Construction of the Jeddah Tower, set to be the world’s tallest building, is resuming after a seven-year pause due to labor disputes and political factors. Located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the tower will rise 1,000 meters, surpassing the Burj Khalifa by over 500 feet. The project, part of the Jeddah Economic City development, was halted in 2018 but is now expected to be completed by 2028. When finished, it will feature 157 floors, including a Four Seasons hotel, office spaces, luxury residential units, and the world’s highest observation deck. The tower’s design, inspired by a desert flower, reflects Saudi Arabia’s drive to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil as part of the Vision 2030 initiative.
While the tower promises to boost the country’s infrastructure and economy, its environmental impact remains a concern. The construction process, involving significant amounts of concrete, steel, and glass, will contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and require substantial energy for manufacturing and transportation. Additionally, the disruption to local ecosystems during excavation and site preparation could harm the environment. Once completed, the tower’s energy demands could lead to increased reliance on non-renewable sources unless offset by sustainable technologies. Although the tower’s design includes energy-efficient features, the overall impact on the environment, particularly regarding resource consumption and waste generation, could still be considerable. Despite these concerns, the resumption of construction is seen as an important step in realizing the goals of Vision 2030, with hopes that future developments will balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. More