Revealed: Top 10 Skyscrapers Under Construction In The GCC
Saudi Arabia’s upcoming Kingdom Tower, estimated to rise over a 1000 metres in height when ready, tops the list.
The GCC is home to some of the highest buildings in the world, with the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, at 828 meters, ranking as the world’s tallest.
According to estimates, over 300 skyscrapers are further expected to be completed within the GCC by 2015, all over 150 metres tall, including a new tallest tower in the world.
Here’s a look at some of the massive structures currently under construction in the region.
1. Kingdom Tower
Location: Jeddah, Saudia Arabia
Height: Expected to be over 1000 metres
Developer: Kingdom Holding Company
Estimated date of completion: 2019
The Kingdom Tower, developed by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding Company, is set to come up in the city of Jeddah.
It is anticipated to become the tallest tower in the world upon its expected completion date in 2019. The exact height is unknown but it’s expected to be over 1000 meters tall and is estimated to cost $1.23 billion to build, less than Burj Khalifa’s $1.5 billion cost.
Additionally, its foundations will be 60 meters deep to withstand the saltwater from the nearby ocean and strong winds while supporting the building’s Herculean structure.
2. 106 Tower
Location: Dubai, UAE
Height: 433 metres
Estimated date of completion: 2018
The 106 Tower will be built as residential tower with over 106 floors as per its name, in the popular Dubai Marina area overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
The main contractor is Al Qabadah Building Contracting and it is expected to be completed by 2018.
3. Diamond Tower
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Height: 432 metres
Estimated date of completion: 2017
This building has a striking ‘twisting’ design with a diamond shaped top and is planned to become the second tallest tower in Saudi Arabia when ready in 2017.
It will be located in Jeddah’s Corniche to be primarily used for residential purposes.
4. Marina 101
Location: Dubai, UAE
Height: 427 metres
Developer: Sheffield Holdings
Estimated date of completion: 2014
The Marina 101, developed by Sheffield Holdings, is set to become the tallest luxury hotel and serviced apartment buildings in the world, with its planned 427 metre height.
Its construction has been delayed several times since it began in 2006, but it is currently expected to be ready by the end of 2014.
5. Capital Market Authority Tower
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Height: 385 metres
Estimated date of completion: 2015
The 79-storey Central Market Authority Tower will be the centre-piece of the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with the aim of promoting the Saudi capital as a major regional business hub.
The tower’s angular façade isn’t just for aesthetic appeal as it features a high performance solar system, reducing the overall thermal loads placed on the building.
6. The Address the BLVD
Location: Dubai, UAE
Height: 370 metres
Developer: Emaar
Estimated Date of Completion: 2016
After the success of Emaar’s The Address hospitality brand, the developer is building a 72-storey skyscraper which will house a premium five star hotel and a number of serviced apartments to be completed in 2016.
It will stand as the second tallest building in the Downtown area after the Burj Khalifa, towering over the other two branches of the hotel chain within the area.
7. ADNOC Headquarters
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Height: 342 metres
Developer: ADNOC
Estimated date of completion: 2014
ADNOC’s future headquarters has been designed to become a landmark for Abu Dhabi’s skyline. The tower has a sleek and slender design and with its colossal height, overlooks the Arabian Gulf and the Emirates Palace Hotel.
It is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
8. Damac Heights
Location: Dubai, UAE
Height: 335 metres
Developer: Damac
Estimated date of completion: 2016
Formerly known as Ocean Heights 2, it is a residential tower to be built in Dubai Marina by property developer Damac.
The Dhs508 million development is being constructed by Dubai-based Arabtec, and will comprise one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as duplexes and penthouses.
9. Gate of Kuwait Tower
Location: Kuwait city, Kuwait
Height: 330 metres
Estimated date of completion: 2016
The 320 meter tall tower is planned to include the Kuwait Four Seasons Hotel, office space and high-end retail upon its completion in 2016, when it will also become one of the tallest buildings in the Gulf state.
10. Lamar Tower 1
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Height: 322 metres
Estimated date of completion:2016
The Lamar Tower 1 (part of a wider Lamar Towers development) is set to become Saudi Arabia’s tallest tower when completed in 2016 surpassing the recenty built National Commercial Bank.
Lamar means liquid gold in Arabic, and has been used to describe the reflection of the golden glass in the waters that it overlooks.