Mega-Projects Redefining the Middle East Skyline

Unveiled in 2023 as part of the 306-square-kilometer North Pole development near King Khalid International Airport, Rise Tower is planned to reach 2 kilometers in height, more than twice that of the Burj Khalifa.

Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the $5 billion project designed by Foster + Partners will include hotels, offices, residences, entertainment, and observation areas. It anchors a broader vision to build a “city of the future” and a global business hub, rather than just another record-breaking skyscraper.

Also in Saudi Arabia, construction has resumed on the Jeddah Tower (formerly known as Kingdom Tower), which aims to become the first building to surpass one kilometer in height.

Scheduled for completion in 2028 after a long pause, it will feature luxury residences, offices, a hotel, and the world’s highest observation deck.

As the centerpiece of Jeddah Economic City, the tower is intended to stimulate inward investment and urban renewal along the Red Sea.

In Dubai, the Burj Azizi project is moving ahead with a confirmed height of 725 meters. It’s speculated to reach close to 1 kilometer. Located off Sheikh Zayed Road, it will feature luxury residences, a “seven-star” hotel, and record-breaking attractions such as the world’s highest hotel lobby, nightclub, and observation deck.

Completion is expected between 2027 and 2028, further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global real estate market and tourism destination.

These towers represent more than just a pursuit of height. They embody the Gulf’s broader strategy to use mega-projects as catalysts for economic diversification, job creation, and technological leadership. By 2028, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will showcase new benchmarks in skyscraper design and construction, transforming their skylines and setting fresh standards for mixed-use urban living.

For contractors and investors, these projects signal a wave of large-scale opportunities across the Gulf. To compete effectively, firms should position themselves early on approved vendor or prequalification lists, expand their capacity to handle mega-project demands, invest in technology and staff training to meet strict compliance and reporting requirements, and build partnerships or joint ventures that can scale quickly when tenders are issued.