Kingdom Holding Company, backed by billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, has announced the resumption of work on the Jeddah Economic Company Tower, which is set to reach an impressive height of 1,000 meters, making it the world’s tallest skyscraper upon completion. This significant announcement marks a pivotal moment for the project, which has faced numerous challenges since its inception over a decade ago.
The tower, originally named “Kingdom Tower,” is designed by renowned American architect Adrian Smith and aims to emulate the natural contours of a desert plant. The ambitious project will feature a Four Seasons hotel, luxury apartments, office spaces, and three distinct lobbies on the upper floors. Additionally, it will house the world’s highest observation deck on the 157th level, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding region.
After standing half-built for years due to funding constraints, Kingdom Holding has confirmed that construction will resume with a projected timeline of 42 months. Currently, 63 of the planned 157 floors have been completed. To facilitate this next phase of construction, Kingdom Holding’s associate firm, Jeddah Economic Co., has secured a 7.2 billion riyals ($1.9 billion) agreement with the Saudi Binladin Group. The remaining project costs will be covered through internal resources and banking facilities.
The architectural design of the tower is both innovative and functional. The structure is engineered to rise from three separate bases, each terminating at different heights. This unique design not only balances the building’s weight but also enhances its stability against wind forces. The tower is envisioned as the centerpiece of an expansive economic city that will include a diverse array of offices, residential spaces, retail outlets, and hospitality developments.
Significant infrastructure work for the first phase of this project, covering an area of 1.3 million square meters, has already been completed. This initial phase has established essential services, including electricity, water supply, sewage systems, flood drainage, and high-speed internet connectivity, laying the groundwork for the forthcoming developments.
Once completed, the Jeddah Economic Company Tower will join a select group of mega-tall skyscrapers—defined as buildings that stand 600 meters or taller. Currently, only four structures hold this title: the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai Tower, and the Makkah Royal Clock Tower in Mecca. The completion of the Jeddah tower will further elevate Saudi Arabia’s status in the global skyline, reflecting the country’s commitment to ambitious architectural and economic development.
