The Jeddah Economic City (JEC) Tower, on the Red Sea port city of Saudi Arabia, is set to reach an astounding height of 1km (0.62 miles).
Designed by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill, the architects behind the current world record-holder, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the new tower will eclipse its predecessor’s 828 metres (2,716 feet).
Floors are rising fast in the under-construction tower, slated to be the world's tallest man-made structure.
It is now reportedly speeding towards its goal of becoming the tallest building in the world, Gulf News reported.
The towering marvel aims for completion before 2030, solidifying the Saudi Arabia's ambitions under its Vision 2030 development plan, including pushing advances in AI, transportation, green economy, and data protection.
While minor delays may push back the tower's official inauguration date, the project remains on track to meet its overarching deadline.
Vision 2030
The JEC Tower is accompanied by other ambitious developments like The Line and the Mukaab, marking a transformation in the kingdom’s economy.
The Line has made significant progress. As of October 2024, construction was also underway on the Mukaab, a cube-shaped skyscraper in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Mukaab is expected to be the world's largest building.
Design legacy to surpass the Burj Khalifa
Originally known as the "Kingdom Tower", this groundbreaking project underwent several name changes before settling on JEC Tower.
Saudi Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, who spearheads the project, has confirmed the tower’s unprecedented 1-km height.
Interestingly, the final height has not been officially locked, sparking rumours it may even surpass that goal.
If so, it would cement its status as a global icon.
By comparison, it will be twice the height of the Empire State Building and almost double the One World Trade Center in the US.
Progress accelerates
After several years of stalled work, construction on this colossal undertaking has resumed with renewed vigour.
In October, CNN reported that construction of the tower has resumed – almost seven years after work ground to a halt.
On October 2, 2024, it was announced that construction would continue and would be completed by 2028.
On Thursday (January 23, 2025), the concrete has reached the 64th floor, with each floor taking just four days to pour, as per New Atlas.
Advanced techniques currently allow concrete pumping up to 800 metres (2,624 feet), with developers aiming to extend this limit to 1,000 metres (3,280 feet).
More than just a skyscraper
Once complete, JEC Tower will host 157 floors accessible via 59 elevators.
Among its standout features will be the world’s highest observation deck, alongside a luxury hotel, opulent residences, and extensive office space.
The project forms phase one of a larger development initiative, aiming to build a fully integrated community around the skyscraper.
Plans include schools, universities, hospitals, smaller residential and commercial buildings, and housing for up to 100,000 people.
Engineering feat
Towering more than three times the height of the Eiffel Tower, JEC Tower is not just a symbol of ambition but a bold declaration of the future Saudi Arabia envisions for itself.
As concrete rises and deadlines loom, this monumental skyscraper pushes architectural and engineering boundaries, redefining the limits of human achievement.
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