Saudi Arabia has regained momentum in the global skyscraper race, with the Jeddah Tower officially surpassing 80 floors. The milestone signals renewed progress toward its goal of becoming the world’s tallest building.
Once completed, the tower is designed to rise beyond 1,000 metres. This far exceeds the height of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, which stands at 828 metres. The achievement places the Jeddah Tower back at the centre of global architectural ambition.
Construction teams aim to complete the project by 2028. Work had stalled for several years due to economic pressures and regional geopolitical challenges. Progress resumed as Saudi Arabia doubled down on large-scale developments tied to long-term economic diversification.
Engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti (@ttinc) has shared images of construction progress at Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower and stated that the building had exceeded more than 80 storeys in height as of December 2025.
It’s understood that the project is now targeting a 2028… pic.twitter.com/HPtD77UUQh
— The B1M (@TheB1M) January 8, 2026The tower forms part of the Kingdom’s broader push to reduce reliance on oil by investing in landmark megaprojects. Structural engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti confirmed that 2025 marked a year of steady progress across key construction phases.
Upon completion, the supertall structure will house a luxury hotel, premium office space, and high-end residences. It will also feature the world’s highest observation deck. Its design also includes an energy-efficient exterior. Moreover, a network of 59 high-speed elevators is capable of operating at unprecedented vertical distances.
Architect Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture, the firm behind the tower’s design, said the project team remains fully committed to delivering the landmark. Partner Robert Forest noted that the focus is firmly on realising an iconic structure for the Kingdom.
The steady rise of Jeddah Tower underscores Saudi Arabia’s accelerating vision for a transformed future. Here, engineering scale, innovation, and global stature converge in one of the world’s most ambitious construction projects.
