The race for the title of the world’s tallest skyscraper is nearing its climax with the Jeddah Economic Company Tower (JEC Tower) set to rise to an unprecedented height of 1,007 meters (3,303 feet) in Saudi Arabia.
Originally known as the “Kingdom Tower” and “Mile-High Tower,”, the structure is expected to be completed by 2028. During its inception, the project underwent several name changes and redesigns. However, the skyscraper is now officially known as the Jeddah Economic Company Tower (JEC Tower). The ambitious project is backed by Saudi billionaire businessman and investor Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud and his company Kingdom Holding Company, in partnership with the Saudi Binladin Group.
Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the JEC Tower will surpass the current tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which was also designed by Adrian Smith. Standing at 828 meters (2,716 feet), the Burj Khalifa will soon be dwarfed by the JEC Tower, which will be over three times the height of the Eiffel Tower and nearly twice the height of New York’s One World Trade Center.
Located in the coastal city of Jeddah along the Red Sea, the JEC Tower features a triangular form inspired by the folded leaves of a desert plant. This unique design helps the structure withstand the intense wind pressures at such extraordinary heights, while its notched sides protect it from the sun. The massive skyscraper is anchored by a robust foundation supported by 270 bored piles that reach up to 105 meters (344 feet) into the ground.
The tower’s interior will house 157 floors, serviced by 59 elevators, and will include a mix of luxurious residences, a high-end hotel, and expansive office spaces. Notably, it will also offer the world’s highest observation point, giving visitors breathtaking views from its upper reaches.
While the project broke ground over a decade ago, construction stalled at around 60 floors due to various factors, including political challenges, purges by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the arrest of Prince Al Waleed.
However, the project has now resumed in earnest, with the Kingdom Holding Company confirming that work is officially underway again after signing a SAR 7.2 billion (approximately US$1.9 billion) contract with the Saudi Binladin Group.
Prince Al Waleed recently posted a video on X with the words “We’re back,” hinting at the project’s revival and the resumption of construction after years of delay.
Source: Kingdom Holding Company