The Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, set to become the world's tallest building, is making significant progress toward its expected completion date of August 2028, according to the architectural firm behind the ambitious project. The tower, which will soar over 3,280 feet high, is being constructed at an accelerated pace with what architects describe as "ramped up" construction activities.
Designed by renowned American architect Adrian Smith, who co-founded the Chicago-based firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (ASGG), the Jeddah Tower represents an unprecedented achievement in vertical construction. Smith, who also designed the current world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, is now surpassing his own record with this new Saudi Arabian skyscraper that will stand at least 568 feet taller than the Burj Khalifa.
The massive structure is strategically located in the northern part of Obhur, a bay situated just north of the city of Jeddah. Upon completion, it will serve as the centerpiece of the $20 billion Jeddah Economic City development, formerly known as Kingdom City. This mixed-use building will house a luxury hotel, office spaces, apartments, condominiums, and feature a sky terrace at its 157th level, which will become the world's highest observatory.
Construction progress has reached significant milestones, with the tower currently built up to Core Level 69, which officials expect to complete this week. According to ASGG spokesperson, "50 percent of the concrete has been placed," while the tower's wings are following approximately five to ten floors behind the main structure. Robert Forest, a partner at ASGG who recently conducted a site visit in July, captured images showing the substantial progress made on the project.
"Construction activities have ramped up, and the atmosphere on site is robust," Forest told reporters. "The entire team is committed and focused on realizing this iconic structure for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." The project represents not only an architectural achievement but also a symbol of Saudi Arabia's ambitious vision for economic diversification and development.
The tower's design draws inspiration from nature, specifically from the concept of new growth represented by palm fronds. Gordon Gill, a partner at ASGG, explained that the design vision aimed to "establish a striking form while keeping the structure simple." The overall design philosophy centers on the theme of "new growth" for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the building's form symbolically representing palm fronds reaching skyward.
Architecturally, the tower's exterior design "evokes a bundle of leaves shooting up from the ground—a burst of new life," according to the firm's description. The sleek, streamlined form specifically references "the folded fronds of young desert plant growth," creating a natural aesthetic that connects the modern structure to its desert environment. This design approach reflects both cultural significance and environmental consciousness.
The building incorporates advanced engineering features, including a "high-performance exterior wall system" specifically designed to minimize energy consumption by reducing thermal loads. The tower's three-sided structure features a series of carefully planned notches that create strategic pockets of shadow, shielding portions of the building from intense desert sun while simultaneously providing outdoor terraces with panoramic views of Jeddah and the Red Sea.
Technological innovation extends to the tower's vertical transportation system, which will feature "one of the world's most sophisticated elevator systems." The comprehensive system includes 59 elevators—comprising 54 single-deck and five double-deck elevators—along with 12 escalators. The elevators serving the observatory will operate at an impressive speed of 10 meters (33 feet) per second in both directions, ensuring efficient access to the tower's highest levels.
The project's history reflects the challenges of mega-construction projects, with initial construction beginning around 2013 before encountering significant delays. The project was ultimately halted for several years due to various factors, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, construction officially resumed in January of this year, marking a renewed commitment to completing this architectural marvel.
Gill confirmed that the project maintains its original vision, stating, "No changes have occurred since the restart. The masterplan is proceeding, and the development of a new bridge over the creek will link the project directly to the Jeddah city core." This connectivity will ensure the tower integrates seamlessly with the existing urban infrastructure of Jeddah.
While ASGG considers the current total cost estimate confidential, the tower was initially expected to cost $1.2 billion to construct according to the firm's website. This investment represents one of the most significant construction projects in the region and demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to creating world-class architectural landmarks as part of its Vision 2030 initiative.
The Jeddah Tower falls into the category of supertall skyscrapers, which refers to buildings that reach 300 meters (approximately 984 feet) or higher. Upon completion, it will not only claim the title of world's tallest building but also establish new standards for sustainable design and engineering innovation in extreme-height construction projects.
