Fourteen years after the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai claimed the title of the world's tallest building, talks of a potential successor are swirling, casting a shadow over the reigning architectural giant. Standing tall at 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa not only set records but also became a global symbol of luxury and opulence since its completion in 2010.
Now, the spotlight is on Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Tower, also known as Kingdom Tower, currently under construction and anticipated to surpass the Burj Khalifa's towering legacy. Expected to reach over 1,000 meters (1 km; 3,281 ft), Jeddah Tower is not just aiming for height; it's envisaged as a multifaceted marvel, housing luxury residences, office spaces, serviced apartments, and high-end condominiums.
Also read: Dubai's Burj Khalifa residences break record with Dh1 billion sales in 2023
The Burj Khalifa was officially opened #OTD in 2010.
It dominates the skyline in Dubai and still holds the record for the world's tallest building as well as these others you may not have known 👇 pic.twitter.com/53trnl1JX2 — Guinness World Records (@GWR) January 4, 2024
Guinness World Records acknowledges Jeddah Tower as a formidable contender to snatch the title from the Burj Khalifa, introducing a new era of architectural supremacy. Priced at a staggering $1.23 billion, the Jeddah Economic Company's ambitious project is central to a $20 billion mega-development, poised to redefine the skyline of north Jeddah.
#jeddahtower pic.twitter.com/49M38UNuY8 — Jeddah Tower (@Jeddah_Tower) June 13, 2018
After a five-year pause, construction resumed in 2023, rekindling speculation about the completion date and potential record-breaking stature. The proposed size and lavish amenities of Jeddah Tower pose a serious challenge to Burj Khalifa's historic dominance.
Notably, Jeddah Tower is poised to house the "world's highest observatory," adding an extraordinary dimension to its grandeur. While the current record for the world's highest observatory lies with the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory, located at an altitude of 5,640 meters (18,503 ft), Jeddah Tower's ambition is to redefine the skyline.
The eyes of the world are now fixed on the horizon, awaiting the grand unveiling of a potential new world record holder and wondering if the Burj Khalifa's towering legacy is on the brink of a historic handover.
