While covering the tallest skyscrapers by continent, we have split Asia into two parts. We covered the tallest skyscrapers in Asia in a previous blog post, but did not include any skyscrapers from the Middle East. There are so many, that it was deserving of its own post. Just the United Arab Emirates alone has such an incredible amount of tall buildings. For that reason, the usual rule will be in play; no more than 3 skyscrapers per country. The Middle East has over 30 skyscrapers 300+ meters (984+ feet). The tallest building in the entire world is located in Dubai and the future tallest building in the world (set to surpass the current tallest in 2020) will be in the Middle East as well (in Jordan). After the Far East, the Middle East seems most set on continuing the skyscraper trend. The following are the tallest skyscrapers in the Middle East.
Burj Khalifa
he Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world, standing at an incredible 829.8 meters or 2,722 feet. It achieved this feat in 2009, however it is expected to be surpassed in 2020 (though that remains to be seen). The Burj Khalifa was constructed over the course of 5 years to the tune of $1.5 billion. It surpassed Taipei 101 to become the world’s tallest building and is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It consists of 163 storeys, 57 elevators, and a floor space of over 300,000 m2. It holds many records, including tallest skyscraper, highest occupied floor, highest nightclub, highest observation deck, and much more. See our blog post on 9 Amazing Facts About the Burj Khalifa for more information on this incredible feat of architecture.
Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower
Located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower is currently the world’s third tallest building. It has the world’s largest clock face. Even though it is only the world’s third tallest building, it is the most expensive building in the world at $15 billion, ten times the price of the Burj Khalifa. It stands at 601 meters or 1,972 feet tall with 120 storeys and 96 elevators. Construction began in 2004 and was completed in 2011. Its clock face is visible from 25 kilometers away (16 miles). It was controversially built on the location where the historic Ottoman Ajyad Fortress stood.
Marina 101
Also located in Dubai, Marina 101 stands at 433.5 meters or 1,422 feet and when completed (expected before the end of the year), will be the tallest residential building in the world. It was originally scheduled to be completed in 2012. The skyscraper consists of a hotel, residential apartments, and restaurants. The first 33 floors will be a five-star hotel, while floor 34 to 100 will be residential space. It is the fifteenth tallest skyscraper in the world and the third tallest in the Middle East.
Princess Tower
his 414 meter (1,358 feet) behemoth is located in, you guessed it, Dubai. It is the 3rd tallest building in Dubai and the 22nd tallest building in the world. It was the world’s tallest residential building from 2012 until 2015. It was surpassed by 432 Park Avenue (which will in turn be surpassed by Marina 101). Costs are estimated to have been $210 million to build Princess Tower which consists of 107 storeys and has 13 elevators.
Al Hamra Tower
Al Hamra Tower, located in Kuwait City, Kuwait, is currently the 23rd tallest building in the world. It was constructed between 2005 and 2011 at a cost of $500 million. It consists of 80 storeys and has 43 elevators. It was a finalist in 2012’s Best Tall Building Middle East & Africa. It consists of office space and a shopping mall. Al Hamra Tower stands at 413 meters or 1,352 feet.
Capital Market Authority Headquarters
This supertall skyscraper stands at 385 meters or 1,263 feet. It is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and contains 77 storeys. It currently stands as the 27th tallest building in the world. Like Marina 101, it is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
Have you visited any of these Middle Eastern skyscrapers? As we have now completed the tallest skyscrapers in North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia, the next region in our tallest skyscraper series will be focused on Europe. Sound off in the comments section down below and give your thoughts about the tallest skyscrapers in the Middle East.
