Jeddah Tower is moving closer to completion as construction continues in western Saudi Arabia. The landmark project aims to become the world’s tallest building when construction ends. Developers now expect completion in late 2028, after adjusting the previous timeline. Apartment sales are also expected to begin during 2027.
The tower reached 116 floors in September, according to the developer. That level puts the structure at roughly 466 meters above the ground. Workers still need to complete another 41 floors before reaching the planned 157 floors. The progress shows how quickly construction has advanced since work resumed.
Jeddah Economic Company oversees the major development surrounding the tower. Chief executive Fabian Toscano shared the latest construction timeline during an event in Riyadh. He said the first phase should reach completion in late 2028, which represents a slight delay. However, construction has continued to accelerate despite higher costs affecting the sector.
The project stands in Obhur, around 20 kilometers north of central Jeddah. The site covers about 5.3 million square meters within the planned Jeddah Economic City. The tower remains the main landmark within the wider development between Obhur Creek and the Red Sea. Developers see the surrounding city as an important part of the project’s long-term value.
Construction stopped in 2018 during a major anti-corruption campaign in Saudi Arabia. Work eventually resumed in January 2025 after several years of delays and uncertainty. The tower had reached 63 floors when construction restarted, giving crews a substantial foundation. Since then, construction teams have increased their pace and added dozens of new floors.
The structure reached 74 floors by November 2025, showing significant progress within a short period. Workers then added about 42 floors during the following ten months. The building core now rises at a rapid pace as crews maintain their construction schedule. Workers can complete one core floor in roughly five days under current conditions.
However, the building wings require more time because of their different structural requirements. The core could need another seven months before workers install the tower’s spire. Developers have not disclosed the exact final height, although Toscano indicated it will exceed one kilometer. That height would place the project significantly above Dubai’s 828-meter Burj Khalifa.
The tower will use concrete across most of its structure, with the spire forming a separate element. Developers have emphasized advances in construction technology since the Burj Khalifa opened. Modern pumping systems can now move concrete to much greater heights. This technology could help workers complete the ambitious structure without relying on traditional methods.
The project forms the centerpiece of a much larger urban development around the tower. Phase one covers around 1.7 million square meters and will include serviced development plots. Developers have compared the scale of this area with Downtown Dubai. Roads, electricity, water and district cooling systems already serve the available plots.
As a result, developers can begin work after acquiring individual plots within the first phase. The company plans to present the complete masterplan during Cityscape Riyadh in November. It will also begin formal discussions with developers interested in the available land. These discussions could accelerate the wider development surrounding the tower.
Meanwhile, tower apartments will go on sale in 2027 as the project moves toward completion. Earlier plans had suggested that apartment sales would begin sooner. However, the development schedule changed as construction timelines shifted over the past year. The new sales date gives potential buyers a clearer timeframe for the project.
Inside the tower, most construction contracts have already reached agreement. Teams are now focusing on mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems throughout the building. Workers are also progressing with the exterior facade as the structure approaches its final stages. These activities will help prepare the tower for future residents, visitors and commercial users.
Construction costs remain another important challenge for the project and Saudi Arabia’s wider building sector. Prices for electrical materials have increased as contractors face higher supply costs. Copper prices have also affected the cost of wires and cables used in major developments. These pressures could create additional challenges for contractors working on large projects.
Contractors have adjusted their work plans to help protect construction schedules. Some teams have moved mechanical and electrical work forward to reduce potential delays. However, faster scheduling cannot completely remove the impact of rising material costs. Project managers must therefore balance construction speed, quality and budget requirements.
The developer remains focused on delivering the tower according to its latest schedule. The project must maintain quality standards while managing costs and completing the remaining floors. As construction continues, Jeddah Tower remains one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent urban developments. Its completion could transform Jeddah’s skyline and set a new global benchmark for tall buildings.
The wider Jeddah Economic City could also benefit from the tower’s progress. Developers plan to build residential, commercial and supporting facilities around the landmark structure. More projects could move forward as the company begins selling land and discussing development opportunities. Consequently, the tower could become a catalyst for wider investment across the surrounding area.
With construction now above 100 floors, the project has entered one of its most important stages. Workers still face substantial structural, technical and finishing work before the tower opens. Developers will also prepare the surrounding infrastructure and facilities for future occupants and visitors. Late 2028 therefore represents a major milestone for one of Saudi Arabia’s largest urban projects.
