The iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates has held the official title of the world’s tallest building at 828 metres for over a decade. But that long‑standing record is now under serious threat as Saudi Arabia advances ambitious new skyscraper projects — including the Jeddah Tower and a proposed 2‑kilometer megatall Rise Tower in Riyadh — that aim to reshape global architectural records and redefine the Middle East skyline.

Burj Khalifa: A Record‑Breaking Icon

Since its completion in 2010, the Burj Khalifa has dominated global tall‑building lists, setting records for height, observation decks, and design achievement. At 828 metres, it remains unmatched in height among existing freestanding structures. Designed by the same architectural office that created other world landmarks, its place in the history books has seemed secure — until now.

Jeddah Tower: A New Contender Nears Completion

One of the most significant challengers to Burj Khalifa’s crown is the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia. Originally known as Kingdom Tower, the megaproject has officially resumed construction after years of delays and recently passed significant milestones.

Construction Restart Sparks Global Interest

Construction on the Jeddah Tower was halted mid‑project for several years, but work resumed in earnest with new contracts and global contractors brought on board. The renewed build effort is now making rapid progress, with floors rising steadily as crews push toward the tower’s proposed completion.

A Skyscraper Over One Kilometer Tall

Once finished, the Jeddah Tower is expected to stand at at least 1,008 metres, significantly taller than the Burj Khalifa. It will include high‑speed elevators, multiple sky lobbies, and one of the highest observatory decks in the world.

Construction progress has accelerated since early 2025, with the project already well into its over‑80‑floor rise, and industry watchers believe the tower could be completed by 2028. If all goes according to plan, this structure will not only unseat the Burj Khalifa but become the first building in history to exceed one kilometer in height.

Rise Tower: A Vision for a 2‑Kilometer Skyscraper

Saudi Arabia’s architectural ambitions do not end with Jeddah’s megatower. Plans for the Rise Tower, a visionary project in Riyadh’s North Pole district, aim to construct a building that would dwarf everything that has come before it — rising to an unprecedented 2,000 metres (2 kilometers).

Designed by some of the world’s leading firms, including Foster + Partners and HKS Architects, the Rise Tower would more than double the height of the Burj Khalifa and nearly double that of the upcoming Jeddah Tower — though this remains in the early planning and bidding phase.

If realized, the Rise Tower would redefine global height records in architecture and engineering, setting a benchmark that could stand for decades.

Dubai Responds: Creek Tower and Continued Rivalry

Dubai, aware of this skyscraper challenge, has also revived high‑profile towers such as the Dubai Creek Tower project, which was redesigned to surpass the Burj Khalifa’s height. But it remains to be seen if this project will outpace Saudi developments.

Still, Dubai has emphasized that it plans to maintain a strong presence in global architecture and tourism, leveraging its established skyline and infrastructure while exploring innovative new designs.

What This Means for the Middle East

The construction race between the UAE and Saudi Arabia reflects broader trends in the Middle East’s economic and cultural landscape. Landmark skyscrapers are symbolic of national ambition, technological prowess, and investment in future growth.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy — a plan to diversify its economy away from oil dependence — includes using iconic infrastructure to drive global interest and investment. The Jeddah Tower and Rise Tower fit into this approach by signaling Saudi Arabia’s place at the forefront of mega‑scale development.

At the same time, Dubai continues to innovate with mixed‑use developments and luxury experiences, maintaining its appeal as a global tourism and business hub.

Conclusion: A New Skyline Era

For more than a decade, the Burj Khalifa has been an icon of human achievement and architectural innovation. But as Saudi Arabia accelerates its skyscraper projects — from the kilometer‑high Jeddah Tower to the audacious 2‑km Rise Tower — the title of world’s tallest building is set for change.