Saudi Arabia is moving forward with plans for an unprecedented architectural marvel, the Rise Tower in Riyadh, projected to be a colossal 2,000 meters (2 kilometers) tall—more than double the height of Dubai’s current world-record holder, the 828-meter Burj Khalifa.
The ambitious project, which is part of the Kingdom’s sweeping “Vision 2030” economic diversification plan, signals a new phase in the global race for the world’s tallest skyscraper.
- Rise Tower (Riyadh): While still in the planning and contractor bidding phase, the proposed $5 billion tower is expected to reach an estimated height of 2,000 meters and feature an astounding 678 floors. Designed by Foster + Partners, it would establish a new category for “megatall” skyscrapers and anchor the futuristic 306 sq km North Pole project near King Khalid International Airport.
- Jeddah Tower (Jeddah): Separately, construction has officially resumed on the Jeddah Tower (formerly Kingdom Tower), which aims to be the world’s first one-kilometer-tall building, with a height of at least 1,008 meters. This landmark project, designed by the same architect as the Burj Khalifa, is back on track after years of delays and is now scheduled for completion by 2028. The tower, which is significantly taller than the Burj Khalifa (828m), will feature a Four Seasons hotel, luxury residences, office space, and the world’s highest observation deck.
The two projects underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transforming its urban landscape and becoming a global hub for business, tourism, and architectural innovation, effectively challenging regional competitors in the Middle East.
