The Rise of Jeddah Tower: A New Icon on the Skyline

What do Philadelphia City Hall, the Empire State Building, and the Burj Khalifa have in common? They have all held the title of the world’s tallest skyscraper. Eventually, Jeddah Tower, a neo-futuristic structure planned in Saudi Arabia, will join the ranks of these iconic buildings.

Jeddah Tower: A Vision Come to Life

Designed by Adrian Smith of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, construction of Jeddah Tower began in 2013 but was paused in 2018. The contractor, Bin Laden Group, was removed from the project following significant political changes in Saudi Arabia. The COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to further delays; however, according to Dezeen, construction is now set to resume on this super-tall skyscraper.

Update on Construction and Future Plans

As reported by Dezeen, the developer, Jeddah Economic Company (JEC), is currently seeking new bids from contractors to move forward with the record-setting project. A range of global contractors has been invited to submit proposals, although a specific timeline for the completion of the project has yet to be disclosed.

• Before construction was halted, approximately one-third of the building was completed.
• Once completed, Jeddah Tower will reach a height of about 3,281 feet (approximately one kilometer), surpassing the Burj Khalifa by 564 feet.
• The project aims to feature a mixed-use building, including an observation deck, a Four Seasons hotel, residential areas, and commercial offices.

A Futuristic Design

Finished renderings reveal a glossy, glass-clad tower with a sloped facade. The design is inspired by nature; the sleek and streamlined form of the tower resembles the folded fronds of young desert plants. The upward growth from the ground symbolizes new beginnings fused with technological advancement.

What to Expect from Jeddah Tower

Upon its completion, Jeddah Tower is expected to redefine the skyline of Jeddah, making it a prominent landmark in the region. The tower not only aims to achieve remarkable heights but also intends to set new standards in modern architecture and engineering.