The $1.2 Billion Comeback: 5 Shocking New Facts About Jeddah Tower's Construction Status (Updated December 2025)

The ambitious dream of building the world's first kilometer-high skyscraper, the Jeddah Tower, is dramatically back on track. As of late December 2025, the multi-billion dollar project in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is no longer a stalled construction site but a rapidly rising symbol of the nation's future. After a seven-year-long, high-profile pause that began in 2018, construction officially resumed in January 2025, with an aggressive new timeline and a target completion date that aligns perfectly with the nation's transformative Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. This resurgence marks a massive logistical and financial undertaking, reigniting global attention on the structure designed to shatter the world height record currently held by the Burj Khalifa.

The latest updates from the Jeddah Economic City project confirm that the tower is now adding floors at a rapid pace, having surpassed the 75th-floor mark. Industry insiders and official announcements point to a new projected completion in 2028, a significant milestone that will see the structure officially claim the title of the world's tallest building. This article dives into the five most critical and updated facts surrounding the Jeddah Tower’s construction status, the challenges it overcame, and the revolutionary features that will define the new global benchmark for supertall architecture.

The Jeddah Tower's Resurgence: Key Construction Status Facts (December 2025)

The Jeddah Tower, formerly known as the Kingdom Tower, is the centerpiece of the larger Jeddah Economic City, a sprawling 5.3 million square meter mixed-use development designed to transform the region's economic landscape. Its construction status has historically been a rollercoaster of immense progress followed by a complete halt. The latest news, however, paints a picture of renewed determination and accelerated development.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• Construction Resumed in January 2025: After nearly seven years of inactivity, work officially restarted at the site in early 2025. This was a critical turning point following a period of financial and logistical restructuring involving the primary stakeholders, including the Jeddah Economic Company (JEC).
• Current Floor Count Reached 78: As of mid-2025, the tower’s core structure has been reported to have reached approximately the 78th floor, a significant vertical climb from its stalled height. The construction teams are now reportedly adding a new floor every week, indicating a "ramped up" and aggressive construction schedule.
• New Completion Target is 2028: The new, official target for the tower’s completion is set for 2028, with some sources specifying August 2028. This ambitious deadline places the tower’s opening within the strategic timeframe of Saudi Vision 2030, positioning the structure as a global symbol of the Kingdom's modernization efforts.
• Projected Height Remains Over 1,000 Meters: The final planned height remains unchanged: over 1,000 meters (one kilometer, or 3,281 feet). This height is designed to surpass the current record holder, the Burj Khalifa (828 meters), by a margin of approximately 172 meters.
• New Contractor Bids and Management: While the original contractor was the Saudi Binladin Group, the resumption of work involved a significant restructuring and the solicitation of new contractor bids. This shift was a key step in overcoming the delays that plagued the project since late 2017.

Architectural Marvel: The Engineering of the First Kilometer-High Skyscraper

The Jeddah Tower is not merely a taller building; it represents a pioneering feat of engineering and architectural design. Conceived by American architect Adrian Smith—the same visionary behind the Burj Khalifa—and his firm, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG), the design had to overcome unprecedented challenges posed by the sheer scale and the coastal environment of Jeddah.

The structure utilizes a unique three-petal, or "Y"-shaped, plan. This design is not arbitrary; it is a critical engineering solution. The tapering wings of the tower help to reduce the wind load, which is the most significant structural challenge for any supertall skyscraper. By minimizing the wind's impact, the design allows for a more efficient and stable structure at extreme heights. The aerodynamic shape also helps in energy efficiency by maximizing natural light and minimizing solar gain.

The tower's foundation is another engineering marvel, featuring a massive raft slab supported by deep piles capable of handling the immense weight of the 1,000+ meter structure. The structural engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti played a crucial role in developing these pioneering solutions.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Key Features and Amenities Defining the New Global Benchmark

The planned Jeddah Tower is a mixed-use behemoth spanning over 167 floors, designed to be a vertical city unto itself. The interior will be a blend of luxury residential units, world-class office space, and a high-end Four Seasons hotel.

One of the most anticipated features is the World's Highest Observatory, a public viewing platform that will offer unparalleled views of the Red Sea and the surrounding Jeddah Economic City. This observation deck, along with a separate, massive 98-foot-diameter outdoor balcony originally intended for a hotel, will be a major tourist draw.

To service a building of this height, the vertical transportation system is equally revolutionary. The tower will feature 59 elevators and 12 escalators, including KONE Double Deck Elevators that will travel at speeds of up to 10 meters per second. This system is essential for moving residents, workers, and tourists efficiently across the tower's massive vertical distance.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

The overall project is being managed by the Jeddah Economic Company, with Dar Al-Handasah serving as the Architect of Record and Lead Engineer. The successful resumption of construction in 2025 demonstrates a powerful commitment from the Saudi government and private developers to see this mega-project through to its historic 2028 completion. The Jeddah Tower is more than a skyscraper; it is a declaration of intent for the future of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.