World’s Tallest Future Skyscraper Reaches New Heights
Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia is on track to become the world’s tallest skyscraper, aimed at exceeding the renowned Burj Khalifa. Recent updates indicate that the construction has surpassed 80 floors, marking a significant achievement.
Key Details About Jeddah Tower’s Construction
This ambitious project is a crucial element of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil reliance. The government has focused on reviving major megaprojects, including this iconic skyscraper.
Project Specifications
- Height: Over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)
- Total Floors: Approximately 130
- Square Footage: 57 million square feet
- Completion Year: Expected by 2028
- Mixed-Use Facilities: Luxury hotel, office spaces, serviced apartments, and high-end condominiums
- Observation Deck: Planned to be the highest in the world
Construction and Design
Thornton Tomasetti is in charge of the structural design, collaborating with Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill (AS+GG) Architecture. The firm’s experience includes designing the Burj Khalifa, currently the tallest building globally.
Construction of the Jeddah Tower began in 2009 but faced delays in 2018 due to political upheaval affecting contractors. Recently, it gained momentum, with construction activities becoming more robust and focused.
Advanced Building Features
- Elevators: Total of 59 elevators, including 54 single-deck and five double-deck
- Escalators: 12 throughout the building
- Energy Efficiency: Exterior wall system designed to minimize energy consumption
Robert Forest, a partner at AS+GG Architecture, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s progress and the team’s dedication to realizing this landmark structure.
Future Developments
Jeddah Tower’s completion will likely coincide with other significant projects in Saudi Arabia, such as the planned Trump Tower in Jeddah and the Rise Tower in Riyadh. The latter aims to reach an unprecedented height of 2 kilometers (6,562 feet).
As Jeddah Tower continues toward completion, it stands as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s vision for a future driven by innovation and diversification.
