All about Jeddah Tower, the soon-to-be world’s tallest skyscraper

Burj Khalifa, the Empire State Building - what’s the common links between these iconic structures? Well, they have long held the esteemed title of the world's tallest skyscraper. However, soon a new structure will likely clinch the said title - Jeddah Tower, a neo-futuristic marvel planned in Saudi Arabia.

If reports are to go by, this extraordinary structure is being designed by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. The tower will, reportedly, soar to a height of 3,281 ft upon completion in the next four to five years, and will dwarf the Statue of Liberty nearly by eleven times. Smith and Gill describe the design as ‘rooted in the symbolism of Saudi Arabia,’ symbolising future growth for the kingdom with its slender, subtly asymmetrical form reminiscent of palm fronds reaching skyward.
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Situated in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the tower will adorn the city's skyline, serving as a testament to progress. Nestled along the Red Sea, Jeddah stands as the second-most populous city in the nation, adorned with architectural marvels such as the Penang Floating Mosque and the historic Al Balad district. Aesthetically, Jeddah Tower embodies a neo-futuristic ethos, characterised by avant-garde design and cutting-edge technology. Renderings reveal a sleek, tapering tower inspired by the elegant curves of palm fronds native to Saudi Arabia.

According to the reports, construction on Jeddah Tower commenced in 2013, but faced interruptions, notably in 2018 due to developments within the Binladin Group, the project's contractor. The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed progress. However, in September 2023, reports surfaced that construction had resumed.

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The Jeddah Economic Company (JEC), overseeing the project, confirms that construction is underway, and is aiming for completion within the next four to five years. Despite setbacks, JEC is actively soliciting contractors and expects to finalise selections within the coming months.

At the time of its pause, about a third of Jeddah Tower had been completed. Once finished, it will stand at a towering height of 3,281 ft, surpassing the Burj Khalifa by approximately 564 ft.

Functionally, Jeddah Tower will serve as a mixed-use complex, incorporating residential, commercial, and office spaces. Additionally, plans include an observation deck, set to become the world's tallest, a Four Seasons hotel, and a sprawling outdoor balcony originally designed as a helipad.