Have you ever wondered what it takes to build the tallest structure on Earth? The Burj Khalifa in Dubai stands as the world’s tallest building. It stands at a staggering height of 828 meters (2,717 feet). Completed in 2010, this architectural marvel has redefined the limits of design and engineering. What makes the Burj Khalifa truly fascinating is not just its height but its ability to withstand the harsh desert winds; its sleek, aerodynamic design reduces wind resistance by 24%. As the tallest man-made structure, it stands as a symbol of human ambition, innovation, and the quest to reach new heights. Here is the list of the top 10 tallest buildings in the world.
10 Tallest Buildings in the World
- Burj Khalifa
- Merdeka 118
- Shanghai Tower
- Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower
- Ping An International Finance Centre
- Lotte World Tower
- One World Trade Center
- Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre
- Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
- CITIC Tower
1) Burj Khalifa
With 163 stories above ground and two more below, the Burj Khalifa dominates Dubai, United Arab Emirates’ skyline at an incredible 828 meters (2,717 feet). Besides being the world’s tallest building, this landmark tower, which was finished in 2010, represents human ingenuity and aspiration. The Burj Khalifa, which was created by the famous architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, is a modern engineering marvel that combines Islamic elements with a sleek, futuristic design.
The building’s Y-shaped floor layout, which optimizes views and structural stability, is one of its striking features. To survive Dubai’s strong winds, the tower’s spire is made of lightweight, sturdy materials. Also, the Burj Khalifa boasts the world’s highest observation deck on the 148th floor, offering panoramic views stretching across Dubai and even out to the Persian Gulf.
With over 24,000 windows and a unique front-cleaning system that takes months to complete, the Burj Khalifa is a marvel in upkeep as well. Beyond being a tourist hotspot, it houses offices, residences, and the luxurious Armani Hotel, solidifying its place not only as a skyscraper but as a vertical city.
2) Merdeka 118
With 118 stories above ground and five below, Merdeka 118, which rises to a height of 678.9 meters (2,227 feet), is more than just a recent addition to Kuala Lumpur’s skyline; it is a representation of Malaysia’s aspirations and advancement. Merdeka 118, which was finished in 2024, is the highest skyscraper in Southeast Asia and the second-tallest building in the world, behind the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. With architectural features influenced by traditional patterns and shapes, this tower was created to embody the essence of Malaysia and have a distinctively local feel.
The setting of Merdeka 118 is a historic neighborhood next to Merdeka Stadium, the site of Malaysia’s 1957 Declaration of Independence. As a fitting symbol of the nation’s pride and legacy, “Merdeka” means “independence” in Malay. The building offers mixed-use spaces, including offices, residences, a luxury hotel, and an observation deck providing breathtaking 360-degree views of Kuala Lumpur.
One of its unique features is the use of state-of-the-art sustainable technologies, such as rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient systems, making it an eco-friendly landmark. The structure’s angular, crystalline front also gives it a striking appearance, shimmering differently as the light changes. Merdeka 118 stands as a modern marvel, embodying Malaysia’s cultural roots while looking toward the future.
3) Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is the third-tallest building in the world, rising 632 meters (2,073 ft). It has 128 floors above ground and five below. This spiraling skyscraper, which was finished in 2015, is the tallest in China. Given Shanghai’s typhoon-prone climate, its distinctive twisting shape was intended to withstand the severe winds that are typical in the area and reduce wind load by up to 24%.
On the 118th floor of the tower, guests can enjoy breathtaking, expansive views of Shanghai from one of the highest observation decks in the world. The building’s interior is a mixed-use space, featuring offices, retail stores, cultural spaces, and the luxurious J Hotel, which occupies the top floors and is one of the highest hotels on Earth.
With sustainability at its core, the Shanghai Tower incorporates eco-friendly technologies like wind turbines, a rainwater collection system, and a cutting-edge double-layered glass front that helps conserve energy by regulating interior temperatures. Its unique design, along with a commitment to environmental responsibility, has earned the Shanghai Tower LEED Platinum certification, making it a pioneer of green architecture in the super-tall building world.
4) Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower
Standing 601 meters (1,972 feet) tall, with 120 floors above ground and three below, the Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower is a colossal building located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the fourth-tallest structure in the world and the tallest clock tower in the world, having been finished in 2012. Millions of pilgrims visit the holy city every year, and its massive clock face, which can be seen from up to 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away, is an essential landmark. With a diameter of 43 meters (141 feet), each of the four clock faces is larger than Big Ben in London. More than two million LED lights are used to indicate the times of prayer.
The tower is part of the Abraj Al-Bait complex, which includes luxury hotels, shopping malls, and prayer spaces, accommodating the needs of visitors to the Masjid al-Haram, Islam’s holiest site. Designed to blend Islamic architectural motifs with modern design, the tower is adorned with intricate Arabic calligraphy and the Islamic crescent at its peak, which is the largest of its kind globally.
Inside, the Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower houses museums, spacious accommodations, and observation areas that provide breathtaking views of Mecca and the surrounding mountains. Its blend of religious significance and modern amenities makes it one of the most unique and revered buildings in the world.
5) Ping An International Finance Centre
In Shenzhen, China, the Ping An International Finance Centre is a feat of architecture, standing 599.1 meters (1,966 ft) tall with 115 stories above ground and five below. It is the tallest structure in Shenzhen and the fifth-tallest skyscraper in the world, having been finished in 2017. The tower, which bears the name of its main tenant, Ping An Insurance, is a prominent feature of Shenzhen’s contemporary skyline and a representation of the city’s explosive economic boom.
The building’s sleek, stainless-steel front, which supports the vertical alignment of the structure and reduces wind resistance, is one of its distinguishing features. In less than a minute, guests can ascend from the ground floor to the 116th-story observation deck thanks to one of the world’s quickest elevators. From this height, the deck offers sweeping views of Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta, an incredible vantage point for tourists and locals alike.
Inside, the tower includes office spaces, conference centers, high-end retail outlets, and a luxurious hotel, making it a mixed-use hub. Designed with sustainability in mind, Ping An IFC incorporates energy-efficient systems and water-saving technologies, reinforcing China’s commitment to green architecture in its ever-expanding urban landscapes.
6) Lotte World Tower
The Lotte World Tower, standing 554.5 meters (1,819 feet) tall with 123 floors above ground and Six Below is the tallest structure in South Korea and a stunning addition to Seoul’s skyline. This architectural wonder, which was finished in 2017, symbolizes the nation’s cultural legacy and forward-thinking outlook by combining traditional Korean design features with a contemporary style. Its sleek, tapered shape improves stability against earthquakes and severe winds in addition to offering a distinctive look.
The 118th story of the tower is home to one of the highest glass-bottom observation decks in the world, which allows guests to enjoy breathtaking city views from an adrenaline-pumping vantage point. It’s also home to one of the world’s fastest elevators, which transports guests from the ground to the observation deck in under a minute.
Inside, Lotte World Tower offers a luxurious mix of spaces, including offices, residences, a hotel, retail outlets, and the “Signiel Seoul” hotel on its upper floors, providing unparalleled panoramic views. Sustainable design elements are woven throughout, such as rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient lighting. As a modern icon in Seoul, the Lotte World Tower represents South Korea’s architectural innovation and serves as a global destination for tourists and business travelers alike.
7) One World Trade Center
With 94 floors above ground and five below, One World Trade Center is 541.3 meters (1,776 feet) tall and is a powerful representation of resilience and optimism in New York City. Often referred to as the “Freedom Tower,” this famous edifice was finished in 2014 and is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Its 1,776-foot height honors the year of American independence, a purposeful element that heightens its importance.
One World Trade Center’s architecture blends elegance and strength. A crystalline glass front that reflects the sky and changes appearance throughout the day encircles a fortified concrete core in its design. Built to stringent safety standards, the structure includes advanced fireproofing, extra-wide stairwells, and reinforced steel walls, embodying lessons learned from the original World Trade Center.
Inside, the building serves as a hub of business activity, hosting offices, broadcasting studios, and a three-story observatory on the 100th to 102nd floors. The observatory offers 360-degree views of New York, providing visitors with an awe-inspiring perspective of the city. One World Trade Center is more than a building; it’s a landmark of the American spirit, standing proudly at the heart of Lower Manhattan’s skyline.
8) Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre
With 111 stories above ground and five below, the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is the highest structure in Guangzhou, China, standing at 530 meters (1,740 ft). It was finished in 2016 and is one of the highest structures in the world, reflecting the city’s rapid expansion. The tower’s design, which features sleek lines and a glass and stone front that fits Guangzhou’s modern cityscape, is a remarkable blend of functionality and aesthetics. The “CTF” stands for Chow Tai Fook, the development corporation behind the project.
The tower’s speed is among its most remarkable attributes. Visitors may go from the ground level to the top in less than a minute thanks to some of the fastest elevators in the world, which can reach speeds of up to 72 km/h (44.7 mph). The interior of the skyscraper is magnificent, with a blend of high-end retail establishments, luxury residences, office spaces, and the Rosewood Guangzhou hotel, which takes up the upper floors and provides breathtaking city views.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre includes energy-saving technologies such as high-efficiency lighting and a rainwater recycling system. Its innovative design and environmental features make it a landmark of both luxury and sustainability in one of China’s most vibrant cities.
9) Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
One of China’s tallest and most remarkable structures is the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre, which stands 530 meters (1,740 feet) tall with 97 stories above ground and four below. China’s rapid urban development and architectural prowess are demonstrated by this architectural marvel, which was completed in 2019 and stands opposite its sister structure, the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre. Because of its streamlined, curving shape, which mimics a flowing form, the tower reduces wind load and is extremely resistant to the coastal weather of Tianjin.
A self-contained ecosystem for work, living, and pleasure is provided by the tower’s combination of office spaces, upscale residences, a five-star hotel, and retail sections. The structure also incorporates advanced environmental technologies, such as high-efficiency ventilation and insulation systems, which reduce energy consumption and enhance sustainability.
The Tianjin CTF Finance Centre is particularly known for its ultra-fast elevators, which travel at speeds of up to 72 km/h (44.7 mph), taking visitors to the upper levels in mere seconds. Its glass and metal front beautifully reflect sunlight, giving the building an almost ethereal glow. As one of Tianjin’s premier landmarks, the tower stands as a testament to modern engineering and design, embodying both luxury and eco-conscious innovation.
10) CITIC Tower
Dominating Beijing’s skyline, the CITIC Tower, popularly called “China Zun,” rises 527.7 meters (1,731 feet) with 109 floors above ground and eight below. This tower, which was finished in 2018, is Beijing’s tallest structure and a notable example of the city’s architecture. Its design resembles the curled, flaring shape of this traditional artifact, hence its moniker, “China Zun,” which alludes to an ancient Chinese wine jug. This distinctive design decision gives the building a stunning aspect that contrasts with Beijing’s historic landmarks by fusing modern aesthetics with cultural symbolism.
The tower is a mixed-use building that has a luxury hotel, offices, and multiple observation decks with expansive city views. Inside, CITIC Tower features advanced structural technology designed to withstand earthquakes, making it one of the safest high-rise buildings in seismic areas.
CITIC Tower’s sustainable design includes energy-efficient systems and features that maximize natural light and reduce energy consumption. The building’s construction used high-strength materials, enabling it to reach its towering height while ensuring stability and durability. As a modern icon in Beijing, the CITIC Tower represents a fusion of China’s rich history with its ambitious future, becoming a symbol of national pride and architectural excellence.
| No. | Name of Building | Height (Meters) | Country | Year of Completion |
| 1 | Burj Khalifa | 828 | UAE | 2010 |
| 2 | Merdeka 118 | 678.9 | Malaysia | 2024 |
| 3 | Shanghai Tower | 632 | China | 2015 |
| 4 | Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower | 601 | Saudi Arabia | 2012 |
| 5 | Ping An International Finance Centre | 599.1 | China | 2017 |
| 6 | Lotte World Tower | 554.5 | South Korea | 2017 |
| 7 | One World Trade Center | 541.3 | USA | 2014 |
| 8 | Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre | 530 | China | 2016 |
| 9 | Tianjin CTF Finance Centre | 530 | China | 2019 |
| 10 | CITIC Tower | 527 | China | 2018 |
Conclusion
As humans look to the future, the tallest buildings in the world continue to push the boundaries of design, engineering, and sustainability. For instance, the Shanghai Tower, standing at 632 meters, features a unique spiraling design that helps it reduce wind resistance by 24%.
Similarly, the Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, completed in 2024, not only stands at 678.9 meters but also boasts a visually striking architectural style inspired by Malaysia’s heritage. These towering feats reflect humanity’s unyielding desire to innovate, shaping skylines and offering fascinating insights into the capabilities of modern construction technology that continue to evolve with each new project.
FAQs
Is Merdeka 118 Taller Than Burj Khalifa?
No, Merdeka 118 is not taller than Burj Khalifa. The Burj Khalifa stands at 828 meters while Merdeka 118 stands at 678.9 meters.
What Is the 2nd Tallest Building?
The second tallest building in the world is Merdeka 118, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It stands at 678.9 meters (2,227 feet) and was completed in 2024.
How Many Floors Are in Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa has 163 floors above ground and 2 below, making it a 165-story skyscraper, offering offices, residential spaces, and observation decks.
Who Owns Burj Khalifa?
Burj Khalifa is owned by Emaar Properties, a leading real estate development company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Which African Country Has the Tallest Building?
Egypt has the tallest African building, the Iconic Tower, which stands at 393.8 meters. Located in the New Administrative Capital, it symbolizes Egypt’s ambitious urban growth. Completed in 2024, it reflects modern design blended with sustainable technology.
Which Is the Tallest Building In Germany?
The tallest building in Germany is the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt, standing at 259 meters. Completed in 1997, it remains a prominent part of Frankfurt’s skyline. The building is known for its eco-friendly design and iconic presence.
Is the CN Tower the Highest Building?
The CN Tower is not classified as a building but as a freestanding structure, and it stands at 553 meters in Toronto. Although it was once the tallest structure globally, many skyscrapers now exceed its height. It remains an iconic landmark and popular tourist attraction in Canada.
