The ambitious Jeddah Tower project — envisioned to become the tallest building in the world — is back in motion after years of construction halt. Originally launched in 2013 as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s modernization efforts under Vision 2030, the tower is now on track for completion, with developers confirming in 2025 that the target date is set for 2028.
More than just an architectural feat, Jeddah Tower represents a broader economic strategy to elevate Jeddah into a global financial and cultural hub, capable of competing with the likes of Dubai, Shanghai, and New York City.
Project Overview
Jeddah Tower (formerly Kingdom Tower) is located in the northern area of Jeddah, on the coast of the Red Sea. When completed, it is expected to exceed 1,000 meters in height, making it the first building in the world to surpass the one-kilometer mark.
It will serve as the centerpiece of the sprawling Jeddah Economic City development, which covers more than 5.3 million m². The tower will feature:
- Luxury hotels and serviced apartments
- Premium-grade office spaces
- An observation deck at over 600 meters
- Conference and exhibition venues
- Elite retail and dining areas
- Innovative structural and sustainable technologies
Construction History and Delays
Construction began in January 2013, but by 2018 the project had stalled with only around 250 meters (63 floors) completed. Key factors behind the suspension included:
- Financial setbacks and investor withdrawal due to oil price drops
- The arrest of high-profile business figures, including project initiator Prince Alwaleed bin Talal
- Contractor disputes and supply chain challenges
- Engineering complexities of supertall construction in arid conditions with frequent sandstorms
Resumption and New Roadmap
In 2023, the project was formally revived with an updated schedule and a reorganized development team. By 2025, the Jeddah Economic Company (JEC) confirmed renewed international involvement from contractors in China, South Korea, and the UAE.
According to the new development timeline:
- Vertical construction is expected to resume fully and reach completion by late 2027
- The tower’s official opening is scheduled for the first half of 2028
- The revised total cost is estimated at over €1.6 billion
- At peak, the project will employ approximately 12,000 workers and specialists
Design and Engineering
The tower was designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the same firm responsible for Burj Khalifa in Dubai. However, Jeddah Tower aims to surpass its predecessor in all technical metrics.
Key architectural features include:
- A triangular, aerodynamic footprint designed to minimize wind resistance
- High-performance solar-reflective glass façade reducing thermal gain by up to 60%
- Ultra-fast smart elevators traveling at 10 m/s, including double-deck cabins
- Multi-zone climate control and energy recovery systems
- Use of low-carbon materials and compliance with LEED Gold certification
Commercial Program and Revenue Potential
Jeddah Tower is planned as a mixed-use vertical district, catering to high-end residential, corporate, and tourism markets. Space allocation:
- Approx. 35% for residential units
- 15% for hotel operations
- 30% for office space
- 20% for retail, events, and public zones
Price projections indicate that residential units may reach €12,000–€14,000 per m², while office leases could fetch €800–€1,200 per m² annually.
According to JEC’s financial models, the tower could generate over €300 million in annual revenue upon full occupancy and attract up to 3 million visitors per year, including tourists, corporate guests, and conference attendees.
Strategic Significance
Jeddah Tower is poised to reinforce the city’s status as the economic gateway of the Red Sea and act as a catalyst for regional development. Its potential benefits include:
- Attracting international firms, startups, and venture capital
- Boosting conference tourism and event-based revenue
- Expanding the hospitality, retail, and cultural sectors
- Stimulating real estate growth in Jeddah’s northern districts
The tower may also intensify competition with Dubai for regional dominance in the business and lifestyle segments.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite the renewed momentum, the project continues to face criticism and obstacles:
- Macroeconomic uncertainties in the Gulf and geopolitical risks
- Environmental concerns over the carbon footprint and water usage
- Transport connectivity limitations, especially from downtown Jeddah
- Questions about the long-term demand for luxury offices and housing amid remote work trends
Urban planners and sustainability experts have also raised questions about the relevance of kilometer-tall towers in the era of climate change and urban resilience.
Conclusion
The revival of Jeddah Tower marks the return of one of the world’s most iconic architectural ambitions. After a prolonged freeze, the project is once again moving forward — this time with updated strategies, stronger international partnerships, and improved environmental targets.
If completed as scheduled in 2028, the tower will not only set a new global height record but also become a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation and economic diversification.
With its scale, design, and vision, Jeddah Tower has the potential to redefine the skyline — not just of Jeddah or the Middle East, but of the world.
