Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Tower Surpasses 430-Meter Mark in Quest for World's Tallest Building

2026-08-03 global

Jeddah, Monday, 3 August 2026.
Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower has surpassed 430 meters, reaching 43% structural completion. Set to exceed 1,000 meters by 2028, it aims to eclipse Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.

Construction Milestone and Structural Progress

As of 2 August 2026, the Jeddah Economic Company Tower has officially surpassed the 430-meter height mark, reaching completion of the 107th floor [1][2]. This achievement represents approximately 43% of the total structural progress required for the megatall skyscraper [2]. The construction pace has accelerated significantly, with work currently adhering to a five-day floor construction cycle to maintain momentum toward the scheduled completion date of August 2028 [1]. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal confirmed the progress via social media, stating, “The numbers clearly tell the story, Level 107, & the journey continues” [1]. The project utilizes an estimated workforce of 5,200 people to sustain this rapid vertical expansion [1].

Design Specifications and Engineering Ambitions

The tower is designed to reach a minimum height of 1,000 meters, with architectural plans allowing for the main structure to potentially exceed 1.5 kilometers [1]. Based on the reported structural progress, the implied total height calculation aligns with the initial 1,000-meter target, derived from 1000 [2]. Dar Al-Handasah serves as the Architect of Record, having led design reviews and geotechnical engineering studies to ensure stability at such unprecedented elevations [8]. Edward McIntosh, regional design director at AtkinsRéalis Middle East & Africa, noted that the tower will function like a vertically stacked city, complete with its own internal transport system [1]. Infrastructure for the first phase of the surrounding Jeddah Economic Company City, covering 1.3 million square meters, has already been executed, including electricity, water, and high-speed internet connectivity [1].

Economic Context and Regional Competition

This construction milestone signals renewed momentum for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, reflecting substantial capital expenditure in large-scale infrastructure [1]. The project is funded by the Jeddah Economic Company through internal resources and banking facilities, with Dhs6 billion allocated for the remaining construction phases [1]. This progress occurs amidst a broader landscape of Gulf Cooperation Council economic rivalry, particularly as the tower prepares to surpass Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as the world’s tallest building [1][2]. However, not all regional gigaprojects are advancing simultaneously; contracts for multiple NEOM megastructures have been canceled, and “The Line” development faces halts until at least 2030 [2].

Future Outlook and Completion Timeline

With completion scheduled for August 2028, the project team aims to finish the “sky terrace” observation level around the 160th floor within approximately 60 weeks from mid-2026 [2]. John Peronto, managing principal at Thornton Tomasetti and project manager for the Jeddah Tower, described the current pace as “very aggressively” moving toward the major milestone [2]. The tower’s resurgence follows a multi-year stop-start period, with construction resumption officially announced by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal in 2025 [1]. As the structure rises, it stands as a testament to renewed investor confidence, with stakeholders reinforcing confidence in the quality and momentum behind this landmark project [8].

Sources

Jeddah Tower Saudi Vision 2030