Skyward Ambitions: Middle Eastโs Mega-Skyscrapers Set to Surpass Burj Khalifa
History is being made in the Middle East. Three groundbreaking skyscraper projects are racing toward the clouds, each designed to dwarf Dubaiโs iconic 828-meter Burj Khalifa. These architectural marvels will reshape the worldโs skyline and redefine whatโs possible in vertical construction.
The Tallest Buildings in the World
Expectations of supertall architecture are about to be shattered. The Middle East continues its dominance in pushing engineering boundaries with three ambitious projects that will claim multiple world records.
Rise Tower: Saudi Arabiaโs 2km Architectural Marvel
The most ambitious construction project ever conceived is taking shape. Rise Tower in Riyadh will be a 2,000-meter skyscraper- more than twice Burj Khalifaโs height.
Key Details
Height: 2,000 meters (678 floors)
Location: North Pole District, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Developer: Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Designer: Foster + Partners
Estimated Cost: $5 billion
Timeline: Construction start pending, contractor bids ongoing
This tower represents engineering excellence beyond imagination and will surpass Burj Khalifa by over 1,170 meters. The structure forms part of the futuristic 306 sq km North Pole project near King Khalid International Airport. Upon completion, this project will house luxury hotels, offices, residences, observation decks, dining, entertainment, and leisure spaces.
Jeddah Tower: Reviving the Kilometer-High Dream in Saudi Arabia
Patience with this project is finally being rewarded. Jeddah Tower, also known as Kingdom Tower, resumed construction in January 2025 after years of delays.
Project Highlights
Height: 1,000+ meters (approximately 1,008m with 157 floors)
Location: Jeddah Economic City, Saudi Arabia
Developers: Jeddah Economic Company & Kingdom Holding Company
Designer: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill (Burj Khalifaโs architects)
Cost: $1.23 billion (tower only)
Completion: 2028
Real progress is now visible. The 69 floor is completed as of now (Aug 2025) with construction accelerating rapidly. This Saudi skyscraper will be the first building to break the 1-kilometer milestone.
The tower will feature luxury mixed-use components, including:
Premium residences
Office spaces
Four Seasons hotel
Worldโs highest observation deck
Multiple dining and entertainment venues
This is part of Saudi Vision 2030 economic diversification plan where the Kingdom is to be a global hub for innovation, tourism and investment. Urban development is moving fast. These types of projects are economic drivers, attracting international companies, residents and tourists. Each project creates thousands of jobs and billions of economic activity.
Burj Azizi: Dubaiโs Push for Supertall Dominance
Dubaiโs response to Saudi competition shouldnโt be underestimated. Burj Azizi Dubai officially stands at 725 meters, though speculative reports suggest potential heights near 1 kilometer.
Project Features
Height: 725 meters confirmed (131 floors)
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Developer: Azizi Developments
Timeline: Construction started 2023, completion 2027-2028
Investment: Approximately $1.36 billion
Multiple world records will be achieved in one building:
Worldโs highest hotel lobby
Highest nightclub globally
Record-breaking observation deck
Tallest restaurant in Dubai
Highest hotel room in the emirate
The tower includes over 1,000 luxury residences and a seven-star hotel. Dubaiโs strategy to maintain its position as the UAE tall buildings capital is clear.
Regional Rivalry: How These Towers Eclipse Burj Khalifa
An unprecedented architectural arms race is unfolding. These three projects collectively represent over $7.5 billion in vertical construction investment.
| Tower | City | Expected Height | Floors | Developer | Expected Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rise Tower | Riyadh, SA | 2,000 m | 678 | Saudi PIF | TBD |
| Jeddah Tower | Jeddah, SA | 1,008 m | 157 | Jeddah Economic Co. | 2028 |
| Burj Azizi | Dubai, UAE | 725 m+ | 131 | Azizi Developments | 2027-2028 |
Three megatowers means a friendly but fierce regional rivalry. For years the Burj Khalifa was the benchmark. Now itโs the inspiration for a new generation of buildings that will be taller and more technologically advanced and ambitious.
By 2028, the Middle East skylines will be unrecognisable. The 1km barrier will be broken by the Jeddah Tower. And the 2km Rise Tower will create a new category of building altogether โ the megatall skyscraper.
This architectural race is a sign of the regionโs economic diversification and forward thinking. For you that means new, incredible destinations to add to your bucket list and a front row seat to watch the future being built.
