Skyscrapers have always been a symbol of human ambition, engineering brilliance, and architectural mastery. Over the years, cities worldwide have competed to build the tallest and most awe-inspiring structures. As of 2025, the world’s top three tallest completed buildings are Burj Khalifa, Merdeka 118, and Shanghai Tower. However, an even taller structure is currently under construction in Saudi Arabia—Jeddah Tower, which, upon completion, will surpass all existing skyscrapers.
Let’s take a closer look at these incredible architectural marvels.
Burj Khalifa (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
Height: 828 meters (2,717 feet)
Floors: 163
Completion: 2010
The Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world, standing at a breathtaking 828 meters
(2,717 feet). Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), this mega skyscraper was designed by
Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the same firm that designed many iconic skyscrapers
globally.
Key Features:
- Inspired by Islamic architecture, its Y-shaped design maximizes space and stability.
- Houses residences, offices, luxury hotels, and restaurants, including the famous Atmosphere, one of the highest dining venues in the world.
- Features an observation deck at 555 meters (1,821 feet) on the 148th floor, offering a
- stunning panoramic view of Dubai.
- Uses a pumped concrete system, making it a ground-breaking feat in engineering.
The Burj Khalifa has not only set records for height but also for design innovation and sustainability,
using a cutting-edge cooling system and water recycling technology.
Merdeka 118 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Height: 678.9 meters (2,227 feet)
Floors: 118
Completion: 2023
The second tallest building in the world is Merdeka 118, a stunning new addition to the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Designed by Fender Katsalidis, and completed in 2023, this 678.9-meter (2,227-foot) tower has overtaken the Shanghai Tower for second place.
Key Features:
The design is inspired by Malaysia’s independence, with its shape resembling the outstretched hand gesture made by the country’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, when declaring independence for the newly formed country of Malaya on 31 st August 1957 [Merdeka means “Independence” in the Malay language].
- It has 118 floors, housing offices, residences, retail spaces, and the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur hotel.
- Features The View at 118, South-East Asia’s highest observation deck.
- The tower is eco-friendly, using sustainable materials and energy-efficient technology.
- Merdeka 118 is not just a symbol of Malaysia’s growth but also a key economic driver for Kuala Lumpur.
Shanghai Tower (Shanghai, China)
Height: 632 meters (2,073 feet)
Floors: 128
Completion: 2015
The Shanghai Tower, located in China’s financial district, Lujiazui, Shanghai, is the third tallest building in the world. It reaches a height of 632 meters (2,073 feet) and is known for its sleek, twisting design, which reduces wind resistance by 24%, making it more energy efficient.
Key Features:
- Designed by Gensler, its spiralling form symbolizes China’s rapid modernization and global influence.
- Has the world’s second-fastest elevators, reaching speeds of 20.5 meters per second (67 feet per second).
- Contains office spaces, retail areas, luxury hotels, and sky gardens.
- Certified as a LEED Platinum green building due to its energy-saving technologies and rainwater recycling systems.
The Shanghai Tower is not just an engineering feat but a testament to sustainable skyscraper design.
The Future Tallest Building: Jeddah Tower (Saudi Arabia)
Planned Height: 1,000+ meters (3,281+ feet)
Floors: 167+
Expected Completion: 2027 (estimated)
Located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Jeddah Tower (formerly known as the Kingdom Tower) is currently under construction and is set to become the tallest building in the world upon completion. Designed to surpass the 1,000-meter (3,281-foot) mark, it will be the first skyscraper to reach the kilometre-high milestone (watch video).
Key Features:
- Designed by Adrian Smith, the same architect behind Burj Khalifa.
- Will house a luxury hotel, residential apartments, office spaces, and an observation deck at over 660 meters (2,165 feet), making it the highest observation deck in the world.
- Part of the Jeddah Economic City, a massive urban development project aiming to transform Jeddah into a global hub.
- Its tapering design helps reduce wind resistance and ensures structural stability.
Construction of Jeddah Tower faced delays due to financial and logistical challenges, but as of 2024, work has resumed, with completion expected around 2027. Once finished, it will officially claim the
title of the world’s tallest building.
Final Thoughts
The race to build the world’s tallest skyscraper continues to push the boundaries of engineering and architecture. Burj Khalifa, Merdeka 118, and Shanghai Tower currently dominate the skyline, but Jeddah Tower is set to surpass them all in the coming years. These architectural marvels reflect human ingenuity, economic progress, and the desire to reach new heights—literally and metaphorically.
As technology advances and cities grow, we can only expect even taller, more sustainable, and more innovative skyscrapers to reshape the future of urban landscapes [List of 100 tallest completed
buildings in the World].
YPT Tours to South-East Asia, China, and Middle East.
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