The Kilometer-High Dream: For decades, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai has reigned supreme as the world’s tallest structure, soaring to an impressive height of 828 meters (approximately 2,717 feet). However, a new architectural marvel in Saudi Arabia is rapidly climbing to challenge that title and break a new, unprecedented barrier: the kilometer-high skyscraper.
The Jeddah Tower, located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is currently under construction and is designed to reach a height of at least 1,000 meters (over 3,280 feet)—making it the world’s first building to cross the 1-kilometer mark. This staggering vertical ambition will dwarf the Burj Khalifa, making the current record holder appear significantly smaller in comparison.
An Architectural and Engineering Feat
The sheer scale of the Jeddah Tower presents formidable engineering challenges, particularly regarding wind loads and elevator technology.
Height and Design: Designed by architect Adrian Smith (who also designed the Burj Khalifa), the tower features a sleek, three-pronged, tapered design to mitigate the effects of powerful wind vortexes at extreme elevations. The final number of floors is expected to be around 167, featuring a mix of luxury hotel space (Four Seasons), offices, apartments, and condominiums.
The World’s Highest Viewpoint: A key feature will be the world’s highest observation deck, planned for the 157th floor, offering unparalleled panoramic views.
Elevator System: To service the immense vertical distance, the tower will incorporate one of the world’s most sophisticated elevator systems, consisting of approximately 59 high-speed elevators, some traveling at speeds up to 10 meters per second.
Construction Progress and Future Outlook
The colossal project, which began in 2013, faced a significant five-year stall. However, construction has officially resumed with renewed momentum.
Timeline: The project’s completion is currently targeted for 2028. Crews are reportedly working at a rapid pace, aiming to complete a new floor approximately every few days.
Economic Impact: The Jeddah Tower is the centerpiece of the $20 billion Jeddah Economic City development. Its completion is expected to transform Jeddah’s skyline and significantly boost the city’s appeal as a major tourist destination and a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 to diversify its economy.
The Jeddah Tower represents not just a new record for height, but a monumental leap in architectural capability, pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible in vertical construction.
The Jeddah Tower Update 2025: 1km Tower Racing Past Burj Khalifa video provides a visual overview of the tower’s ongoing construction and future plans.
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