Construction resumes on the world’s tallest skyscraper

After seven years of silence and uncertainty, construction has finally resumed on the Jeddah Tower, a megaproject in Saudi Arabia that, once completed, will dwarf all existing skyscrapers and redefine the global skyline. Originally envisioned to surpass a kilometre in height, the building will stand as a symbol of Saudi Arabia's ambitions to position itself as a global player in both architecture and economic power. This resumption also marks a pivotal moment in construction history as the tower is poised to break every existing record in the world of skyscrapers, cementing its place as a modern marvel, writes John Ridgeway.

The story of Jeddah Tower began with grand plans and ambitious timelines. Launched in 2013 as the centrepiece of the Jeddah Economic City project, the building was designed to rise more than 1,000 metres (about 3,280 feet) into the air. Once completed, it will far surpass the current tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which stands at 828 metres (2,717 feet). The tower was envisioned to be a monument to the rapid growth and urbanisation of Saudi Arabia, serving as both a commercial and residential hub.

However, after reaching about 60 floors of construction, work on the project ground to a halt in 2018 due to financial difficulties, labour shortages, and political instability. The construction site was left standing incomplete and half-built for years, its soaring ambitions symbolized by a skeletal framework that stretched towards the sky.

Now, with construction restarted, Jeddah Tower’s developers aim to complete the tower by the end of this decade. This restart marks not only a continuation of a stalled dream but also a shift in Saudi Arabia's broader economic and social strategies.

Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia's decision to restart construction on Jeddah Tower aligns with its Vision 2030 initiative, an ambitious national framework aimed at diversifying the country's economy beyond oil. Spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the plan seeks to enhance industries such as tourism, real estate and construction, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for business and tourism.

In the context of Vision 2030, Jeddah Tower is much more than just an architectural statement. It represents Saudi Arabia’s effort to redefine its global image, moving away from a reputation as solely an oil-dependent nation towards one that embraces modernity, technology, and a diversified economy. Jeddah Tower will be a centrepiece of this transformation, serving as a tourist destination and a centre for global business. Once completed, it is expected to house offices, hotels, apartments and the world’s highest observation deck.

The completion of Jeddah Tower will be a milestone not only for Saudi Arabia but for the world of architecture. At more than 1,000 metres in height, it will triple the size of London’s Shard, which stands at 310 metres (1,016 feet), and dwarf other famous skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building in New York and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

The tower’s design is the work of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, an American firm renowned for its work on iconic skyscrapers, including the Burj Khalifa. Jeddah Tower’s design incorporates innovative engineering to support the sheer height of the building, including a streamlined form that reduces wind load and other environmental impacts. Its design also features a unique triangular footprint, meant to enhance both its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

When completed, Jeddah Tower will not only be the tallest building in the world but also a testament to advancements in construction technology. Its structure will be able to withstand the unique challenges posed by extreme height, such as high winds and temperature fluctuations, making it a case study for future skyscrapers.

Construction challenges

Building what will become the world’s tallest skyscraper comes with monumental engineering challenges. The unprecedented height presents a set of structural, logistical, and environmental hurdles. The higher a building reaches, the more susceptible it becomes to wind forces, temperature variations and the stresses of gravity. To counter these factors, the Jeddah Tower will incorporate cutting-edge construction techniques and materials.

One of the most impressive features is its foundation, designed to support the immense weight and height of the tower. It has to account for the tower's height and the soil conditions of the coastal area, ensuring stability despite the massive vertical load. To achieve this, engineers are employing deep pile foundations, which descend hundreds of metres into the ground, anchoring the tower securely to bedrock.

The tower’s lift or elevator systems will also be a marvel. It is expected to feature the world’s fastest and longest elevators, which will move at speeds exceeding 10 metres per second. This will enable visitors and residents to traverse the enormous structure with minimal delays. Additionally, Jeddah Tower will be equipped with sky lobbies, where passengers will change lifts due to the impracticality of using a single system for the entire height of the building.

Furthermore, the tower is designed with sustainability in mind. Energy efficiency is critical for a structure of this size, and Jeddah Tower will use energy-saving technologies, such as high-performance glass that reduces heat gain and advanced HVAC systems to regulate temperature.

The tower is also expected to attract global investors and boost the local economy. By drawing in tourists, businesses, and conferences, Jeddah Tower will turn Jeddah into a must-visit destination, much like Dubai has done with the Burj Khalifa. Saudi Arabia hopes that the tower’s completion will establish the country as a major player in global tourism, further advancing the goals set out in Vision 2030.

Moreover, Jeddah Tower’s symbolism goes beyond just its physical stature. The tower is emblematic of a broader shift in the Middle East, where countries are using architecture to signal their ambitions and shift their narratives on the world stage. Much like the Burj Khalifa did for Dubai, Jeddah Tower will become a globally recognised symbol of Saudi Arabia’s modernisation and its growing influence in global affairs.

Reviving the project

The decision to restart construction on Jeddah Tower was not made lightly. The challenges that caused its initial delay—financial difficulties, labour issues, and the global economic downturn—have provided important lessons. This time, the developers, Jeddah Economic Company (JEC), have secured better funding and are more attuned to the broader global economic landscape.

A significant factor in the project’s revival is the improved outlook for Saudi Arabia's economy, which is bolstered by rising oil prices and government reforms aimed at economic diversification. These factors, combined with more rigorous project management, give the developers confidence that the tower will be completed without further delays.

Jeddah Tower will undoubtedly raise the bar for future skyscrapers, but it begs the question: how much taller can buildings get? Advances in engineering and construction materials are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, but at a certain point, economic feasibility and practicality come into play. While Jeddah Tower may hold the title of the world’s tallest building for some time, it also signals a future where supertall skyscrapers become more common.

As cities around the world continue to urbanise and land becomes more valuable, vertical construction will be a logical solution. Jeddah Tower, as a technological and architectural marvel, will pave the way for future innovations in how cities and buildings are designed. Its completion will not only mark a new chapter in skyscraper design but will also demonstrate the limitless possibilities of human ambition and innovation.