Current status at a glance
As of now, Jeddah Tower is not the tallest building in the world. The title still belongs to Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which stands at 828 m. Jeddah Tower, under construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has topped out at 346 m above ground and remains unfinished. Its final height is targeted to exceed 1,000 m, but until full completion and official measurement, it does not claim the record. This clarification separates confirmed facts from future projections.
Key definitions and scope
What counts as the world’s tallest building?
The recognized standard is the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) definition: height measured from the main entrance level of the completed building to the tip of the highest natural or artificial feature, including spire, but not antennas or flagpoles. Occupiable floor space and structural completion are also required. This consistent framework enables reliable comparisons over time.
How this article is structured
We first establish the current status, then compare Jeddah Tower to reigning tallest buildings, explain measurement methodology, outline construction timeline and challenges, and contextualize the project’s aims. This evergreen structure remains useful as facts solidify and plans evolve.
Burj Khalifa: the standing record
Completed in 2104 (opened 2010), Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the world’s tallest building at 828 m to its architectural tip. It holds the height record and has since 2010. Its nearest competitor, Shanghai Tower, is 632 m. These figures are verified by CTBUH and widely published by official authorities and reputable media.
Jeddah Tower: status and specifications
Formerly known as Kingdom Tower, Jeddah Tower is a mixed-use supertall under construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Below is a concise snapshot of verified attributes and estimates as of the latest public reports.
| Attribute | Verified Detail / Estimate | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Current topped-out height | 346 m (above ground) | On-site reports, developer announcements |
| Targeted final height | >1,000 m (design target) | Project design documents, public statements |
| Status | Under construction; not complete | Developer updates, news audits |
| Original target year | 2020 (later delayed) | Initial project timelines |
| Official CTBUH record | Not yet certified as tallest | CTBUH database and statements |
| Primary use | Mixed-use (hotel, office, residential, retail) | Project masterplan, developer materials |
Height context and comparisons
Even with its 1,000 m design target, Jeddah Tower would likely remain second to Burj Khalifa unless Dubai plans a taller successor. Other supertalls such as Merdeka 118 (Malaysia, 679 m) and Taipei 101 (Taiwan, 509 m) are substantially shorter than Burj Khalifa. By historical standards, the title of world’s tallest building has shifted from cathedrals to steel skyscrapers, but since 2010 the record has been held by one project in one location.
Construction timeline and challenges
Jeddah Tower broke ground in 2013, passed major milestones in structural raising, and topped out in 2023. However, progress has been slowed by funding issues, changes in project scope, and global economic conditions. Completion requires finishing cladding, interiors, and mechanical systems, followed by certification. The gap between topline and full delivery can be many years, making current height a poor predictor of final status.
Measurement methodology explained
CTBUH defines building height as vertical distance from the finished floor at the main entrance to the highest point of the structure, including permanent spires. Non-occupiable features such as antennas, cranes, or temporary construction elements are excluded. Disputed measurements can arise from differences in whether architectural spire versus functional height is counted. Consistent methodology ensures that rankings remain comparable across decades.
Why the question persists
The question ‘Is Jeddah Tower the tallest building in the world?’ recurs because of ambitious design targets and periodic news about its rising steel. High-profile projects often generate headlines that blur the line between future intent and current fact. Understanding status distinctions helps readers interpret announcements and avoid conflating planned height with occupied reality.
Key takeaways
- Burj Khalifa remains the tallest completed and occupied building as of today.
- Jeddah Tower has topped out but is not finished; it is not yet in the record books as the tallest.
- Record status is determined by CTBUH based on standardized measurement rules.
- Planned height does not equate to current title; completion and certification are required.
- Future projects would need to surpass 828 m and finish construction to change the record.
Looking ahead
Jeddah Tower will be closely watched for completion and potential record implications. Until then, the factual baseline is clear: it is the tallest building under construction, not the tallest completed building. This distinction keeps reporting accurate and expectations aligned with reality.