The title of world's tallest building is poised to change hands for the first time in over 14 years, as Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Tower climbs past the 80-floor mark on its way to becoming the first kilometer-high structure ever built. This architectural shift isn't just about breaking records—it's creating a new must-visit destination for travelers seeking the ultimate high-rise experience. For those who've marveled at Dubai's Burj Khalifa, a new king of the skyline is emerging, promising even more breathtaking views and innovative observation decks when it opens in 2028.
How Jeddah Tower Will Redefine the Skyline
Jeddah Tower, formerly known as Kingdom Tower, is designed to reach at least 1,008 meters (3,307 feet), surpassing the Burj Khalifa's 828-meter height. Construction resumed in January 2025 after a seven-year pause and has been advancing at what engineers describe as a "blistering" pace, with the structure passing the 80-floor milestone in early 2026. "The important milestone, confirmed on 6 January, 2026, signals that the world's first 'kilometre-high' structure is no longer a distant concept," reports Construction Digital.
The tower serves as the centerpiece of the broader Jeddah Economic City, a 57-million-square-foot development designed to reposition Saudi Arabia as a premier global hub for business and luxury tourism. Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill—the same firm behind Dubai's Burj Khalifa—the structure will feature luxury residences, offices, serviced apartments, and what's promised to be "the world's highest observatory." According to Guinness World Records, "Jeddah Tower, also called Kingdom Tower, is reportedly going to be over 1,000 m (1 km; 3,281 ft) tall."
From Burj Khalifa to Jeddah Tower: A Timeline of Tallest Buildings
The Burj Khalifa has held the title of world's tallest building since its completion in December 2010. Designed by Adrian Smith of SOM, it features observation decks on levels 124, 125, and the highest at level 148 (555 meters). Jeddah Tower began construction in 2013 but faced significant delays before resuming in 2025. The tower is now scheduled for completion in 2028 as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the kingdom's economy and boost tourism.
What makes this transition particularly interesting for architecture enthusiasts is that both buildings share the same design pedigree. Adrian Smith, who led the Burj Khalifa design while at SOM, now leads the firm designing its successor. This continuity ensures that the new tallest building will incorporate lessons learned from its predecessor while pushing engineering boundaries even further.
What This Means for Travelers: Observation Decks and Visiting Tips
For travelers, this changing of the guard presents unique opportunities. The Burj Khalifa currently offers two main ticket options: the standard "At the Top" access to levels 124-125, and the premium "At the Top Sky" experience that includes level 148. Travel experts recommend booking tickets in advance, visiting during late afternoon for sunset views, and allowing at least 2.5 hours for the full experience.
"Also, levels 124 and 125 have a huge advantage over the top level: outdoor observation deck," notes The Foreign Architect. "It allows for great photos and views without glass reflections common to indoor observation areas." The premium level 148 experience includes a complimentary drink and access to a lounge area, but many travelers find the outdoor decks on lower levels provide better photography conditions.
When Jeddah Tower opens, it's expected to feature observation decks at even greater heights, potentially setting new records for the world's highest publicly accessible viewpoints. Saudi Arabia has been gradually opening to tourism, with the kingdom introducing tourist visas in 2019 and developing infrastructure to support increased visitor numbers.
Where Things Stand Now: Construction Progress and Timeline
As of early 2026, Jeddah Tower has surpassed 80 floors and is approximately 76% complete according to construction reports. The project has overcome significant engineering challenges, including designing foundations capable of supporting a kilometer-tall structure in a coastal environment. The construction site has become a center of industrial activity, with engineers working to maintain the accelerated pace needed for the 2028 completion target.
Meanwhile, the Burj Khalifa continues to welcome millions of visitors annually, with its observation decks offering panoramic views of Dubai's ever-expanding skyline. Ticket prices vary depending on the time of day and access level, with standard tickets starting around 209 AED ($57) and premium experiences costing up to 395 AED ($108). Early morning and late evening time slots tend to be less crowded and offer better lighting for photography.
The Road Ahead: Future Skyscraper Tourism Opportunities
Beyond Jeddah Tower, several other supertall buildings are under construction worldwide that will offer new observation deck experiences. These include the Burj Azizi in Dubai (725 meters), which is set to become the world's second-tallest building upon completion, and the Legends Tower in Oklahoma City (581 meters), which will be the tallest building in the United States outside of New York City.
For travelers planning to visit these architectural marvels, experts recommend:
- Book well in advance: Observation deck tickets for popular skyscrapers often sell out days or weeks ahead, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Time your visit for sunset: Late afternoon visits allow you to experience both daylight and nighttime city views as lights come on.
- Check weather conditions: Clear days provide the best visibility from observation decks, though some travelers enjoy dramatic cloud formations.
- Consider combined tickets: Many cities offer bundled attraction passes that include observation deck access along with other landmarks.
Key Takeaways for Your Next High-Rise Adventure
The world's tallest building title is about to change for the first time in over a decade, creating exciting new travel opportunities. The Burj Khalifa remains an essential Dubai experience until at least 2028, offering breathtaking views from its observation decks on levels 124, 125, and 148. Jeddah Tower will soon offer even higher vantage points when it opens, potentially featuring the world's highest observatory. As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, visiting these architectural marvels will become increasingly accessible to international travelers seeking the ultimate bird's-eye perspective on our world.
