In Saudi Arabia they are not used to abandoning projects, no matter how ambitious (or crazy) they are. One of them, the incredible Jeddah Tower, it will be resumed after a hiatus of almost 6 years. This extraordinary tower, which will rise one kilometer into the sky, will change not only the skyline of Saudi Arabia, but also the way we perceive the skyscrapers and cities of the future.
The race to the sky
The idea of building high is not new. For centuries, humanity has been trying to get closer to the sky with its architecture, from the pyramids of ancient Egypt to the modern skyscrapers of New York and Dubai.
Jeddah Tower, however, takes this aspiration to a whole new level. The tallest structure in the world (it will surpass the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the current record holder) by 180 meters will not just be a place to live or work, but a center of economic activity. Inside there will be a luxury hotel, corporate structures, offices, residential spaces, commercial areas and much more.
The stop, now we start again
The Jeddah Tower project, entrusted 15 years ago to the American architect Adrian Smith, (who also designed the Burj Khalifa) came to an abrupt halt in 2018. The arrest of billionaire Al-Waleed bin Talal, owner of Kingdom Holding which had started construction, stopped the construction site when the tower was about a third complete.
Today, 14 companies both local and international are vying to complete it, and the enthusiasm is palpable again.
Jeddah Tower, panoramic view of the future
The location of Jeddah Tower was chosen with extreme care. Its height will allow it to have the highest observation point in the world, promising a unique and unforgettable perspective. Imagine watching the sunset from a kilometer in the air, with the Red Sea stretching to the horizon.
An expensive sunset, I guess. When Jeddah Tower was announced in 2008, its cost was estimated at $1,3 billion – today it will be the second thing to travel skyward. We still have no estimates on completion times, but one thing is certain: when completed, Jeddah Tower will be a key attraction for Saudi Arabia, but an example of engineering and innovation for the entire planet.
