Saudi Arabia has announced one of the most ambitious architectural projects in human history—Rise Tower, a staggering 2,000-meter (1.2-mile) skyscraper planned for construction in Riyadh. Once completed, the tower will stand twice as tall as Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, firmly securing its place as the tallest man-made structure ever built.
The project, estimated to cost around $5 billion, was unveiled as part of the kingdom’s rapidly expanding portfolio of futuristic developments under Vision 2030, an initiative aimed at economic diversification and global innovation leadership.
A 678-Storey Vertical City
Designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners, Rise Tower will feature an extraordinary 678 floors, effectively creating a vertical city complete with luxury hotels, entertainment complexes, viewing platforms, residential areas, and world-class dining experiences.
The tower will serve as the centerpiece of the expansive North Pole megaproject, a planned district covering nearly 300 square kilometers in northern Riyadh. The development aims to blend cutting-edge technology with sustainable living at a scale never attempted before.
Global Contractors Competing for the Project
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has officially invited bids from some of the world’s largest
and most experienced contractors, including:
Aecom (USA),Bechtel (USA),Mace (UK)
These companies have previously worked on some of the most iconic global megaprojects, making the bidding process highly competitive. A final decision is expected after a series of technical evaluations and feasibility studies.
A Vision of Sustainable Urban Living
The North Pole district is designed to be a fully sustainable ecosystem. Plans include:
Renewable energy integration (solar, wind, advanced storage systems)
A high-speed metro system connecting the massive district
Autonomous vehicles for safe and efficient mobility
Smart city technologies integrated into every layer of infrastructure
Environmentally friendly design is central to the project, ensuring that Rise Tower and the surrounding district align with both global climate goals and Saudi Arabia’s long-term sustainability strategy.
A Landmark for the Future
If completed as envisioned, Rise Tower will not only be a feat of engineering but a global landmark symbolizing the next era of urban development. Analysts note that the project represents Saudi Arabia’s intent to redefine modern architecture, tourism, and economic influence in the Middle East.
As the world watches closely, Rise Tower stands poised to become the definitive architectural marvel of the 21st century—a structure that pushes the boundaries of height, design, and human ambition.
