Burj Khalifa May Lose Title as World’s Tallest Tower

By Ameena Amin | Published August 21, 2025

For over a decade, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa has held the title of the world’s tallest building, standing at an iconic height of 828 metres. But the era of its dominance may soon come to an end, as Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects are gearing up to surpass it with record-breaking skyscrapers that promise to reshape the global skyline.

Rise Tower in Riyadh – A 2,000 Metre Giant

In Riyadh, the ambitious Rise Tower is currently in the design phase and has already generated massive international buzz. If completed as planned, it will soar to a staggering 2,000 metres, more than double the height of Burj Khalifa.

The futuristic tower is expected to feature nearly 700 floors, including luxury hotels, restaurants, office spaces, and sky-high observation decks. It will also be the centrepiece of the North Pole Development Project, a next-generation urban city designed to transform Riyadh into a global hub.

Jeddah Tower – Construction Resumes

Meanwhile, in Jeddah, work has resumed on the long-delayed Jeddah Tower (previously known as Kingdom Tower). Planned to reach 1,000 metres, the skyscraper will become the first kilometre-tall building in the world.

Developers have confirmed that Jeddah Tower will house luxury apartments, corporate offices, hotels, and an observation deck with breathtaking views of the Red Sea. Over 60 floors have already been completed, and the project is expected to move steadily towards completion within the next few years.

A New Era of Skyscraper Rivalry

Both Saudi projects are supported by massive investments and world-renowned architects, setting up a fierce rivalry to dethrone Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as the global landmark for architectural excellence.

The competition to build the world’s tallest tower is no longer about setting records—it is about defining the future of Middle Eastern cities. While Burj Khalifa remains a symbol of Dubai’s progress and innovation, its reign at the top may be approaching its end.