectural excellence.
Looking Ahead
As construction progresses, the Jeddah Tower stands as a testament to human ambition and engineering prowess. Its completion will not only redefine the skyline of Jeddah but also set a new benchmark in the realm of supertall skyscrapers. With an expected completion in 2028, the world eagerly anticipates the unveiling of this architectural marvel.
