Burj Khalifa currently holds the title of the tallest building in the world—and the one with the most floors. The 2,717-foot, 163-floor skyscraper comprises apartments, offices, and hotel rooms, as well as the world’s highest restaurant and the world’s highest viewing platform. Designed by Adrian Smith, the building’s construction began in 2004 and finished in 2010. It’s named after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the former president of the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tallest building in the world?
As noted, the Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world. A handful of other skyscrapers have held the title previously, including the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, Sears Tower, and Taipei 101.
Who built the tallest building in the world?
Adrian Smith is the American architect behind the tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa. He designed the Dubai skyscraper while he was a principal at Chicago-based architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, but the project was completed after he left the company and launched his own firm with Gordon Gill, which is aptly named Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. The two men also designed the under-construction Jeddah Tower, a Saudi Arabia skyscraper that is expected to exceed the height of Burj Khalifa and assume the title of tallest building in the world.
What is Jeddah Tower?
Jeddah Tower, also known as Burj Jeddah, is a neo-futuristic skyscraper that is currently under construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is planned to be 3,281 feet tall—which would make it the first ever one-kilometer building. But fans will have to wait another few years to see if Jeddah Tower reaches its goals, since it isn’t slated for completion until 2028. Builders first broke ground in 2013—but then paused work in 2018 for five years. It has been reported that 63 of the 157 floors were finished as of October 2024. When Jeddah Tower does open its doors, it’s expected to offer residential, commercial, and office spaces. There will also be an observation deck and a Four Seasons hotel.
What are the tallest buildings in the United States?
The two tallest buildings in the US, One World Trade Center and Central Park Tower, appear on this list—but the country boasts lots of other skyscrapers that qualify as “super-tall” according to the guidelines of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. Anything taller than 984 feet makes the cut. Chicago’s Willis Tower, commonly referred to as Sears Tower, is 1,450 feet, while New York’s 111 West 57th Street, also known as Steinway Tower, is 1,428 feet. The tallest building west of the Mississippi River is Los Angeles’s Wilshire Grand Center, which stands at 1,100 feet.