Saudi Arabia To Resume Building The World’s Tallest Skyscraper | Jeddah Tower

Construction work has resumed on Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, a skyscraper designed by Chicago-based studio Adrian Smith and Gill Gordon Architecture, which is expected to become the world’s tallest building. However, after six years of construction, this iconic skyscraper is now set to receive a new identity, transforming into the Jeddah Tower, nestled within the Jeddah Economic City. Local media reports indicate that the Saudi Binladin Group (SBG) is no longer part of the project, and new horizons beckon.

The Tower’s Grand Vision:
Soaring to an awe-inspiring height of one kilometer (3,280 feet), the Jeddah Tower will eclipse even Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa by over 560 feet (172 meters). To put it in perspective, envision stacking three Eiffel Towers atop each other. However, this towering achievement aims to be more than just a colossal structure; it aspires to be a hub of economic activity. The Jeddah Tower will house a luxurious hotel, state-of-the-art business facilities, office spaces, residential accommodations, and vibrant shopping areas. It promises to be an all-encompassing marvel.

A Panoramic View:
Jeddah Economic City, designed to overlook the enchanting Pearl of the Red Sea, will provide a picturesque backdrop for the Jeddah Tower. What sets this skyscraper apart is its ambition to offer views beyond imagination. The tower will boast the world’s highest observation deck, making it a contender for the title of the eighth wonder of the modern world.

An Urban Oasis:
Surrounded by a newly developed Waterfront District created by extending the Obhur Creek, the Jeddah Tower aims to offer a comprehensive intelligent transportation system within the region. It seeks to redefine urban living and mobility, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for residents and visitors alike.

Cost and Construction Challenges:
Initially announced in 2008, the Jeddah Tower had an estimated cost of $1.3 billion. However, with more than a decade passed since its inception, the final cost of constructing the world’s tallest building remains uncertain. The project encountered its share of challenges. German company Bauer undertook the piling work, but progress was marked by periods of strain. After seven years, construction came to an abrupt halt in 2017, with only 63 of the planned 252 floors completed.

Resuming the Ascent:
In a recent development, construction work has resumed on the Jeddah Tower, marking the end of nearly a decade of uncertainty. Designed by Chicago-based studio Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG), this skyscraper is poised to reach a staggering height of 1,000 meters, surpassing the current record-holder, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa (828 meters), a project that Adrian Smith previously led during his tenure at Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM).

Architecture:
Renderings of the Jeddah Tower, formerly known as the Kingdom Tower, depict a sleek glass-clad structure with a distinctive triangle footprint and fin-like indents on its sides that taper up to a pinnacle. This architectural masterpiece will house a Four Seasons hotel, residences, offices, and claim the title of the world’s highest observation deck on a constructed building.

Challenges:
The Jeddah Tower’s journey has been riddled with starts and stops, including labor disputes and the removal of the Binladin Group from the project due to the arrest of its owner, Bakr bin Laden, as part of the 2017 corruption purges in Saudi Arabia. The developer, Jeddah Economic Company (JEC), is currently soliciting new bids for a contractor to complete the project.

Future Prospects:
In Jeddah itself, plans are underway for Jeddah Central, a sprawling 5.7 million-square-meter residential and arts complex, funded by the country’s sovereign wealth fund – the Public Investment Fund.

Architectural Pioneers:
Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill founded their eponymous firm in 2006 after departing from SOM. Their recent projects include The Central Park Tower in New York, once the world’s tallest residential building during its construction phase.