Saudi Arabia’s long-delayed Jeddah Tower has reached a new construction milestone, surpassing 80 floors as work accelerates on what is set to become the tallest building ever constructed. The update marks the clearest sign yet that the kingdom is serious about reviving one of its most ambitious megaprojects after years of uncertainty.
The tower, known as Jeddah Tower, is designed to rise above 1,000 meters, overtaking Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, which currently holds the world height record. According to a recent construction update from structural engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti, more than 80 floors were completed by the end of 2025, placing the project firmly back on a vertical growth trajectory.
Construction began in 2009 but stalled in 2018 amid political and economic upheaval that disrupted contractors and financing. The Saudi government’s decision to restart the project reflects a broader push to revive flagship developments as part of its economic diversification strategy, which aims to reduce dependence on oil revenues.
The tower’s design comes from Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the same firm behind the Burj Khalifa. When complete, Jeddah Tower is expected to feature around 130 floors and a mixed-use program that includes a luxury hotel, office space, serviced apartments, high-end residences, and what is planned to be the world’s highest observation deck.
Engineering challenges scale with the building’s height. The tower will rely on one of the most advanced vertical transportation systems ever installed, with 59 elevators and 12 escalators. Its exterior wall system is engineered to reduce thermal loads and limit energy consumption, a critical consideration in Saudi Arabia’s climate.
Thornton Tomasetti described the recent progress as a major step toward a historic benchmark, noting that the tower will become the first human-made structure to reach a full kilometer in height. Architects involved in the project have also emphasized that on-site activity has intensified, with construction teams now operating at a pace consistent with the revised schedule.
If progress continues as planned, Jeddah Tower is expected to be completed by 2028. Its advance comes as Saudi Arabia doubles down on vertical megaprojects, positioning extreme height as both an engineering statement and a symbol of the country’s next development phase.
