Saudi Arabia Is Now Building The Tallest Tower On Earth At Record Speeds

Rising defiantly from the sun-scorched sands of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a monumental structure is poised to rewrite the story of architectural ambition. The Jeddah Economic Company (JEC) Tower, formerly known as the Kingdom Tower, is set to surpass all previous records and claim the title of the world’s tallest building.

At over 3,280 feet, this audacious marvel is not merely an engineering feat; it is a national symbol, embodying the aspirations of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This skyscraper doesn’t just aim to pierce the sky, it aims to elevate a nation’s global identity.

The creative force behind the JEC Tower is none other than Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Adrian Smith, already renowned for designing the Burj Khalifa, is once again pushing vertical boundaries. Together with his partner Gordon Gill, Smith envisions the JEC Tower not only as a taller landmark but as a smarter and more sustainable one. Their design balances elegance with functionality; its aerodynamic form counters desert winds, while its environmentally conscious construction sets a new benchmark for eco-friendly skyscrapers.

This project is a collaborative tour de force, involving experts from across the globe. From its high-performance façade to its structural core, every element of the tower is being meticulously crafted to meet the unique challenges of building in the extreme climate of Saudi Arabia. As Smith and Gill see it, the JEC Tower isn’t just about height. It’s about resilience, innovation, and redefining how architecture serves humanity and its environment.

Constructing a megastructure like the JEC Tower is not without its trials. Financial delays and logistical complexities once stalled progress, but construction is now pressing ahead with renewed momentum. The 64th floor is currently under development, with new levels being added roughly every four days—an impressive pace made possible by groundbreaking construction methods.

Perhaps the most astonishing engineering accomplishment so far is the concrete pumping system. The construction team has managed to pump concrete up to 2,624 feet, with goals to exceed even that. This level of vertical construction requires a blend of cutting-edge machinery and highly coordinated planning, underlining how critical innovation is in transforming lofty blueprints into physical reality.

The JEC Tower is the crown jewel of a much larger urban vision. It’s not only about building upwards, it’s about building a future. The tower will boast 157 floors, 59 elevators, and will house everything from ultra-luxurious hotels and residences to world-class office spaces. It will also feature the world’s highest observation deck, offering panoramic vistas over the Red Sea and beyond.

But the ambition doesn’t stop at the tower’s tip. Surrounding it is a full-fledged development plan with hospitals, universities, schools, and housing for up to 100,000 residents. This is Saudi Arabia’s vision of an integrated urban future, built to support economic diversification and cultural transformation. In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, the development aims to reduce the kingdom’s reliance on oil and invest in future-forward infrastructure.

Slated for completion in 2028, the JEC Tower aligns perfectly with the country’s broader transformation goals. Though ambitious timelines often encounter setbacks, this project’s strategic importance to the kingdom ensures continued momentum. With each rising floor, the tower reinforces its role as both a literal and metaphorical pillar of Saudi Arabia’s new direction.