World’s Tallest Building Coming To Saudi Arabia
According to Saudi Arabia’s Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, the Saudis are planning to build the world’s tallest building in north of Jeddah, overlooking the Red Sea. The building is the centerpiece of the planned Kingdom City development being built by Prince Alwaleed’s company, Kingdom Holding Co.
While the exact height is being kept a secret, the tower is believed to be 3,281 feet (1,000 meters) tall. The 57-million-square-foot building will house luxury condominiums, serviced apartments, offices, the world’s largest observatory and a Four Seasons hotel.
Prince Alwaleed’s company has signed a US$1.23 billion deal with the Bin Laden Group, the largest construction firm in Saudi Arabia. Designed by a team led by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the building is projected to take more than five years to complete.
“Building this tower in Jeddah sends a financial and economic message that should not be ignored,” Prince Alwaleed told The Wall Street Journal. “It has a political depth to it to tell the world that we Saudis invest in our country.”
Currently, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest man-made structure at 2,717 feet (828 meters). The Burj Khalifa was built by Emaar Properties for a total cost of $1.5 billion.
–Susmita Baral
