“Supertall Buildings,” as standardized by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), refer to skyscrapers that exceed 300 meters in height. These gigantic buildings, constructed with high technology and engineering, redefine new generation urban spaces. These structures, which are the symbol of vertical architecture, determine the silhouette and identity of cities with their striking heights. With their modern design, supertall buildings add a sense of dynamism to the cities in which they are built and often accommodate mixed-use functions.
From the 147-meter-high Great Pyramid of Giza built 4,500 years ago to ancient ziggurats, medieval cathedrals, and today’s skyscrapers, humanity has always aspired to reach the sky. Today, evolving architectural and engineering skills shape these massive structures, while evolving in response to changing urban landscapes, environmental concerns, and technological advances, they continue to fascinate and inspire. Today, supertall buildings are under construction across the globe, becoming iconic landmarks in the cities they rise from.
Here are the top 10 super-tall buildings under construction:
1. Jeddah Tower
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Planned Height: 1001 meters
Architect: Adrian Smith Gordon Gill Architecture
Jeddah Tower, which aims to become the world’s tallest building when completed, is at the heart of a major urban development project called Kingdom City. With a planned height exceeding 1,000 meters and a total construction area of 530,000 square meters, the tower will be a mixed-use structure featuring a luxury hotel, office spaces, serviced apartments, upscale residences, and the world’s highest observation deck.
The aerodynamic form of the Jeddah Tower draws inspiration from young desert plants native to the region. The tower has a three-armed Y-shaped plan, which provides structural balance and minimises wind loads. The tower’s form narrows as it rises, providing both aesthetic and structural advantages.
The design of the Jeddah Tower is both technologically advanced and distinctly organic, catalyzing further development in the surrounding area. It is supported by a network of 270 bored reinforced concrete piles, each 110 meters deep and 1.8 meters in diameter, anchored into a five-meter-thick raft foundation.
Constructed of reinforced concrete and steel and clad in glass, the supertall building will glide through the Jeddah skyline with its tri-sided, conical silhouette. Despite delays due to financial problems, the Covid-19 pandemic, and technical difficulties during the project’s construction, Jeddah Tower reached a height of 250 metres by October 2024, with 63 floors completed. The tower is targeted for completion in 2028.
2. Burj Azizi
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Planned Height: 725 meters
Architect: AE7
Burj Azizi, an ambitious skyscraper project currently under construction in Dubai, is strategically located near major landmarks such as the Dubai World Trade Center and Dubai Mall, increasing its accessibility and importance in the city’s skyline. With a planned height of 725 meters, Burj Azizi is set to become the second-tallest building in the United Arab Emirates, following the iconic Burj Khalifa. The tower, which is scheduled to be completed in 2028 and will have a total of 131 floors, will include a vertical shopping mall, luxury residences and penthouses, a prestigious 7-star hotel, an observation deck, and several high-end food and beverage options, among other features and amenities.
Developed by Azizi Developments, this supertall structure features a sculptural form that tapers elegantly as it rises. With its gently curving organic curves and aerodynamic design, it aims to create a fluid silhouette in Dubai.
3. Golden Finance 117
Location: Tianjin, China
Planned Height: 597 meters
Architect: P&T Group
Holding the title of the world’s tallest abandoned skyscraper, Golden Finance 117 has officially resumed construction, according to The Civil Engineer’s May 2025 report. Construction began on September 10, 2008, and the skyscraper, which exceeded 200 meters in height at the end of 2013, reached its structural peak on September 8, 2015. However, financial difficulties following the Chinese stock market crash brought construction to an abrupt halt in 2015. The partially completed skyscraper, which has been towering over the Tianjin skyline for years, is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
Golden Finance 117 is distinguished by its elegant, cane-like form and rises 128 stories, without a spire or antenna. This makes it the tallest flat-roofed building in the world. Designed as the main centerpiece of the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Business Center, the tower integrates luxury residences, entertainment facilities, educational institutions, and retail outlets. The building’s total floor area is 847,000 m², including 342,000 m² of basement space, and the tower above ground has a floor area of 497,000 m².
4. Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Planned Height: 595 meters
Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences is a 104-storey residential building currently under construction in Dubai’s Business Bay district. A collaboration between Binghatti and Jacob & Co., the hyper-tower aims to become the world’s tallest residential building, offering luxury amenities and design elements inspired by Jacob & Co.’s watchmaking. Spanning 112 levels, the tower is expected to house exclusive suites, luxury residences, “sky mansions,” and penthouses, alongside high-end amenities such as concierge services, private fitness clubs, sky gardens, and a luxury spa.
Designed by Silver Stone Engineering Consultants in collaboration with Granada Europe Construction as the main contractor, the form of the Burj Binghati Jacob & Co Residences is inspired by diamond cuts, watch cases, and the sparkle of stones. Shaped as an elegant cylindrical block that tapers upwards, the tower is topped by a segmented crown resembling a tiara. Inspired by Jacob & Co’s perfectly cut jewels, these pointed prongs rise into the sky as a uniquely delicate ornament. Construction began in October 2022, and the supertall building is targeted for completion in 2027.
5. Senna Tower
Location: Balneario Camboriu, Brazil
Planned Height: 544 meters
Architect: Lalalli Senna
Senna Tower, one of the world’s tallest supertall buildings under construction, is a residential skyscraper. With a height of 544 meters, Senna Tower, which is planned to be completed in 2030 and is set to become the tallest tower in Brazil, is a candidate to become the city’s cultural icon.
Inspired by legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, the tower is designed to honor his “hero’s journey,” symbolizing a connection between the material and celestial worlds. Thus, the building’s slender and elegant glass-covered form extends to the top of the tower, protrudes upwards, and becomes visible through the façade integrated with light bands.
Prepared to offer a wide range of facilities spread over multiple floors, Senna Tower will feature shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues on the ground floor, while the higher floors will feature facilities such as a heated pool, a wellness center, tennis courts, and a gym. At the top of the building, there will be an observatory offering panoramic views of the city and the coastline.
6. Tiger Sky Tower
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Planned Height: 532 meters
Architect: National Engineering Bureau
Tiger Sky Tower, a supertall skyscraper under construction, aims to make an elegant and modern addition to Dubai’s skyline. Designed with 122 floors, this tower is expected to break various records, including the highest infinity pool and the world’s highest restaurant. One of the tower’s most distinctive features will be a rainforest, offering residents and visitors the chance to immerse themselves in a wildlife-rich, adventure-filled tropical garden. Tiger Sky Tower, which will host 849 residences starting at $680,000, also has 18 ultra-luxury penthouse suites offering views of the Burj Khalifa.
Targeted to be completed by the end of 2029, the tower features a glazed exterior with metallic shading shutters. A rooftop park has been designed on top of Tiger Sky Tower, which has an appearance that blends transparency and aesthetics.
7. Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Planned Height: 517 meters
Architect: WSP Middle East, Wood Bagot, Aeas Ltd.
A supertall building scheduled for completion in 2028, Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina aims to be the world’s tallest freestanding residential tower. Combining ultra-luxury living with a wellness-focused philosophy, each residence in this tower offers residents a holistic and sustainable lifestyle experience with special amenities infused with biophilia and classical feng shui elements that promote wellness in the home. Spread across 122 floors, the tower will feature 251 residences, ranging from luxury apartments and half-floor penthouses to triple-level Sky Mansions, all distributed throughout the tower’s layered communal zones.
Rising above the Dubai Marina skyline, Six Senses Residences showcases a slender architectural form crowned with a sharp spire. The building’s form is simple, and its footprint symmetrical. The interiors are enriched with full-height glass windows and bronze accents, allowing natural light to enter and offering residents panoramic views.
8. The Line
Location: Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Planned Height: 500 meters
Architect: Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, Gensler
One of the tallest supertall buildings under construction, The Line, with its first phase set to be completed in 2030, is also incredibly long. Designed as a linear city measuring 170 km long, 500 metres high and 200 metres wide, The Line consists of two mirrored skyscrapers with outdoor spaces in between. Designed in the western Saudi desert, the smart city is designed to be powered entirely by renewable energy, with no cars, streets, or carbon emissions. However, the materials used in the construction of the project, which has a footprint of 34 square kilometres, will generate 1.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions, according to Philip Oldfield, head of the School of the Built Environment at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
9. HeXi Yuzui Tower A
Location: Nanjing, China
Planned Height: 498.8 meters
Architect: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture
HeXi Yuzui Tower A, also known as South HeXi Yuzui Financial Tower, is a high-tech supertall building designed as part of Nanjing’s new financial district. Construction began in 2021 and is ongoing, with completion targeted for 2028. The tower occupies a strategic location along the Yangtze River. The eight-sided tower aims to achieve LEED-Gold certification by reducing cooling loads, heating loads, lighting loads, and socket loads, and by installing a high-performance façade.
Inspired by the flow and light reflections of the Yangtze River, HeXi Yuzui Tower A’s wavy curves on its exterior reduce wind vortex problems. The 360-degree open-air observatory on top is intended to provide visitors with magnificent views.
10. Tianfu Center (Panda Tower)
Location: Chengdu, China
Planned Height: 489 meters
Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF)
One of the world’s tallest supertall buildings under construction, Tianfu Center (popularly known as Panda Tower) is an iconic supertall skyscraper scheduled to be completed in 2027. The tower, which embodies the city’s rich culture, impressive topography, and local symbol, the giant panda, consists of office, hotel, and retail programs.
The design of Tianfu Center follows the structure of a mountain, featuring distinct sections that gradually narrow from base to peak and step across from one side to the other, culminating in an iconic summit. Just as climbing a mountain experiences different environments as the height increases, the different floors of the tower host various gardens.
The Sky Garden includes an atrium with an indoor pool, while the Leaf Garden immerses visitors in greenery with climbing ivy covering the walls. The Wood Garden introduces new materials near the upper levels to create visual interest and contrast. The final ecosystem is an observation deck framed by glass walls that enhance panoramic views of the Chengdu skyline. The forest in the tower extends beyond this single structure, incorporating greenery into the public areas of the complex.
Leave a comment