Saudi Arabia continues construction on Jeddah Tower, a skyscraper designed to surpass the famous Burj Khalifa in Dubai and become the tallest building in the world. As of October 2026, construction has reached the 121st floor, with the structure standing at approximately 486 meters.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2028. According to the design, the tower's height is expected to exceed 1,000 meters, which is at least 180 meters taller than the Burj Khalifa.

Jeddah Tower: 121 floors and 486 meters tall

Construction of the Jeddah Tower has reached a new milestone: the 121st floor has been erected out of 167 planned.

Thus, in terms of the number of floors, the project is approximately 72%complete, although this figure does not reflect the overall construction progress of the building.

Once completed, Jeddah Tower is set to become the first skyscraper in the world to exceed one kilometer in height.

For comparison, the height of the Burj Khalifa is 828 meters. Currently, the Dubai skyscraper holds the world record for the tallest completed building.

The Jeddah Tower project involves not only record-breaking height but also the creation of a multifunctional complex as part of a new urban district.

Why construction was halted for six years

The history of Jeddah Tower began in 2013when the Saudi Binladin Group (SBG) became the general contractor for the project.

However, construction was suspended in January 2018. By that time, the tower had reached 63 floors.

The reasons cited for the halt included technical challenges associated with the structure's unprecedented height. Further delays occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Work resumed at the end of 2024.

In October of that same year, a contract worth approximately $1.9 billion was signed with the Saudi Binladin Group to complete the skyscraper.

Since the project resumed, the number of completed floors has increased from 63 to 121.

A new urban district will emerge around Jeddah Tower

The skyscraper will be the centerpiece of the large-scale Jeddah Economic Cityproject, located on the northern coast of Jeddah.

The total area of the site is 5.2 sq. km, and the development of the district is divided into three phases.

Jeddah Tower is part of the first phase of construction.

The new district will feature:

• Premium residential apartments.
• Five-star hotels.
• Modern office spaces.
• Conference centers.
• Cultural and public facilities.

The project is focused on creating a multifunctional urban space that integrates residential, hospitality, and commercial real estate.

The development of Jeddah Economic City is also aimed at attracting international companies, entrepreneurs, and investors.

When Jeddah Tower will surpass the Burj Khalifa

According to the current schedule, the completion of Jeddah Tower is expected in 2028.

The building's design height exceeds one kilometer, while the Burj Khalifa reaches 828 meters.

If the stated specifications are achieved, Saudi Arabia will set a new world record for skyscraper height.

However, as of October 2026, Jeddah Tower remains under construction, so the Burj Khalifa continues to hold the title of the world's tallest completed building.

Saudi Arabia expands its construction scale

Jeddah Tower will be part of a larger development project in Jeddah, which includes the creation of a new residential and business district on the Red Sea coast.

The construction of the 167-story skyscraper and the development of a 5.2-square-kilometer area demonstrate the scale of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure and development projects.

At the same time, Dubai remains home to the Burj Khalifa, one of the world's most recognizable architectural landmarks.

Even if a new record-holder emerges, the Burj Khalifa will retain its significance for the emirate's architecture and tourism infrastructure.

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