The Tallest Building On the Earth Set To Rise In Riyadh

by Alexandra Mansilla

The Tallest Building On the Earth Set To Rise In Riyadh

26 Aug 2024

Photo: Julian Santa Ana

In March, there was exciting news from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — according to Architects Journal, the city is gearing up to host the tallest skyscraper in the world. Honestly, it is pretty impressive to think about. Imagine a building twice as tall as the Burj Khalifa, which currently holds the record at 828 meters. Can you imagine it? We can't.

Here is what we know so far about this monumental project.

Where is this tower going to be exactly?

They are planning to build it near King Khalid International Airport, about 35 km from downtown Riyadh.

Who is going to create it?

UK studio Foster + Partners.

How much is this giant tower going to set them back?

The details are a bit hazy, but it is described as a multibillion-dollar project, which isn't surprising given the ambition of the plan.

What is the design like?

There is nothing out yet on the Foster + Partners website regarding the tower's design, so we are all on the edge of our seats waiting for updates.

Why it matters

The engineering feat alone would be revolutionary — imagine a 2000-meter tower standing firm against the wind without swaying. That would be something to see!

What else is happening in Saudi Arabia?

Apart from this skyscraper, there is a lot going on.

— "The Line" (obviously, you know about it) is another massive urban development project.

— They are building Trojena, a ski resort in the desert that will be open for three months every year.

— And for the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia is constructing 15 stadiums, including the Neom Stadium in The Line at Neom, which will have a capacity of 46,000. These stadiums will be spread across Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Abha.

by Alexandra Mansilla