Jeddah Tower Nears 466m with Completion Pushed to End 2028
Gulf News
Jeddah Tower has reached 466m with 116 floors done, aiming to surpass Burj Khalifa upon completion by late 2028 amid rising construction costs.
Jeddah Tower Construction Update: Progress and Timeline Shift
The Jeddah Tower, poised to claim the title of the tallest building globally, currently stands approximately 466 metres tall with 116 floors completed as of September 2024. The ambitious project still has 41 floors remaining out of the planned 157, and the tower aims for completion by the end of 2028 — a slight delay from the previously targeted August 2028 finish.
Record-Breaking Height Ambitions
Once completed, Jeddah Tower is expected to reach an architectural height close to 1,008 metres, which would surpass Dubai’s Burj Khalifa (828 metres) by roughly 180 metres. This will set a new global standard in skyscraper height. Jeddah Tower has already eclipsed the Petronas Towers in Malaysia, standing taller than its 452 metres as of early September 2024.
Key Figures and Project Leadership
Fabien Toscano, CEO of Jeddah Economic Company (JEC), shared the progress and updated timeline during the Saudi Mega Projects 2026 summit held in Riyadh from September 28 to 30. Architect Adrian Smith, known for his role designing Burj Khalifa, also contributes to the Jeddah Tower’s design through Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture.
Construction and Financial Challenges
The extended timeline partly reflects rising costs in procurement and construction, which have impacted developers and contractors throughout Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. Reports suggest that ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf have further inflated these expenses. Toscano also noted that these cost pressures have influenced the delay in completion.
Additionally, sales schedules have shifted. Apartment presales, initially set to begin in 2026, are now expected to launch in 2027. The building will host luxury residences, premium commercial space, a Four Seasons hotel, and an observation deck designed to be the highest in the world, overlooking Jeddah and the Red Sea.
Construction Milestones in 2024
Construction has accelerated significantly this year. Engineers reported nearing 80 floors in January, reaching 100 floors and 400 metres by April as verified by Thornton Tomasetti’s structural engineers. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's site visit in July confirmed 430 metres, with recent measurements on September 2 marking 454 metres and 113 floors. The tower added three floors and 12 metres in just a few weeks.
Progress is evident not only in the core structure but also in facade and internal systems. Glass cladding installation has started, alongside ongoing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work.
Project History and Outlook
Originally announced in August 2011 by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal with an anticipated 36-month construction period, the tower has faced numerous delays. By 2018, only 63 floors were complete, and work halted for six years. Construction restarted in October 2024 following a significant Dh7 billion ($1.9 billion) agreement between JEC and Saudi Binladin Group, with funding assured by internal reserves and banking facilities.
The project now has three key indicators to track its timeline: the addition of the remaining 41 floors, facade completion, and launching apartment sales in 2027.
Implications for Real Estate Agents
As Jeddah Tower approaches its record-breaking height, agents should closely watch the new timeline and upcoming off-plan sales. The shift in sales launch to 2027 provides an extended window for marketing luxury residences within this landmark project. With its unique positioning as the world's tallest building and mixed-use offerings, Jeddah Tower is set to be a prime focal point for high-end real estate investment in the region.
Based on reporting from Gulf News. Summary and analysis by Propilot AI.
Loading...