The race to the sky has always fascinated humanity. From the ancient pyramids to modern skyscrapers, every civilization has sought to leave its mark on the horizon. Today’s skyscrapers are not just feats of engineering; they are symbols of innovation, ambition, and economic power. Let’s take a look at the top 10 tallest building in the world as of 2024.
Table of Contents
1. Burj Khalifa – Dubai, UAE
- Height: 828 meters (2,717 feet)
- Floors: 163
- Completed: 2010
- The Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world and a landmark of global architecture. Its shimmering facade and needle-like spire dominate the skyline of Dubai. Designed by Adrian Smith, the tower houses luxury residences, hotels, offices, and observation decks that attract millions of tourists annually.
2. Merdeka 118 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Height: 678.9 meters (2,227 feet)
- Floors: 118
- Completed: 2022
- Merdeka 118, also known as Warisan Merdeka Tower, stands as the second-tallest building globally. The tower’s design reflects the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia, with its diamond-shaped façade. It serves as a mixed-use development with office spaces, hotels, and observation decks.
3. Shanghai Tower – Shanghai, China
- Height: 632 meters (2,073 feet)
- Floors: 128
- Completed: 2015
- Shanghai Tower is a marvel of modern engineering. Its twisted design reduces wind loads and increases energy efficiency. The building’s 360-degree views of Shanghai and its sustainable features, like rainwater recycling and geothermal energy, make it a benchmark in green skyscraper design.
4. Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower – Mecca, Saudi Arabia
- Height: 601 meters (1,971 feet)
- Floors: 120
- Completed: 2012
- Overlooking the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower is part of a government-owned complex of seven hotels. The massive clock face is the largest in the world, visible from a distance of 25 kilometers. It caters primarily to pilgrims visiting Mecca.
5. Ping An Finance Centre – Shenzhen, China
- Height: 599 meters (1,965 feet)
- Floors: 115
- Completed: 2017
- Ping An Finance Centre is an iconic structure in Shenzhen, known for its sleek design and sharp edges. The building is home to office spaces, retail outlets, and a hotel. Its observation deck offers breathtaking views of the rapidly growing tech hub of Shenzhen.
6. Lotte World Tower – Seoul, South Korea
- Height: 555.7 meters (1,819 feet)
- Floors: 123
- Completed: 2016
- The Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in South Korea and features a stunning tapering design. The tower includes residential apartments, a luxury hotel, offices, and retail spaces. Its Seoul Sky observation deck is one of the highest in the world, offering panoramic views of the city.
7. One World Trade Center – New York, USA
- Height: 541.3 meters (1,776 feet)
- Floors: 104
- Completed: 2013
- Known as the Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Rising from the site of the 9/11 attacks, the building stands as a symbol of resilience and rebirth. It houses offices and an observation deck, with a design focused on sustainability and security.
8. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre – Guangzhou, China
- Height: 530 meters (1,739 feet)
- Floors: 111
- Completed: 2016
- The CTF Finance Centre in Guangzhou is part of a twin-tower complex, featuring one of the fastest elevators in the world. Its mixed-use design includes office spaces, luxury residences, and a hotel. The tower’s sleek façade reflects the surrounding skyline of Guangzhou.
9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre – Tianjin, China
- Height: 530 meters (1,739 feet)
- Floors: 98
- Completed: 2019
- Tianjin CTF Finance Centre has a smooth, flowing design that reduces wind resistance, allowing it to stand tall with grace. This mixed-use skyscraper includes offices, luxury residences, and a hotel, showcasing Tianjin’s growing role as a financial hub in northern China.
10. CITIC Tower – Beijing, China
- Height: 528 meters (1,732 feet)
- Floors: 108
- Completed: 2018
- Also known as China Zun, the CITIC Tower is a modern marvel in Beijing. Its design is inspired by an ancient Chinese ritual vessel called a zun, which symbolizes power and prosperity. The tower serves as a major office building for various corporate headquarters, including financial firms.
Conclusion
The quest to build taller and more innovative skyscrapers continues to push the limits of engineering and design. These towering giants are not only icons of the cities they inhabit but also reflect the progress of human ingenuity. With upcoming projects like the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia aiming to break records, the skyline of the future promises to reach even greater heights.
Stay tuned, as the world’s skylines continue to evolve!
FAQs on Top 10 Tallest Building in the World
1. What is the tallest building in the world?
The tallest building in the world, and topping the Top 10 Tallest Building in the World list, is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE. It stands at 828 meters (2,717 feet) and has 163 floors. Since its completion in 2010, it has remained the tallest skyscraper globally.
2. Which country has the most buildings in the top 10 tallest list?
China has the most entries on the Top 10 Tallest Building in the World list, with four skyscrapers: Shanghai Tower, Ping An Finance Centre, Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, and Tianjin CTF Finance Centre.
3. What is the second tallest building in the world?
The second tallest building in the Top 10 Tallest Building in the World is Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, standing at 678.9 meters (2,227 feet) with 118 floors. It was completed in 2022.
4. What are the primary uses of these tallest buildings?
Most of the skyscrapers in the Top 10 Tallest Building in the World are mixed-use, which means they are designed to serve multiple purposes. These purposes often include residential apartments, office spaces, hotels, and observation decks, as seen in iconic buildings like the Burj Khalifa and the Shanghai Tower.
5. What is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere?
The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and part of the Top 10 Tallest Building in the World, is One World Trade Center in New York City. It stands at 541.3 meters (1,776 feet) and has 104 floors. It was completed in 2013 and is also known as the Freedom Tower.
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