The JEC Tower in Saudi Arabia has reached a new stage of construction and is moving closer to becoming the tallest skyscraper in the world. Currently, the building stands at 430 meters, which is about halfway to its planned height of 1 kilometer. Approximately 570 meters remain until construction is complete.

Architectural Features and Specifications

The JEC Tower, also known as the Jeddah Economic Company Tower or Jeddah Tower, is being built in the port city of Jeddah. The project was designed by the architectural firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill. Architect Adrian Smith previously contributed to the creation of the world’s current tallest building—the 828-meter Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Once finished, the new tower will have at least 157 floors and will nearly double the height of the tallest building in the United States—the 541-meter One World Trade Center.

At present, the tower has reached 107 floors, making it one of the few buildings in the world to surpass the 100-floor mark.

Interior Infrastructure

According to current plans, the lower floors will house office spaces, while above them will be a hotel with 200 rooms. Above the hotel, there will be serviced apartments, a sky lobby, and several residential complexes. The apartments on the upper floors will be larger and more expensive. The tower will also feature observation decks and a helipad.

The building will require 59 elevators to operate, and the total floor area will be 530,000 square meters.

Engineering Solutions

The tower’s design incorporates innovative engineering solutions to ensure stability at extreme heights. Special attention is given to the efficient use of materials and the management of wind loads. High-rise building specialists are working closely with the architectural firm and companies specializing in computer modeling and aerodynamic testing. As a result, a unique structural system has been implemented, capable of supporting a building of record-breaking height.

Construction Progress and Outlook

Despite the challenges faced by other major projects in Saudi Arabia, such as The Line and Mukaab, construction of the JEC Tower is progressing rapidly. Completion and commissioning of the building are expected around 2028.