For more than 15 years, the Burj Khalifa has dominated the global skyline. Standing at an incredible 828 metres, Dubai’s most famous landmark has held the title of the world’s tallest building since its completion in 2010.
However, that reign may not last forever.
Two ambitious projects currently under development in Saudi Arabia could eventually surpass the Burj Khalifa and reshape the race for the world’s tallest skyscraper. While one project remains in the design phase, the other is already under construction and steadily rising towards the sky.
Rise Tower Could Break Every Existing Record
The most ambitious of the two projects is the proposed Rise Tower in Riyadh.
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the mega-development is planned to reach an astonishing height of two kilometres, making it more than twice the height of the Burj Khalifa if completed as envisioned.
Design concepts for the project were unveiled by global architecture firm HKS in 2025. Although construction has not yet begun and the tower remains in the planning stages, the project forms a key part of Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision for future urban development.
Once completed, Rise Tower is expected to feature 678 floors, housing luxury hotels, premium office spaces, fine-dining restaurants, observation decks and high-end residential facilities.
The tower would serve as the focal point of a massive 306-square-kilometre masterplan known as the North Pole development, a futuristic city project planned for Riyadh.
While the project is still years away from becoming reality, its proposed scale demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s growing ambitions in architecture and urban development.
Jeddah Tower Is Already Rising
While Rise Tower remains a concept, the Jeddah Economic Company Tower, commonly known as Jeddah Tower, is much closer to becoming a reality.
The project has experienced numerous delays since construction first began more than a decade ago. However, work officially resumed in 2025 after a lengthy pause, and progress has accelerated significantly since then.
As of early 2026, the tower has reportedly risen above the 91st floor and reached approximately 370 metres in height. Construction teams continue to add new floors on a rapid schedule, supported by a workforce of more than 5,000 people.
Once completed, Jeddah Tower is expected to exceed 1,000 metres in height, making it the first building in history to cross the one-kilometre mark.
That achievement alone would be enough to push it ahead of the Burj Khalifa in the global rankings.
What Will Be Inside Jeddah Tower?
The skyscraper is being designed as a mixed-use development featuring luxury residences, commercial offices, retail facilities and hospitality offerings.
One of its most notable attractions will be a luxury Four Seasons hotel, alongside observation decks that provide panoramic views across Jeddah and the Red Sea coastline.
Construction crews have also begun work on the tower’s glass façade, marking another major milestone in the project’s development.
The tower forms part of the larger Jeddah Economic City project, a vast mixed-use urban development covering millions of square metres.
Developers have confirmed that key infrastructure for the first phase of the project, including roads, utilities, drainage systems and high-speed internet connectivity, has already been completed.
Could Dubai Build Another Record-Breaker?
While Saudi Arabia is pushing ahead with new supertall projects, reports have also suggested that Dubai may not be ready to give up the crown without a fight.
Industry reports in recent years have indicated that developer Emaar could be considering a new super tower project that would rival the Burj Khalifa. However, no official details have been announced regarding height, design or construction timelines.
If such a project moves forward, it could spark a new competition between the UAE and Saudi Arabia for the title of the world’s tallest building.
The Burj Khalifa’s Record Is Safe — For Now
Despite the growing competition, the Burj Khalifa remains comfortably at the top of the global rankings today.
Jeddah Tower is expected to be completed around 2028, while Rise Tower remains in the conceptual stage with no confirmed completion date.
That means Dubai’s iconic skyscraper still has several years left to enjoy its position as the tallest building on Earth.
Interestingly, both the Burj Khalifa and Jeddah Tower share a connection. American architect Adrian Smith played a key role in designing both landmark structures, helping shape two of the most ambitious skyscraper projects ever attempted.
For now, the Burj Khalifa remains the undisputed king of the skyline—but the race to build even taller is far from over.
FAQs: Burj Khalifa and the Race for the World’s Tallest Building
Two mega-projects in Saudi Arabia, Rise Tower and Jeddah Tower, are planned to exceed the Burj Khalifa’s height of 828 metres.
The Burj Khalifa stands at 828 metres and has held the title of the world’s tallest building since 2010.
Jeddah Tower is expected to exceed 1,000 metres, making it the first skyscraper to surpass one kilometre in height.
Rise Tower is a proposed skyscraper in Riyadh that could reach two kilometres in height if completed according to current plans.
Construction is currently expected to finish in 2028, although timelines may change as work progresses.
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