Burj Khalifa in Dubai (left) and Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia
Certified by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat as the world’s tallest building on March 10, 2010, the Burj Khalifa faces the possibility of losing its status to the Jeddah Tower, also known as Burj Jeddah and formerly recognized as Kingdom Tower, 14 years later.
Jeddah Tower is poised to become the world’s tallest structure, surpassing the 1000-meter mark, making it taller than the current tallest building by about 200 feet. While the exact height remains undisclosed, it is anticipated that, similar to the Burj Khalifa, the final height will be revealed upon completion this year.
The tower is designed to accommodate residential units, hotels, and offices, including an observatory deck that is expected to be the highest in the world, situated 2000 feet above the ground. To facilitate access, the tower will feature 59 elevators, designed to move at a slower speed compared to those in other tall buildings, aiming to mitigate the commonly associated elevator-induced nausea.
With a remarkable 252 stories, Jeddah Tower is set to claim the title of having the highest number of stories in the world. The Jeddah Tower is revolutionizing the realm of skyscrapers and could potentially pave the way for other towers surpassing the 1000-meter milestone. Despite being the tallest, it boasts one of the most elevated observatory decks globally. The Burj Khalifa, renowned for holding numerous records such as the building with the most floors and the tallest skyscraper, will see these records eclipsed upon the completion of the Jeddah Tower.
Both the Burj Khalifa and Jeddah Tower are situated in desert areas with fragile soil structures, necessitating a deeper foundation and consequently a larger gross floor area. Moreover, the Jeddah Tower is anticipated to exceed the Burj Khalifa in weight, with the latter weighing 500,000 tonnes compared to the former’s projected weight of over 900,000 tonnes. This underscores the superiority that the Jeddah Tower is poised to achieve over the Burj Khalifa.
Jeddah Observatory Deck
At the observation deck, visitors can experience a panoramic view of the Red Sea, which is in close proximity to the tower, given that Jeddah city is located along the Red Sea coast and serves as the largest seaport in the country. The opportunity to capture memorable moments with a 360-degree view of the surrounding areas makes it an ideal spot for souvenirs. Some individuals even utilize the deck for sunbathing, ensuring a delightful experience at the impressive heights.
The large, outdoor sky terrace will overlook the Red Sea and have an area of over 697 square metres (7,500 sq ft)
This observatory deck, situated at an astonishing height of 2000 feet above the ground, claims the title of being the world’s highest, spanning over 500 square feet. Constructed from steel and elegantly attached to the tower, its architectural design adds to the overall allure. While the Burj Khalifa boasts the second-largest observation deck globally, the Jeddah Tower’s surpassing height makes it a more appealing choice for most tourists.
Jeddah Hotels and Residences
As the Jeddah Tower aims to become the central business hub of Jeddah city, it is anticipated to house operational hotels with approximately 200 rooms, ensuring a robust supply of water and other essential amenities. These hotels are designed not only to provide comfortable accommodations but also to offer a diverse range of culinary options to delight any visitor. Recognizing the importance of a relaxing environment for tourists, the hotels will feature excellent architectural designs, promoting ample ventilation and mitigating the risk of overheating.
Living in one of the world’s tallest towers is an unparalleled luxury, and Jeddah Tower is set to offer just that with its impressive residential offerings. The tower will boast more than 500 residential apartments, each meticulously designed to cater to the specific needs of the surrounding communities. Residents will have the option to choose from four tiers of houses, each distinguished by a distinctive architectural design and an array of social amenities. This ensures that the residential experience at Jeddah Tower is not only elevated in terms of height but also in terms of comfort and tailored features to meet the diverse preferences of its inhabitants.
Delay and Restart
Construction of the Jeddah Tower experienced consistent progress initially, but in January 2018, the building owner, JEC, suspended structural concrete work when the tower was approximately one-third complete. This halt was attributed to labor disputes with a contractor, a consequence of the 2017–19 Saudi Arabian purge. Subsequently, construction work remained at a standstill, partly influenced by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of November 2023, uncertainty looms over the completion of the tower, with no clear timeline in place.
However, in September 2023, the Middle East Economic Digest (MEED) reported a revival in the project. Jeddah Economic City recommenced the initiative, and a request for proposals was issued to secure a contract for the completion of the tower. Fourteen construction contractors from the Middle East, Europe, and China were given a three-month window to prepare and submit their bids, indicating a potential resurgence in the construction efforts of the Jeddah Tower.
Also Read:
Bitcoin’s New Bullrun – Crosses $45000 First Time Since April 2022!
Missed Out On Investing in IPO’s in 2023? Keep an Eye out for the Top 5 IPO’s to watch in 2024!?