The longstanding reign of Burj Khalifa as the world’s tallest building is nearing its end. Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia is rapidly rising and on track to claim the title, marking a new chapter in architectural ambition and the ongoing competition for skyscraper supremacy.
Current Status (as of May 2026)
Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, UAE, has held the record since its completion in 2010. Standing at 828 meters (2,717 feet) with 163 floors, it remains the tallest completed building in the world.
In contrast, Jeddah Tower is under active construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. As of April 2026, the structure has surpassed the 100th floor and stands over 400 meters (approximately 1,312 feet) tall. Construction resumed in early 2025 after years of delays, and progress has accelerated significantly.
Height Comparison
Jeddah Tower is designed to be the first building in the world to reach the one-kilometer mark: Aspect Jeddah Tower Burj Khalifa Planned Height ≥1,008 meters (3,307 feet) 828 meters (2,717 feet) Floors ~167 163 Current Height >400 meters (100+ floors) 828 meters (completed) Status Under construction (2028 target) Completed (2010) Designer Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Adrian Smith (at SOM)
Upon completion, Jeddah Tower is expected to surpass Burj Khalifa by roughly 180 meters (590 feet), fundamentally shifting the global skyline record.
Timeline and Construction Progress
Burj Khalifa was constructed relatively swiftly between 2004 and 2010. Jeddah Tower’s journey has been more protracted:
- Groundbreaking occurred in 2013.
- Construction faced multiple pauses due to financial issues, political developments, and the pandemic.
- Work restarted in January 2025.
- The tower reached over 80 floors by late 2025 and crossed the 100-floor milestone by April 2026.
- Current pace averages roughly one floor every 3–4 days.
- Target completion is set for August 2028.
While the upper sections will present increasing engineering challenges related to wind loads, material logistics, and worker safety, recent momentum with large crews and multiple cranes indicates strong progress.
Design and Features
Both towers showcase innovative engineering, though their designs differ:
Burj Khalifa features a iconic Y-shaped buttressed core and spiraling form that reduces wind resistance. It serves mixed uses including residential, hotel, office, and observation spaces, and holds multiple world records such as the highest occupied floor.
Jeddah Tower employs a tri-pronged, tapered design optimized for extreme heights. It will include luxury apartments, hotels, offices, and sky lobbies. The project plans to feature the world’s highest observation deck and incorporates advanced solutions like high-strength concrete and sophisticated damping systems to ensure stability.
Significance of the Race
The Jeddah Tower project is a flagship element of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil and establishing iconic global landmarks. It anchors the broader Jeddah Economic City development.
This transition represents more than just a height record — it symbolizes shifting economic and architectural power in the Middle East. After nearly 18 years under Burj Khalifa’s dominance, the title is poised to return to Saudi Arabia.
Burj Khalifa continues to reign as the world’s tallest completed building today, but all eyes are on Jeddah as it climbs toward the clouds. By 2028 or 2029, the world’s tallest building record is expected to change hands, ushering in a new era of megatall architecture.
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