Jeddah Tower Achieves Major Construction Milestone
The global skyline race has entered a decisive phase as Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower officially surpasses 80 constructed floors. This milestone brings the ambitious project significantly closer to overtaking Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as the world’s tallest building.
Burj Khalifa currently holds the title with a height of 828 meters and 163 floors. It has dominated global architecture since its completion in 2010. However, Jeddah Tower is designed to rise beyond 1,000 meters, setting a new world record once completed.
Construction experts see the crossing of 80 floors as a major technical and symbolic achievement. It signals renewed momentum after years of delays. The tower’s vertical progress confirms that the long-stalled project is firmly back on track.
Structural engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti confirmed that 2025 marked a period of accelerated construction. Key structural systems were completed, allowing vertical expansion to continue smoothly.
Project Delays and Saudi Arabia’s Mega Vision
The Jeddah Tower project faced repeated setbacks over the years. Economic pressures, funding challenges, and regional geopolitical tensions slowed progress. Construction was paused multiple times, raising doubts about its completion.
Despite these challenges, Saudi authorities revived the project as part of the Kingdom’s broader transformation agenda. The tower is a flagship element of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy. The plan aims to diversify the economy beyond oil and attract global investment.
Saudi officials view megaprojects like Jeddah Tower as symbols of national ambition. The project reflects the country’s desire to position itself as a global hub for tourism, business, and innovation.
The tower is now scheduled for completion in 2028. Developers say revised timelines are realistic due to improved funding stability and strong political backing.
Once completed, Jeddah Tower will reshape the skyline of the Red Sea coast. It will also redefine engineering limits for supertall structures worldwide.
Luxury Design, Record Heights, and Engineering Innovation
Jeddah Tower is not just about height. The structure is designed to host a luxury hotel, premium office spaces, and high-end residential units. It will also feature the world’s highest observation deck, offering panoramic views never seen before.
The design comes from Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture. The same firm previously designed Burj Khalifa. Partner Robert Forest said the entire team remains fully committed to delivering an iconic structure for Saudi Arabia.
The building includes an advanced energy-efficient exterior. It is designed to reduce heat gain and improve sustainability in extreme desert conditions. This makes the tower both visually striking and environmentally conscious.
A network of 59 high-speed elevators will serve the tower. These elevators are engineered to operate at unprecedented heights. The system ensures efficient vertical transport across hundreds of floors.
Experts say the engineering solutions used in Jeddah Tower could influence future skyscraper designs worldwide. The project pushes the boundaries of architecture, materials, and construction technology.
As Jeddah Tower rises higher, Burj Khalifa’s long-standing reign appears closer to ending. The competition highlights the Middle East’s growing influence in global architecture and urban development.

