Saudi Arabia is making significant progress on one of the world’s most ambitious construction projects, with Jeddah Tower targeting completion in 2028. Designed to rise more than one kilometre into the sky, the landmark skyscraper is advancing under a SR7.2 billion ($1.92 billion) construction agreement covering its remaining building works.
Once completed, Jeddah Tower is expected to become the world’s tallest building, surpassing Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and setting a new benchmark for modern skyscraper engineering. The project is also expected to strengthen Jeddah’s international profile as a destination for large-scale construction, investment and urban development.
According to the latest construction update reported by Kingdom Holding on November 2, 2026, the tower had reached 120 floors and approximately 482 metres in height. More than 322,000 cubic metres of concrete had been poured, while over 3,900 façade panels had been installed.
The development comes at a time when the wider Middle East property market continues to attract international attention. From Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects to Dubai Property developments, the region is investing heavily in infrastructure, residential communities and landmark architectural projects.
Jeddah Tower Construction Reaches 120 Floors
Jeddah Tower’s construction is progressing towards its ambitious target of exceeding one kilometre in height. The latest update indicates that the building has reached approximately 482 metres, marking an important milestone in its construction programme.
The project is being developed by Jeddah Economic Company, with Saudi Binladin Group responsible for the main construction works.
In October 2024, Kingdom Holding announced a SR7.2 billion ($1.92 billion) agreement covering the remaining construction works on the tower. This agreement represents a major step towards completing the structure and advancing its associated building systems.
Several important construction milestones have already been achieved:
– Height: Approximately 482 metres.
– Floors: 120 floors completed.
– Concrete: More than 322,000 cubic metres poured.
– Façade: Over 3,900 façade panels installed.
– Construction agreement: SR7.2 billion ($1.92 billion).
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works are also progressing alongside structural and façade construction.
These developments indicate that the project is moving beyond its earlier construction stages, although substantial work remains before the skyscraper can be completed and made operational.
Jeddah Tower Targets Completion in 2028
The current completion target for Jeddah Tower is 2028. However, achieving this deadline will depend on the remaining construction programme, engineering requirements and coordination of the various building systems.
The tower is designed to exceed one kilometre in height, making it a particularly complex construction undertaking. Its final height and completion timeline will depend on the successful delivery of the remaining structural, façade and technical works.
The project’s progress has also attracted international industry attention. A new report titled Global Tall Building Construction 2027: Ten Cities to Watch, published by London Construction Magazine, identifies Jeddah as one of ten cities to watch for major tall-building developments.
The report examines significant skyscraper projects around the world, highlighting engineering challenges, construction opportunities and investment potential.
Jeddah Tower’s inclusion reflects its international significance and the scale of engineering expertise required to deliver a building of this height.
Engineering Challenges Behind the World’s First 1km Skyscraper
Constructing a building that exceeds one kilometre in height requires advanced engineering, specialised materials and highly coordinated construction processes. Jeddah Tower presents several technical challenges that go beyond those associated with conventional high-rise buildings.
The project has been designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture with Thornton Tomasetti serving as the structural engineer.
Some of the major engineering considerations include:
- Wind resistance: At extreme heights, wind forces become a major structural concern. The tower’s design must account for changing wind conditions and maintain stability throughout its height.
- Concrete placement: Pouring concrete at such heights requires specialised equipment, carefully managed construction schedules and strict quality control.
- Vertical transportation: Moving residents, visitors, workers and equipment efficiently through a building exceeding one kilometre requires sophisticated elevator and transportation systems.
- Façade installation: Installing thousands of façade panels at extreme heights requires precision, safety planning and specialised construction methods.
- Mechanical and electrical systems: The building’s cooling, ventilation, electrical distribution, water supply and other essential systems must operate efficiently across its enormous vertical structure.
These challenges make Jeddah Tower an important project for the international construction and engineering industry.
Jeddah Economic City Gains International Attention
Jeddah Tower is planned as the centrepiece of the wider Jeddah Economic City development. The wider development is intended to create a major urban destination with residential, commercial and other supporting facilities. The skyscraper is expected to serve as its defining architectural landmark.
The project’s scale could attract international developers, engineering companies, specialist contractors and investors interested in large-scale urban development.
According to London Construction Magazine’s international construction study, Jeddah is among ten cities attracting attention for significant tall-building developments.
The report considers information available up to November 3, 2026, and examines projects across ten countries. It is not a numerical ranking; instead, it distinguishes between buildings under active construction, completed structures and proposed developments.
Mihai Chelmus, Founder and Editor of London Construction Magazine, highlighted Jeddah’s engineering ambition and the international importance of the tower’s construction progress.
The development demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s growing ambitions in architecture, infrastructure and large-scale urban transformation.
How Jeddah Tower Compares with Dubai’s Real Estate Development
The progress of Jeddah Tower also provides an opportunity to examine the wider development of the Middle East’s property and construction markets.
Dubai has established itself as a global destination for luxury residential developments, commercial infrastructure and architectural landmarks. Projects such as the Burj Khalifa have helped strengthen the city’s international reputation.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is investing in major urban developments and infrastructure projects that are expected to reshape its property market.
For investors researching Dubai Real Estate, these regional developments highlight the growing importance of comparing different markets across the Gulf.
Dubai continues to offer opportunities through Dubai Off Plan Projects, established residential communities and new master-planned developments. Buyers interested in Off Plan Property Dubai can explore residential projects across different locations, developers and price categories.
The market also offers opportunities for investors looking for Affordable Off Plan Properties in Dubai, while premium developments continue to attract international buyers.
However, Jeddah Tower should be viewed primarily as a landmark construction and urban-development project rather than a direct comparison with residential off-plan developments in Dubai. The factors influencing investment decisions in each market can differ significantly.
What Jeddah Tower Means for the Middle East’s Property Market?
Large-scale developments such as Jeddah Tower demonstrate how infrastructure, architecture and urban planning are influencing the Middle East’s long-term economic ambitions.
Saudi Arabia’s investment in landmark projects is expected to create opportunities across construction, engineering, hospitality and supporting property sectors. At the same time, Dubai continues to strengthen its position as an established international destination for residential and commercial real estate.
For those considering Dubai Property Investment, the region’s development activity reinforces the importance of evaluating location fundamentals, infrastructure investment, developer reputation and long-term demand.
Buyers exploring New Projects in Dubai, Off Plan Properties and Off Plan Properties for Sale in Dubai should focus on the fundamentals of each individual project rather than relying solely on the wider regional growth story.
Jeddah Tower’s progress towards its 2028 completion target will remain an important development to watch. If successfully completed, the project will represent a major milestone in skyscraper engineering and further strengthen Saudi Arabia’s international construction profile.
Source and Attribution: This article has been independently rewritten using information and financial figures reported by Khaleej Times. All company financial results, sales figures, handover targets and development plans are credited to the original reporting.
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