meed-logo

line1 line2 line3
SIGN IN / REGISTER

Jeddah Tower cements region’s status as global high rise capital

2 October 2024

 

> This package also includes: Contractor appointed to complete world's tallest tower

The appointment of Saudi Binladin Group (SBG) on 2 October to complete the 1,000-metre-plus-tall Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia will cement the region's status as the global high-rise capital. Dubai's Burj Khalifa has been the world's tallest tower since 2009, and the completion of Jeddah Tower will mean the region's run as home to the world's tallest building will continue for many more years. Here is a list of the region's tallest buildings:

1. Burj Khalifa, UAE

The construction of the world’s tallest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa, began in 2006 and reached its pinnacle in 2009.

The 829.8-metre-tall tower was developed by Dubai’s Emaar Properties and designed by US-based Skidmore Owings & Merrill.

Construction was led by a consortium of South Korea’s Samsung C&T, the local/Belgian Bel Hasa Six Construct and the local Arabtec Construction. The $875m main construction contract was awarded in December 2004.

The 163-storey tower took 22 million man-hours to build. Overall, the project cost about $1.5bn to complete. 

2. Mecca Royal Clock Tower, Saudi Arabia

The 601-metre-tall Mecca Royal Clock Tower is the landmark feature of the Abraj al-Bayt complex.

The development comprises seven towers overlooking the holy site of Kaaba, with a total built-up area of more than 1.4 million square metres and 15,000 apartments.

Saudi Binladin Group was the main contractor for the project.

The $800m contract for the clock tower was awarded in 2003 and the complex completed in 2012.

3. Marina 101, UAE

Marina 101 is the second-tallest building in Dubai.

Construction began in 2007 when Turkish contractor TAV was awarded the estimated AED800m ($218m) main contract.

The project involved building a 101-floor tower with a height of 425 metres and a total built-up area of 144,000 sq m.

The project has witnessed several setbacks over the years and remains unoccupied. The construction works were partially completed in 2017.

4. Princess Tower, UAE

Princess Tower is the second-tallest residential building in the world.

The 107-storey tower stands 413 metres tall and is located in Dubai Marina.

The project was announced in 2005 and the foundation works were completed in 2007.

The main contractor for the project was the Lebanese Arabian Construction Company.

The Princess Tower was the world’s tallest residential building from 2012 to 2015, when it was overtaken by 432 Park Avenue in New York City.

5. Al-Hamra Tower, Kuwait

The 80-floor Al-Hamra Tower is the tallest building in Kuwait and the 36th tallest in the world, at 412 metres. It was built by the local Ahmadiah Contracting & Trading Company. Construction works started in 2005 and were completed in 2011. The project was designed by US-based architectural firms Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Callison and the local Al-Jazirah Engineers & Consultants. 

6. 23 Marina, UAE

The 392-metre-tall 23 Marina is the fourth-tallest building in the UAE and the 40th tallest in the world. Dubai Civil Engineering constructed the 88-floor tower. The construction works started in 2005 and the project was completed in 2012. US-based KEO International and Indian Architect Hafeez Contractor designed the tower. 

Jeddah Tower restart is watershed moment

7. PIF Tower, Saudi Arabia

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) Tower is located within Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District. US-based HOK Architects, Canadian WSP, Hyder Consulting and the local Omrania Associates designed the 385-metre-tall, 80-storey tower. The construction works began in 2009 and were finally completed in 2022. Saudi Binladin Group was the main project contractor.

8. Iconic Tower, Egypt

The 385-metre-tall Iconic Tower is the centrepiece among the 20 buildings of the Central Business District in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital. The construction of this 80-storey tower started in 2019 when China State Construction Engineering Corporation was appointed as the main contractor. The construction works on Africa’s tallest skyscraper were completed in 2022. Lebanese engineering company Dar al-Handasah was the project consultant. 

9. Burj Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE

Completed in 2014, Abu Dhabi’s tallest building measures 381 metres and consists of 88 floors. The tower, part of the Abu Dhabi World Trade Centre, was announced in 2004. The construction works started in 2007 under the government’s redevelopment plan. The consultants involved in the development included Arup, Mott MacDonald, Foster & Partners, AtkinsRealis and Callison. Lebanese contractor Arabian Construction Company undertook the construction works.

10. Elite Residence, UAE

Dubai Marina’s Elite Residence, a 91-storey residential building, is the sixth-tallest building in the UAE. The 380-metre-tall tower was announced in 2006 and designed by Lebanese Khatib & Alami. The construction works began in 2007 when Arabian Construction Company was awarded the main construction contract. The tower has been operational since 2012.

SOON TO JOIN

GCC countries’ quest to build tall towers is not over yet. Several upcoming developments are likely to overthrow some of the tall towers on our list. These schemes include:

  • The North Pole, 2kms (Saudi Arabia)
  • Burj Azizi, 725 metres (UAE)
  • Pentominium Tower, 516 metres (UAE)
  • Burj Binghatti, 500+ metres (UAE)

Tallest towers in the world

Jeddah Tower image (top): Jeddah Economic Company

https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/12641934/main.gif
Yasir Iqbal

Register for MEED's guest program now to access this article.

Click here to register
Exclusive from Meed
Related Articles
  • Rabigh 2 IPP expansion secures $2.58bn financing

    5 October 2026

    Saudi Arabia's Rabigh 2 combined-cycle gas-turbine (CCGT) independent power project (IPP) expansion has reached financial close.

    In a disclosure to the Saudi Exchange, Acwa said it had secured SR9.69bn ($2.58bn) in long-term financing for the project, which has a generation capacity of 2,313.5MW.

    In April, MEED reported that  Acwa and Saudi Energy (formerly Saudi Electricity Company) had signed a 31-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Saudi Arabia’s principal buyer, Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC), for the project.

    The project involves the development of a combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant in the Mecca region. It is being developed by Al-Morjan Two Electricity Company, with Acwa and Saudi Energy each owning a 40% stake in the project.

    The contract is valued at SR11.5bn ($3.07bn), the companies said in separate stock exchange filings at the time. The carbon-capture-ready power plant will be implemented under a build, own and operate contract.

    The financing has a tenor of about 34 years and was provided by a consortium of local, regional and international lenders.

    The lenders are:

    • Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
    • Alinma Bank
    • Boubyan Bank
    • China Minsheng Banking Corporation, Hong Kong Branch
    • Commercial Bank of Dubai
    • HSBC Bank Middle East
    • Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
    • Industrial Bank, Beijing Branch
    • National Bank of Greece, Cyprus
    • Riyad Bank
    • Saudi Awwal Bank
    • Saudi National Bank
    • Standard Chartered Bank, Taiwan
    • Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, London Branch

    The project scope also includes financing and expansion of a 380kV electrical substation.

    According to regional project tracker MEED Projects, construction works have commenced on the project and a joint venture of Egypt's Elsewedy Electric and China's Sinohydro has been working as the main contractor.

    Rabigh 1 extension

    In January, Saudi Energy announced a spearate energy conversion agreement with SPPC for the purchase of electricity from the Rabigh 1 power plant expansion.

    The contract is valued at SR5.33bn ($1.42bn).

    It covers the development, financing, construction, ownership and operation of the gas-fired power plant, which will have a generation capacity of 1,179MW.

    A joint venture of Elsewedy Electric and Germany’s Siemens Energy is undertaking the engineering, procurement and construction work for the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

    US/India-based Synergy Consulting is the financial advisory consultant to Saudi Energy on this project.

    Acwa also recently started initial commercial operations at the Taiba 1 and Qassim 1 combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants, as reported by MEED.

    The plants have a combined generation capacity of about 3.8GW and are two of four projects procured under the first round of Saudi Arabia’s gas-fired independent power producer (IPP) programme by Saudi Power Procurement Company.

    A team of Saudi Energy, formerly Saudi Electricity Company, and Acwa won the contract to develop and operate the projects in 2023.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20270643/main.jpg
    Mark Dowdall
  • Contractors submit bids for Libya refinery

    5 October 2026

     

    Bids have been submitted for the main contract for Libya’s planned South Refinery project and are currently under technical evaluation, according to industry sources.

    The project, located in Ubari in southern Libya, has gained momentum over the past year, and the main contract is anticipated to be worth more than $600m.

    The main contract is expected to use the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) model.

    The EPC work is expected to take 50 months, and the facility will be designed to process 30,000 barrels a day (b/d) of crude oil.

    In March, US-based engineering company KBR was awarded a contract by Zallaf Exploration, Production & Refining of Oil & Gas Company to provide project management and technical services for the project.

    Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide contract management, project management and supporting technical services throughout the project’s EPC phases.

    The refinery is expected to produce:

    • Propane and butane for domestic and industrial uses
    • Gasoline
    • Kerosene
    • Diesel
    • Fuel oil

    In March, KBR said that the project was aligned with its “long-standing commitment to advancing vital oil and gas infrastructure in Libya”.

    Libya currently operates five main refineries with a combined nameplate capacity of 380,000 b/d, but actual throughput is closer to 180,000 b/d due to poor maintenance and damage from military clashes.

    In addition to the South Refinery project, Libya also plans to upgrade the Zawiya refinery and carry out projects at the Serir, Brega, Tobruk and Ras Lanuf refineries.

    READ THE OCTOBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Industry and logistics drive development at Neom; Saudi Arabia’s investment priorities realign amid conflict; MEED’s 2026 power developer ranking.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the October 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20267178/main.jpg
    Wil Crisp
  • Dubai tenders sewage and stormwater projects

    5 October 2026

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    Dubai Municipality has issued tenders for a 3,000-cubic-metre-a-day sewage treatment plant (STP) and a strategic stormwater drainage system.

    The first tender is for the design and construction of the Al-Lissaily STP.

    The project, identified as DS311/1, covers the design, supply, installation, construction and commissioning of the plant in the Al-Lissaily area.

    Dubai Municipality’s Sewerage and Recycled Water Projects Department is issuing the tender. The bid submission deadline is 29 October.

    The facility is located near residential communities and farming areas. The project will therefore include measures for odour control, treated effluent quality, noise mitigation and environmental performance.

    The municipality said the plant will incorporate landscaping and architectural features designed to reflect Dubai’s heritage character and the surrounding farming environment.

    The second tender is for project TF-07-C1, a strategic stormwater drainage system covering more than 100 million square metres.

    The project area extends from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) to the north to Emirates Road (E611) to the south, and from Expo Road in the west to Dubailand in the east.

    The project will provide stormwater infrastructure and service connections for more than 20 private developers, as well as the Al-Yalayis 5 community.

    It will also support major roads in the Jebel Ali area, including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al-Nahyan Road, Hessa Street, Al-Yalayis Road and Al-Fay Road.

    The scope includes a major stormwater gravity drainage system, with pipeline diameters of up to 3,000mm.

    Dubai Municipality said the project is intended to increase drainage capacity, improve relief for existing and new stormwater systems, and strengthen protection against extreme rainfall events.

    The bid submission deadline is 22 October.

    The municipality also recently invited contractors to bid for a contract to upgrade and rehabilitate the stormwater system in Abu Hail.

    The project comprises a stormwater pumping station with a total discharge capacity of 26 cubic metres a second. It is estimated to cost up to $163m.

    Bid submissions are due by 15 October.

    READ THE OCTOBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Industry and logistics drive development at Neom; Saudi Arabia’s investment priorities realign amid conflict; MEED’s 2026 power developer ranking.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the October 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20266881/main.jpg
    Mark Dowdall
  • QatarEnergy gives North Field West topside bidders more time

    2 October 2026

     

    QatarEnergy has granted contractors more time to prepare bids for a tender covering the engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of large platforms for the North Field gas field in Qatari waters.

    Contractors now have until 12 October to submit technical bids for the project, according to sources. Commercial bids are currently due on 10 November.

    The following contractors, among others, are understood to be bidding for the North Field West (NFW) production deck modules (PDMs) tender:

    • China Offshore Oil Engineering Company (China)
    • Larsen & Toubro Energy Hydrocarbon (India)
    • McDermott (US)
    • Saipem (Italy)

    The core scope comprises the EPCI of four PDMs and associated structures. The PDMs will increase gas production from North Field reservoirs and provide additional gas feedstock for the NFW liquefied natural gas (LNG) development.

    The tender, issued earlier this year, forms part of the wider NFW project, the third and final phase of the state enterprise’s North Field LNG expansion programme.

    The previous deadlines for technical bids were 30 August, 15 September and 28 September, while commercial bids were previously due on 25 October, as MEED reported.

    Before issuing the PDMs tender, QatarEnergy awarded US firm McDermott a contract for the EPCI of four offshore jackets that will also support gas feedstock supply for the NFW LNG project. The contract is estimated to be worth about $200m, MEED reported in January.

    North Field LNG expansion

    QatarEnergy is advancing the three phases of its estimated $40bn North Field LNG expansion project. EPC works on all three projects are progressing.

    QatarEnergy is understood to have committed nearly $30bn to the first two phases – North Field East (NFE) and North Field South (NFS) – which will lift Qatar’s LNG production capacity from 77.5 million tonnes a year (t/y) to 126 million t/y by 2028.

    QatarEnergy awarded the main EPC contracts for NFE in 2021. The project was intended to raise LNG output to 110 million t/y by 2025. The $13bn EPC package – covering the EPCI of four LNG trains, each with a capacity of 8 million t/y – was awarded in February 2021 to a consortium of Japan’s Chiyoda and France’s Technip Energies.

    In May 2023, QatarEnergy awarded the $10bn main EPC contract for NFS to a consortium of Technip Energies and Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC). The contract includes two LNG trains, each with a capacity of 7.8 million t/y.

    Once fully operational, the first two phases are expected to add 48 million t/y of LNG supply to the global market.

    QatarEnergy took the final investment decision on NFW earlier this year, awarding an EPC contract estimated at $8bn to a joint venture comprising Technip Energies, CCC and Gulf Asia Contracting in February.

    Chiyoda carried out the front-end engineering and design work for the NFW LNG project.

    The NFW scope covers the EPC of two LNG trains with a combined capacity of 16 million t/y, as well as associated facilities for gas treatment, natural gas liquids recovery and helium extraction.

    In addition to LNG, NFW is expected to produce about 175,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day of condensate, ethane and liquefied petroleum gas.

    With all three phases under EPC execution – and NFE scheduled for commissioning later this year – QatarEnergy is positioning itself to remain one of the world’s largest LNG suppliers in the long term.

    READ THE OCTOBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Industry and logistics drive development at Neom; Saudi Arabia’s investment priorities realign amid conflict; MEED’s 2026 power developer ranking.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the October 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20208200/main.jpg
    Indrajit Sen
  • Egypt implements oil and gas storage projects worth $1.1bn

    2 October 2026

    Egypt is implementing oil and gas storage projects worth a total of £E54bn ($1.1bn), according to a statement released by the country’s cabinet.

    Active developments include expanding El-Hamra Petroleum Port in El-Alamein on the Mediterranean coast, as well as building a jet-fuel storage and transport hub at the Badr depot in Cairo.

    Other projects include constructing new storage tanks at refinery complexes in Amreya, Alexandria; Assiut; and Cairo.

    Over the past 12 years, Egypt has built 84 petroleum storage facilities with a total capacity of 5.2 million tonnes, the cabinet statement said.

    Egypt has invested £E42.7bn ($880m) in developing these facilities, with the aim of bolstering domestic energy security.

    Completed infrastructure projects include facilities in Sohag (Upper Egypt) and Alexandria.

    They also include offshore terminal and storage facilities, a liquid bulk station in Ain Sokhna, and strategic crude oil storage tanks across the country.

    Storage facilities have become a strategic priority for Egypt since the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February, triggering a regional war that has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

    The disruption has made imports of hydrocarbon products into Egypt less predictable, increasing the importance of strategic stockpiles.

    READ THE OCTOBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Industry and logistics drive development at Neom; Saudi Arabia’s investment priorities realign amid conflict; MEED’s 2026 power developer ranking.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the October 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20208195/main.jpg
    Wil Crisp