The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Architectural Ambitions: Rise Tower and Jeddah Tower Set to Redefine Urban Skylines
When one thinks of the tallest structure on the globe, the mind often immediately conjures the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai. However, our neighbors in Saudi Arabia are poised to shift that paradigm with two monumental projects that promise to eclipse the Burj Khalifa, both in stature and architectural novelty. The Rise Tower in Riyadh, envisioned to reach an astonishing height of 2,000 meters, alongside the much-anticipated Jeddah Tower, both signify the Kingdom’s commitment to not just match but surpass existing records in high-rise construction.
Rise Tower in Riyadh: A Vertical Marvel
The Rise Tower is a crowning jewel of Riyadh’s North Pole District, an ambitious project unveiled earlier this year, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Upon its completion, this architectural wonder will redefine global standards for skyscrapers, standing at over twice the current height of the Burj Khalifa. The visionary design is the work of the internationally acclaimed architectural firm Foster + Partners, which has crafted a structure comprising 678 floors replete with luxury hotels, upscale residences, state-of-the-art offices, high-end dining, and exhilarating entertainment venues, not to mention breathtaking observation decks that will afford visitors unparalleled views of the Saudi landscape.
With an estimated investment of approximately billion, the Rise Tower is more than a mere skyscraper; it is envisioned as a vertical city, encompassing a vibrant array of urban experiences within its walls. Currently, global construction firms are preparing bids to transform this vision into reality, as excitement builds for what promises to be an engineering marvel.
Photograph credit: HKS Architects
Jeddah Tower: Resurgence of an Icon
On the other wing of the Kingdom lies the equally ambitious Jeddah Tower, formerly known as the Kingdom Tower. This project has garnered international attention and has faced its share of setbacks since construction initially began in 2013. The project hit a standstill in 2018 due to financial constraints, but as of January 2025, momentum has surged, resulting in the completion of 70 floors, with plans to finalize the structure by 2028. Once completed, the Jeddah Tower will soar to a height of approximately 1,008 meters, securing its place as the tallest building under construction in Saudi Arabia.
Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the Jeddah Tower is set to house deluxe residences, office spaces, and a Four Seasons Hotel, featuring the world’s highest observation deck. With an estimated budget of .23 billion, it is expected to anchor the Jeddah Economic City, a transformational initiative aimed at stimulating global investment and positioning Jeddah as a premier destination for business and tourism.
Photograph credit: Jeddah Economic Company Tower
Transforming Global Skylines
The ambitious projects of the Rise Tower and Jeddah Tower reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to elevate its profile as a hub of innovation and design excellence. With one structure reaching toward 2 kilometers and the other exceeding 1 kilometer, the question of which building holds the title of the tallest is set to evolve dramatically over the coming years.
These structures symbolize the Kingdom’s aspirations to redefine urban living and sustainable design, reinforcing its standing as a leader in architectural innovation. As these projects near completion, the maps of global skylines may very well be redrawn, leading to a new era in which Saudi Arabia is recognized not merely as a land of rich cultural heritage, but also as a pioneer of modern architectural achievements.
For many, the emergence of these towering giants may evoke mixed emotions; the standing legacy of the Burj Khalifa, a symbol of Dubai’s ascent on the world stage, could soon be overshadowed. Yet, there is no disputing that the continued evolution of Saudi Arabia’s architectural landscape fortifies the Middle East’s position as a leader in global innovation and economic resilience.
As construction progresses on these extraordinary projects, one cannot help but wonder: