The battle for the title of the world’s tallest building is intensifying as Dubai and Saudi Arabia vie to outdo each other with increasingly ambitious projects. The iconic Burj Khalifa, standing at 2,717 feet, has held the record since its completion in 2010, but new contenders are emerging, each promising to reach unprecedented heights.
By Aubree Ross
The Uncertain Fate of the Jeddah Tower
In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Jeddah Tower was once poised to claim the title of the world’s tallest building. Construction began in 2012, with plans for the tower to reach 3,281 feet. However, due to complications with the foundation, the height was later reduced to 3,307 feet. Work on the tower was halted in 2018, and while there are reports that construction has resumed, no completion date has been set. If finished, it could be years before the Jeddah Tower realizes its lofty goal.
Dubai Creek Tower: Dubai’s Next Ambition
Not to be outdone, Dubai announced the Dubai Creek Tower in 2016, aiming to surpass the Burj Khalifa. This new tower is planned to stand between 3,045 and 4,593 feet tall. Initially slated for completion by the Expo 2020, the project’s future is now uncertain. Reports suggest that the design has been revised, and construction is ongoing, but it remains unclear when—or if—the tower will be completed.
Saudi Arabia’s 2-Kilometer Megatower
Saudi Arabia has taken the skyscraper rivalry to new heights with plans for a 6,562-foot tower in Riyadh. This colossal building would dwarf all existing skyscrapers, more than doubling the height of the Burj Khalifa. The proposed site is near the King Salman International Airport, set to open in 2030 and projected to be the largest airport in the world. Whether this ambitious project will come to fruition is still in question.
The Tallest Skyscrapers in the US and Europe
Amidst these towering ambitions, the United States’ tallest building, the One World Trade Center in New York City, stands at a modest 1,776 feet, making it the seventh tallest in the world. However, a new skyscraper is planned for Oklahoma City, aiming to reach 1,906 feet. If completed, it would become the sixth-tallest building globally. Meanwhile, in Europe, the tallest skyscraper is the Lakhta Center in St. Petersburg, standing at 1,516 feet, well below the heights being pursued in the Middle East and Asia.
The race to build the world’s tallest skyscraper reflects not only technological advancements, but also the ambitions of nations eager to assert their dominance on the global stage. While some projects are plagued by delays and uncertainties, the drive to reach new heights shows no sign of slowing down.
Based on content from www.futurezone.at and own research.