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Move over Burj Khalifa, Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower looks set to take the lead as the world’s tallest building.
Jeddah Economic Company and Saudi Arabia’s Alinma Investment have just signed a deal to initiate a SAR8.4 billion fund to complete the project. Currently standing at 26 floors, once completed the building will comprise 200 floors and exceed one kilometer in height – easily surpassing the Burj Khalifa’s 828m.
Architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill are behind the tower’s design. The building has a triangular footprint and tapered exterior to reduce wind loads. The building will be used for office space, residential and serviced apartments, a Four Seasons Hotel and, 610m up on the 157 th floor, the world’s highest observatory. Completion is expected in 2020.
Mounib Hammoud, Chief Executive Officer of Jeddah Economic Company, said: “With this deal, we will reach new, as yet unheard of highs in real estate development, and will fulfill the company’s objective of creating a world-class urban center that offers an advanced lifestyle, so that Jeddah may have a new iconic landmark that attracts people from all walks of society with comprehensive services and a multitude of uses.”
Prince Alwaleed said that the primary purpose of developing Jeddah Economic City is to provide a state-of-the-art living, working and entertainment environment for its community to enjoy a unique way of life, with the best possible levels of services that up-and-coming Saudis aspire to.
“Jeddah Economic City will be a must-go destination for those who visit Jeddah for business, trade, entertainment, culture, medical treatment and education, and will be a trendsetter in future real estate and urban development, all while securing the future of young Saudis with job opportunities and meeting the ever-growing demand for housing.”
Image copyright Thornton Tomasetti
Published: 01-12-15
