At the cutting edge of architectural innovation, architects all over the world compete to develop infrastructure wonders that push the bounds of height, to become the tallest buildings on Earth. These enormous towers include breathtakingly magnificent masterpieces from China, the United States, and the Middle East. The top ten tallest buildings in the world are testaments to human creativity and engineering prowess, with each one a spectacular skyscraper in its own right.
Currently, we’ll look at seven stunning buildings, each with a contemporary design that represents the evolution of technology and modernism. It’s worth emphasizing that our focus is on fully completed structures, not those that are still under development. Notably, if we include topped-out structures, Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur would be the world’s second-tallest skyscraper, but because it is still under construction, we have excluded it from our list of the top ten tallest buildings in the world.
Also, read: Top 10 Most Unique Hotels in the World
Top 10 Tallest Buildings in the World 2024
Step into the world of architectural wonders as we unveil the top 10 tallest buildings in 2024. From awe-inspiring heights to groundbreaking designs, these skyscrapers redefine the limits of human innovation and engineering prowess.
1. Burj Khalifa
- Height: 828 meters (2,717 feet)
- Owner: Emaar Properties
- Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Standing tall against the Dubai skyline, the Burj Khalifa reigns supreme as the tallest building in the world, reaching an astonishing height of 828 meters. Owned by Emaar Properties, this architectural marvel is a symbol of Dubai’s ambition and innovation. Located in the vibrant heart of Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is a beacon of modernity and luxury in the desert landscape. Completed in 2010, this iconic skyscraper boasts 163 floors and features a mix of residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces. From its observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city, stretching out to the vast expanse of the Arabian Gulf.
Designed by the renowned architect Adrian Smith, the Burj Khalifa’s sleek, tapered silhouette is inspired by the geometry of a desert flower and incorporates elements of Islamic architecture. Its shimmering glass facade reflects the changing hues of the desert sky, while its innovative design ensures stability and resilience against the elements. Beyond its architectural significance, the Burj Khalifa serves as a global icon of progress and ambition, attracting millions of visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its sheer height and beauty. As Dubai continues to evolve and grow, the Burj Khalifa stands as a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of possibility and redefining the skyline of the future.
Also, read: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Europe
2. Merdeka 118
- Height: 678.9 meters (2,227 ft)
- Owner: Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB)
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Standing tall over the Kuala Lumpur skyline, Merdeka 118 (formerly known as PNB 118) claims the title of the world’s second-tallest building. Completed in 2023, this architectural marvel is owned by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), a Malaysian investment company. Merdeka 118 embodies Malaysia’s progress and innovation, symbolizing its rise as a prominent player in the global scene.
This mixed-use development features office spaces, a luxury hotel, and high-end residential units. The tower’s design incorporates sustainable elements, making it an environmentally conscious addition to the Kuala Lumpur cityscape. Merdeka 118 is poised to become a landmark destination, attracting businesses and residents seeking a luxurious and modern experience in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
Also, read: Top 10 Mystical Mountains in the World
3. Shanghai Tower
- Height: 632 meters (2,073 feet)
- Owner: Shanghai Municipal Government
- Location: Shanghai, China
Soaring over the Shanghai skyline, the Shanghai Tower twists its way up to a height of 632 meters, making it the third-tallest building in the world. Owned by the Shanghai Municipal Government, this architectural marvel boasts a unique and innovative design. The tower’s curved facade minimizes wind resistance and incorporates sustainable features, such as rainwater harvesting and a natural ventilation system.
The Shanghai Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views from its observation decks, attracting visitors from all over the world. It serves as a prominent landmark and a symbol of Shanghai’s modernity and technological advancements.
4. Makkah Royal Clock Tower
- Height: 601 meters (1,972 ft)
- Owner: The Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower Company
- Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Rising from the heart of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower stands tall as a beacon of hospitality and a marvel of modern engineering. This architectural marvel, owned by the Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower Company, is the world’s fourth-tallest building and boasts the title of the tallest clock tower globally. The clock tower is part of the Abraj Al-Bait complex, a massive development featuring hotels, shopping malls, and a lunar observation center.
The tower’s clock face, the world’s largest, displays the Islamic proclamation of faith and serves as a symbol of Islamic unity. The spire, topped with a crescent moon, adds a touch of grandeur to the skyline. Inside the tower, visitors can find a luxurious hotel offering stunning views of the holy city of Mecca. The Makkah Royal Clock Tower serves not only as a functional clock but also as a testament to Islamic heritage and a symbol of modernity within the holy city.
Also, read: Top 10 Most Important Wars in History
5. Ping An Finance Centre
- Height: 599.1 meters (1,969 ft)
- Owner: Ping An Insurance Company
- Location: Shenzhen, China
Soaring over the Shenzhen skyline, the Ping An Finance Centre stands as a majestic testament to China’s architectural prowess. Owned by Ping An Insurance Company, this 115-story skyscraper boasts a design that blends functionality with aesthetics. Completed in 2017, the Ping An Finance Centre serves as the company’s headquarters, consolidating its various departments under one roof.
The building’s innovative design maximizes office space while incorporating sustainable features to reduce energy consumption. Clad in a combination of stone and glass, the Ping An Finance Centre features a distinctive spire that resembles a stylized crown. At 562 meters, the building once held the record for the world’s highest observation deck, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Pearl River Delta. The Ping An Finance Centre remains a prominent landmark in Shenzhen, symbolizing the city’s rapid economic growth and its position as a major financial hub in China.
6. Goldin Finance 117
- Height: 596.6 meters (1,957 ft)
- Owner: Goldin Financial Holdings Ltd.
- Location: Tianjin, China
Despite its imposing presence, Goldin Finance 117 in Tianjin, China, remains unfinished. This ambitious project, owned by Goldin Financial Holdings Ltd., reached its full height in 2015 but construction stalled soon after. The skyscraper holds the title of the tallest building in Tianjin and the sixth-tallest in the world. Goldin Finance 117 was envisioned as a mixed-use development featuring office space, a luxury hotel, and residential units spread across its 128 floors. However, financial difficulties halted construction, leaving the building’s future uncertain.
The unfinished giant casts a complex shadow over Tianjin’s skyline, serving as a reminder of China’s booming building boom and its occasional stumbles. Whether Goldin Finance 117 will ever be completed remains to be seen, but it stands as a testament to China’s architectural ambition and the challenges of large-scale development projects.
Also, read: Top Ten International Airports in the World
7. Lotte World Tower
- Height: 555.7 meters (1,823 ft)
- Owner: Lotte Group
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
Soaring over the bustling metropolis of Seoul, Lotte World Tower stands as the tallest building in South Korea and the seventh-tallest structure globally. Owned by Lotte Group, a prominent South Korean conglomerate, the tower is a centerpiece of the Lotte World complex, which includes an amusement park, shopping malls, and a hotel. Completed in 2017, Lotte World Tower boasts 123 floors, offering a unique blend of office space, luxury apartments, and observation decks.
Visitors can marvel at breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul, stretching from the iconic N Seoul Tower to the winding Han River. The tower’s design incorporates traditional Korean architectural elements with modern engineering marvels, showcasing a harmonious fusion of heritage and innovation. As a symbol of South Korea’s economic and technological prowess, Lotte World Tower serves as a major tourist attraction and a hub for international business activity.
8. One World Trade Center
- Height: 541.3 meters (1,776 ft)
- Owner: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
- Location: New York City, United States
Standing tall on the New York City skyline, One World Trade Center reigns supreme as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Reaching a symbolic height of 1,776 feet, it honors the year American independence was declared. Owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, this skyscraper serves as a beacon of resilience and hope, built on the site of the original World Trade Center towers destroyed in the September 11th attacks.
Completed in 2014, One World Trade Center boasts a sustainable design and houses office space, observation decks, and retail stores. The observation deck, named One World Observatory, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of New York and its unwavering ability to rise from adversity.
Also, read: Top 10 Countries with Healthiest Food
9. CTF Finance Centre
- Height: 530 meters (1,739 ft)
- Owner: Chow Tai Fook Group
- Location: Guangzhou, China
Soaring majestically over the Guangzhou skyline, the CTF Finance Centre stands as a prominent landmark and a testament to China’s architectural prowess. Owned by the Chow Tai Fook Group, this 530-meter tall skyscraper is a mixed-use development, housing office spaces, a luxurious hotel, and residential apartments. Completed in 2016, the CTF Finance Centre is part of the Guangzhou Twin Towers complex, with the Guangzhou West Tower as its companion.
The design of the CTF Finance Centre incorporates a podium structure seamlessly integrated with the main tower. The facade features a captivating interplay of glass, self-cleaning terracotta panels, and metal, creating a visually striking and sustainable exterior. The building boasts innovative engineering solutions to maximize energy efficiency and withstand the elements. The CTF Finance Centre offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its upper floors, making it a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike. It serves as a significant hub for commerce and a symbol of Guangzhou’s economic and urban development.
10. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
- Height: 530 meters (1,739 ft)
- Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
- Location: Tianjin, China
- Owner: Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
Soaring 530 meters above Tianjin’s bustling cityscape, the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre stands as a majestic landmark and a testament to China’s architectural prowess. Designed by the renowned firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the building boasts a unique curved form that minimizes wind resistance and offers a shimmering presence on the skyline.
Owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre is a mixed-use development housing luxurious offices, serviced apartments, and a five-star Rosewood Hotel. Completed in 2019, the skyscraper boasts 97 floors, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Hai River. Innovative engineering solutions ensure the building’s stability and energy efficiency. The Tianjin CTF Finance Center serves as a vital commercial hub and a popular destination, attracting businesses and tourists seeking a luxurious and modern experience in the heart of Tianjin.
Also, read: Top Ten Most Beautiful Islands in the World
FAQs
Q. What’s the current tallest building in the world?
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai maintains its reign as the world’s tallest building, reaching a staggering 828 meters (2,717 feet).
Q. Are there any new buildings challenging the Burj Khalifa’s height?
No new buildings have surpassed the Burj Khalifa’s height as of 2024. However, the Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur stands as the second tallest at 678.9 meters (2,227 feet).
Also, read: Top Ten Religious Places In The World
Q. Which countries are leading the skyscraper race?
Asia and the Middle East are currently dominating the construction of the world’s tallest buildings. Dubai, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, and Mecca all boast skyscrapers within the top 10.
Q. What are some of the unique features of these record-breaking buildings?
These mega-tall structures incorporate groundbreaking designs, sustainable elements, luxurious amenities, and observation decks offering unparalleled views.
Q. Where can I find the latest information on the world’s tallest buildings?
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) maintains a continuously updated list of the world’s tallest completed buildings: https://www.ctbuh.org/.
Conclusion
From the towering heights of the Burj Khalifa to the innovative designs of the Shanghai Tower, the top 10 tallest buildings in the world in 2024 will showcase the ingenuity and creativity of human civilization. As we marvel at these architectural marvels, we’re reminded of the boundless possibilities of human achievement and the endless pursuit of reaching new heights.
