Riyadh’s new two kilometer-tall skyscraper could dethrone Burj Khalifa

The project will be backed by Fosters + Partners and the  Public Investment Fund.

Saudi Arabia is poised to redefine the Riyadh skyline with an unprecedented project. The Saudi capital will soon be home to a two kilometre-tall skyscraper, envisioned by Foster + Partners — the same architects behind the capital’s first skyscraper, Al Faisaliah Tower.

Foster + Partners will design this structure in Riyadh, which is poised to claim the title of the world’s tallest building upon completion. Located in the north of the capital, close to the airport, the skyscraper’s design will serve as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s ambition and vision for the future.

If brought to fruition, this skyscraper will dwarf its predecessors, standing over twice the height of the current record holder, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. It will also surpass Saudi Arabia’s current tallest building, the Abraj Al Bait Royal Clock Tower in Makkah.

From the futuristic city of Neom to the 170-kilometre-long linear city known as The Line, Saudi Arabia’s architectural aspirations know no bounds. Building this two kilometre-tall skyscraper comes with its own set of challenges, demanding meticulous planning and engineering prowess. Contractors estimate a construction cost of approximately $5 billion. But the project is backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), signalling the Kingdom’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and development.

With Foster + Partners leading the charge, the Kingdom’s vision for a two kilometre tall skyscraper is well on its way to becoming a reality, setting new standards for innovation and design in the process. Details of what it will be named, when it will be completed or how it will look are currently under wraps, but stay tuned with FACT for all the latest insights into Saudi Arabia.

GO: Visit www.fosterandpartners.com for more information.