In 2010, the Burj Khalifa stood tall, reigning as the world’s tallest building, an architectural marvel soaring at 828 meters above the Dubai skyline. For over a decade, it held this prestigious title, symbolizing the ambition and innovation of the United Arab Emirates. However, a new challenger is emerging on the horizon, poised to surpass the Burj Khalifa’s lofty heights and claim the crown of the tallest building in the world.
Enter the Jeddah Tower, also known as the Kingdom Tower, a monumental structure currently under construction in Saudi Arabia. Anticipation surrounds this project as it aims to surpass the Burj Khalifa, reaching a staggering height of over 1,000 meters (1 kilometre; 3,281 feet). The Jeddah Tower isn’t just aiming for height; it’s designed to be a multifaceted hub, blending luxury living, office spaces, serviced apartments, and upscale condominiums.
The Kingdom Tower will have 170 stories, seven stories of which will be allocated for the five-star Four Seasons Hotel which will have around 200 rooms and 121 luxury serviced apartments, and seven stories for offices. The Jeddah Tower will also have 61 stories featuring 318 housing units of various types of amenities, gyms, spas, cafes and restaurants and two sky lobbies.
Jeddah Tower vs Burj Khalifa
| Metrics | Jeddah Tower | Burj Khalifa |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Height | 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) | 828 meters (2,716.5 feet) |
| Construction Start Date | April 1, 2013 | January 6, 2004 |
| Completion Date | To be confirmed | January 4, 2010 |
| Project Cost (Approx.) | $1.2 billion | $1.5 billion |
| Number of Floors | 170 | 163 |
| Number of Lifts | 59 | 57 |
| Observation Deck Height | At 644 meters (over 2000 ft) | At 555 meters (1821 ft) |
| Leading Architect | Adrian Smith | Adrian Smith |
| Also known as | Kingdom Tower | Burj Dubai |
The under-construction tallest building will also feature the world’s highest observation decks ever built. The tower will also feature 59 elevator systems divided between single and double-decked units for convenient movement among floors and levels.
One of the most talked-about features of the Jeddah Tower is its claim to host the “world’s highest observatory.” While existing records like the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory sit atop lofty mountains, this observatory aims to take the viewing experience to new heights, offering unparalleled vistas from the pinnacle of human achievement.
After a five-year hiatus, construction on the Jeddah Tower resumed in 2023, signalling a renewed commitment to this ambitious project. With a price tag of $1.23 billion, the tower is a centrepiece of a $20 billion mega-project that seeks to redefine the landscape of north Jeddah. While the completion date remains shrouded in mystery, the proposed size and amenities of the Jeddah Tower pose a formidable challenge to the Burj Khalifa’s record reign.
The rivalry between the Burj Khalifa and the Jeddah Tower symbolizes more than just a competition for height; it reflects a broader shift in the global architectural landscape. Where once Dubai led the charge in redefining skylines and pushing the boundaries of engineering, now Saudi Arabia emerges as a contender, showcasing its vision for a future marked by innovation and grandeur.
