World’s tallest skyscraper

 Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Economic Company Tower : Under construction with unstoppable speed

In a ground breaking feat of engineering and ambition, Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Economic Company Tower is set to surpass global skyscraper records by soaring over 0.62 miles high, symbolizing the kingdom's bold vision for economic diversification and architectural innovation. Kingdom Tower, the world's tallest tower, located in northern Jeddah, has reached an important milestone in the project. The singularly soaring skyscraper which will ultimately earn the accolade of “world’s tallest building”, with a height of more than one km, demands equally unique construction equipment, methods and materials, including the custom-built cranes supplied by Germany’s Liebherr & WolffKran. The enormous yellow lifting devices, known as “climbing cranes,” are designed to accompany the Tower’s growth both externally and internally, in the latter case utilizing any of the building’s 65 interior elevator shafts to make the climb. Following are the some of the important points:-

Part of the Saudi Vision 2030, the project aims to create a sustainable urban environment, positioning the kingdom as a hub for global innovation.

Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, the tower reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to redefine architectural limits and diversify its economy.

The Jeddah Economic Company Tower in Saudi Arabia is set to become the world’s tallest skyscraper, soaring over 0.62 miles high.

Construction is progressing rapidly, with innovative technology allowing concrete pumping to heights up to 3,280 feet.

Because of its will to be the first of its kind, the Jeddah Tower is aimed at becoming a monumental beacon of a new era in business, leisure and unique lifestyle and experience. With its record-breaking height, it surely will surpass the height of the current title holder, but not only for sky reaching purposes; Its aim goes beyond as becoming the focal point of amassing interest in investments towards the surrounding region, and attracting development and expansion for the welfare of citizens and expats alike. Truly, the Jeddah Tower is to become the living wonder of the world. In a testament to human ambition and architectural prowess, Saudi Arabia is set to redefine skylines with the Jeddah Economic Company Tower, or JEC Tower. Rising over the bustling Red Sea port city of Jeddah, this tower is poised to become the world’s tallest skyscraper. With its ambitious height of over 0.62 miles, it is a symbol of the kingdom’s vision for the future. As construction progresses, the tower not only marks an engineering marvel but also signifies a broader push towards economic diversification under Saudi Vision 2030. Following are the few important facts and figures:-

Total Area:- 5.7 million square ft. (530,000 m2)

Height:- Over 1,000 meters (3,280 ft.)

Total Elevators:- 59 (54 single decked and 5 double-decked)

Expected to be completed by 2028

Estimated Cost:- approx. $1.2 billion

The JEC Tower project, initially introduced as the Kingdom Tower, reflects Saudi Arabia’s relentless pursuit of architectural excellence. Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, the minds behind the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tower aims to surpass its predecessor in height and grandeur. Saudi Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, the driving force behind this project, envisions a structure which not only breaks records but also serves as a beacon of economic progress. The tower’s final height remains a topic of speculation, with the prince hinting at the possibility of exceeding its planned 0.62 miles. This ambition places the JEC Tower at more than twice the height of the Empire State Building and nearly double that of the One World Trade Centre. “Now that we have completed our subterranean work, we are airborne,” said Mounib Hammoud, CEO of Jeddah Economic Company. “The unprecedented size and height of Kingdom Tower means we can only utilize the very best in equipment, material and methods. Liebherr’s and WolffKran very impressive and innovative cranes fit this bill.” The JEC Tower is more than just a skyscraper; it is a crucial element of a larger developmental plan which encompasses hospitals, schools and residential areas. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the kingdom’s commitment to creating a self-sustaining, vibrant community, capable of housing up to 100,000 residents.

Construction of the JEC Tower had faced delays, but the project is now back on track with significant progress. Currently, construction has reached the 64th floor, with each floor expected to be completed in just four days. This rapid pace is made possible by advanced concrete pumping technology, which currently supports heights up to 2,624 feet. The engineering teams are working tirelessly to extend this capability to 3,280 feet, ensuring the project’s timely completion. The largest of the six cranes Liebherr type 357 HC-L  can lift up to  18 tons at a speed of 44 meters / minute  with heights to parallel that of the tower. The cranes are attached to the body of the building but sits atop a phenomenally narrow tower support of only 2.4 meters X 2.45 meters. The tower’s ambitious design includes 157 floors, equipped with 59 elevators, promising to offer the world’s highest observation point. This feat of engineering not only challenges current architectural norms but also exemplifies the kingdom’s dedication to pushing boundaries in modern construction techniques.

The JEC Tower is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing the kingdom’s dependence on oil by diversifying its economy. As part of this vision, the tower is set to be completed by 2028, aligning with other key projects like the Line and the Mukaab. Despite the inherent challenges of such a colossal project, the firm deadline underscores its importance to the kingdom’s future economic landscape. But it is not just the size which makes these unique. They feature the latest in heavy-lifting technology which will allow them to withstand harsh weather conditions, in particular, the strong winds which can sweep across the spectacular heights at which the cranes will ultimately be deployed. To operate this type of cranes, special highly experienced & certified operators will be hired. This development is also expected to attract global interest, positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for innovation and investment. By integrating modern infrastructure with cultural heritage, the project aims to create a sustainable urban environment which meets the needs of future generations.

As the JEC Tower climbs towards the sky, it raises questions about the future of urban development and architectural innovation. With its completion, the tower will not only redefine architectural limits but also set a new standard for sustainable, integrated city planning. The project’s success could inspire similar initiatives worldwide, encouraging other nations to explore ambitious architectural endeavour's. With the tower’s foundation now in place, vertical, above-ground construction commenced. Plans call for the first ten floors to be completed by the end of the year. In the grand scheme of things, the JEC Tower is more than just a landmark; it represents a bold vision for the future. As it continues to rise, one can’t help but wonder: The  Kingdom  Tower features 170 stories,  seven  stories  of  which  will  be allocated for the  five-star  Four  Seasons Hotel  offering  200  rooms and 121 luxury serviced apartments, and seven stories for offices. The Tower will also have 61 stories which include 318 housing units of various types amenities, gyms, spas, cafes and restaurants, two sky lobbies and world’s highest observation decks, located on the 644 meter-height, enabling visitors to view the city of Jeddah and the Red Sea from high in the sky. This towering achievement will shape the future of architecture and urban development around the world.