Good news for skyscraper fans: a new tallest building is on the way, and it’s coming from the Middle East again.
Jeddah Tower
Currently being built in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah Tower will reach a whopping 1,000 meters—almost 200 meters taller than the tallest building today. This giant will soon beat out Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which stands at 828 meters.
To give you an idea, Jeddah Tower is as tall as three Eiffel Towers stacked on top of each other! It’s not just about height, though. It will also break records for the highest elevator ride (504 meters), the most floors in a building (163), and the highest restaurant from ground level (441.3 meters).
Merdeka 118
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Merdeka 118 rises to 679 meters and has 118 floors. It’s a symbol of Malaysia’s independence and is designed to look like the first Prime Minister declaring independence in 1957. Picture seven Statues of Liberty stacked up, and that’s its height!
J Hotel Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and opened in 2016. It’s also one of the greenest skyscrapers in the world, with 200 wind turbines on the roof helping power the building. At 632 meters, it’s taller than six Big Bens!
Makkah Royal Clock Tower
Finished in 2012 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower reaches 601 meters. It might not be the tallest, but it’s the highest clock tower globally. It cost about USD 16 billion to build.
Ping An Finance Center
In Shenzhen, China, the Ping An Finance Center stands at 599 meters with 115 floors. It’s in the middle of the financial district and mainly used for offices. There’s also an observation deck where you can get great city views.
Lotte World Tower
In Seoul, South Korea, Lotte World Tower rises to 555 meters with 123 floors. It’s the tallest building in Korea and hosts big events, like New Year’s fireworks.
One World Trade Center
In New York City, One World Trade Center stands at 541 meters. Built in 2014 on Ground Zero, the site of the 9/11 attacks, it’s a symbol of resilience and remembrance.
With Jeddah Tower set to take the top spot, the race to build the tallest building keeps pushing the limits of architecture and imagination.