Burj Azizi's Global Ranking Faces Uncertainty as Jeddah Tower Advances in Saudi Arabia
Dubai's planned 725-metre skyscraper is targeting completion in 2030, while Saudi Arabia's kilometre-high Jeddah Tower is progressing towards an earlier finish
Dubai's Burj Azizi could face a change in its expected position among the world's tallest buildings as construction continues on Saudi Arabia's ambitious Jeddah Tower. Although Burj Azizi is designed to reach 725 metres, its anticipated ranking may depend on whether its Saudi competitor achieves its construction targets ahead of schedule.
Located along Sheikh Zayed Road, Burj Azizi is being developed by Azizi Developments and is targeting completion in 2030. Once delivered, the project is expected to become one of the world's tallest skyscrapers, with only the 828-metre Burj Khalifa currently standing taller among completed buildings.
However, Jeddah Tower is designed to exceed 1,000 metres, potentially making it the world's tallest building if construction is completed as planned.
Azizi Developments has acknowledged that the international rankings could change as other major skyscraper projects move forward. The company maintains that its priority is to deliver a distinctive architectural development that contributes to Dubai's skyline rather than concentrating solely on securing a particular global ranking.
Burj Azizi construction remains on schedule
Azizi Developments has reiterated that Burj Azizi is progressing towards its planned 2030 completion date. The developer has also indicated that interest in the project continues to come from buyers in the UAE and international markets.
Its location on Sheikh Zayed Road, combined with its scale and mixed-use concept, is among the features attracting attention.
The development is planned as more than a conventional skyscraper. Its proposed facilities include luxury residences, hotel accommodation, retail outlets, restaurants and entertainment spaces, creating a combination of residential, hospitality and commercial uses within one landmark structure.
A separate engineering partnership with Finnish company KONE will support the tower's vertical transportation infrastructure. The planned installation includes 59 elevators and 15 escalators, with advanced lift technology designed to support a continuous journey of approximately 631.5 metres.
Jeddah Tower moves closer to the kilometre mark
Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Tower is emerging as a major competitor in the global race for skyscraper records.
The project, which experienced an extended construction interruption before work resumed, has made significant progress during 2026. According to the latest reported milestone, construction has reached the 120th floor, at an approximate height of 482 metres.
Designed to rise beyond one kilometre, the tower aims to surpass Dubai's Burj Khalifa and establish a new global height record.
Current project targets indicate a possible completion in late 2028, around two years before Burj Azizi's scheduled delivery. If both developments meet their respective timelines, Jeddah Tower could claim the tallest-building title before Burj Azizi opens.
This would potentially place Burj Azizi third among the world's tallest completed buildings, depending on the progress and completion of other competing projects.
Dubai and Saudi Arabia compete through landmark developments
The progress of both skyscrapers reflects the growing architectural ambitions of the Gulf region. Dubai has established an international reputation through major developments such as Burj Khalifa, while Saudi Arabia is pursuing its own record-setting construction projects.
For Dubai, Burj Azizi represents another major addition to its high-rise development pipeline. Its significance extends beyond its planned height, with residential, hospitality, retail and entertainment components forming part of its overall concept.
Although the competition for global rankings may evolve before either project is completed, both developments demonstrate the scale of construction ambitions across the region.
The eventual position of Burj Azizi will depend on the delivery schedules of competing skyscrapers. Regardless of its final ranking, the project is expected to remain a prominent addition to Dubai's architectural landscape.
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