The 15 Tallest Buildings In The World

tallest buildings in the world

Dubai, Shanghai, and New York are the most extravagant cities in the world. These are also where skyscrapers are located, with heights that can leave you in awe and admiration. Let’s explore the list of the tallest buildings in the world with unique and unparalleled architecture, where humans conquer new heights in the sky.

The 16 tallest buildings in the world
Rank Building Floors Height (m) Country
1 Burj Khalifa 163 828m UAE
2 Merdeka Maybank Tower 118 679m Malaysia
3 Shanghai Tower 128 632m China
4 Mecca Clock Royal Tower 120 601m Saudi Arabia
5 Ping An International Finance Center 116 599m China
6 Goldin Finance 117 117 599m China
7 Lotte World Tower 123 554m South Korea
8 One World Trade Center 104 541m United States
9 Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre 111 530m China
10 Tianjin CTF Finance Centre 97 530m China
11 CITIC Tower 108 528m China
12 Taipei 101 101 509m Taiwan
13 Shanghai World Financial Center 101 492m China
14 The Exchange 106 96 492m Malaysia
15 International Commerce Centre 118 484m Hong Kong
16 Central Park Tower 95 472m United States

 

>> See more: The tallest buildings in the world in the future

1. Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world. Burj Khalifa is located in Dubai and stands at a record-breaking height of 828 meters across 163 floors. Officially opened in 2010, the tower is a world-renowned architectural landmark that reflects Dubai’s remarkable growth and development.

Situated in a bustling business district, Burj Khalifa combines modern design with advanced construction technology. Its distinctive Y-shaped design helps the tower withstand strong winds while maximizing interior space. Smart cooling systems, high-quality construction materials, and state-of-the-art security systems contribute to a world-class environment for living and working.

Burj Khalifa

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), with architect Adrian Smith leading the project, Burj Khalifa features premium residences, modern office spaces, and upscale entertainment facilities to meet the needs of residents and visitors. From luxury apartments offering panoramic city views to shopping areas and fine-dining restaurants, the tower delivers an exceptional lifestyle experience.

BURJ KHALIFA BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 828m
  • Number of floors: 163 floors
  • Architect: Adrian Smith at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
  • Completion date: December 2, 2009
  • Address: 1 Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, UAE

2. Merdeka Maybank Tower

Merdeka 118, also known as Merdeka Maybank Tower, is a prominent architectural landmark in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the tower stands out not only for its impressive height but also for its distinctive architectural design. Construction began in 2014 and was completed in 2023, reflecting Malaysia’s dedication and continued efforts to strengthen its position on the international stage.

Merdeka Maybank Tower

MERDEKA 118 BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 679m
  • Number of floors: 118 floors
  • Architect: Fender Katsalidis in collaboration with RSP KL
  • Completion date: November 2023
  • Address: Jalan Hang Jebat, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3. Shanghai Tower

Shanghai Tower is the tallest of the three iconic skyscrapers in Pudong, Shanghai, and ranks as the world’s third-tallest building, reaching a height of 632 meters. Construction began in 2008 and was completed in 2014. The 128-story tower primarily accommodates financial corporations and government agencies.

Shanghai Tower

Featuring a distinctive spiraling design by Gensler, Shanghai Tower incorporates energy-efficient features, including a double-skin façade that helps improve thermal performance. The building has also set records for its high-speed elevators and elevated dining facilities.

SHANGHAI TOWER BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 632m
  • Number of floors: 128 floors
  • Architect: Gensler
  • Completion date: August 31, 2014
  • Address: Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China

4. Mecca Clock Royal Tower

Standing 601 meters tall, the Mecca Clock Royal Tower is part of a complex comprising seven hotel towers in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, approximately 300 meters from the Grand Mosque. Developed as part of the King Abdulaziz Endowment Project to modernize the city, the tower ranks as the world’s fourth-tallest building.

 Makkah Clock Royal Tower

Built by the Saudi Binladin Group with an estimated investment of US$15 billion, the Mecca Clock Royal Tower is an iconic architectural landmark that reflects Saudi Arabia’s wealth and ambition.

MECCA CLOCK ROYAL TOWER BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 601m
  • Number of floors: 120 floors
  • Architects: SL Rasch GmbH and Dar Al-Handasah Architects
  • Completion year: 2011
  • Address: Mecca, Saudi Arabia

5. Ping An International Finance Center

Ping An Finance Center is one of the world’s tallest buildings, ranking among the top 25 skyscrapers globally with a height of approximately 599 meters. Located in Shenzhen, China, the tower was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF). Its impressive scale and modern architecture make it a symbol of the region’s rapid economic growth and dynamism.

Ping An International Finance Center

Primarily designed to accommodate Grade A office spaces and modern commercial facilities, Ping An IFC has quickly become a major financial hub in the region. The building also features advanced construction technologies that support sustainability and energy efficiency.

PING AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CENTER BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 599m
  • Number of floors: 116 floors
  • Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
  • Completion date: March 28, 2017
  • Address: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

6. Goldin Finance 117

Goldin Finance 117 is one of the world’s tallest buildings, rising prominently in Tianjin, China, with an impressive height of approximately 597 meters. Designed by P&T Group, the tower stands out for its distinctive architecture, inspired by the sparkling geometric form of a diamond.

Goldin Finance 117

With its immense scale, Goldin Finance 117 was envisioned as both an architectural landmark and a major commercial destination. The project was intended to accommodate luxury office spaces and high-end hotel facilities, offering premium experiences for business travelers and visitors.

GOLDIN FINANCE 117 BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 599m
  • Number of floors: 117 floors
  • Developer: Goldin Financial Holdings Limited
  • Construction start date: August 16, 2008
  • Address: Xiqing District, Tianjin, China

7. Lotte World Tower

Ranking seventh among the world’s tallest buildings, Lotte World Tower is a landmark skyscraper in South Korea. Located in the vibrant city of Seoul, the tower features a distinctly modern aesthetic and stands out as a defining element of the capital’s urban skyline.

Lotte World Tower

With its elegant and striking design, Lotte World Tower serves as a major destination for shopping and business while attracting tourists who want to enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from above.

LOTTE WORLD TOWER BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 554m
  • Number of floors: 123 floors
  • Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox
  • Completion date: December 22, 2016
  • Address: Seoul, South Korea

8. One World Trade Center

One World Trade Center stands as a symbol of strength and resilience in the heart of New York City. With its impressive height and distinctive architecture, the tower is one of the world’s most recognizable architectural landmarks and a popular destination for visitors. From its observation deck, visitors can admire the city’s spectacular skyline while reflecting on the building’s deeper significance as a symbol of life, hope, and renewal.

One World Trade Center

ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 541m
  • Number of floors: 104 floors
  • Architect: David Childs (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)
  • Completion date: April 30, 2012
  • Address: 285 Fulton Street, Manhattan, New York, USA

9. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre

Standing 530 meters tall with a distinctive architectural design, CTF Finance Centre has become one of Guangzhou’s modern landmarks. More than just a skyscraper, the tower serves as a major economic and commercial hub, bringing together office spaces, a hotel, residential apartments, and shopping facilities under one roof.

CTF Finance Centre

GUANGZHOU CTF FINANCE CENTRE BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 530m
  • Number of floors: 111 floors
  • Architect: WilkinsonEyre
  • Completion year: 2016
  • Address: Zhujiang East Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

10. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre

Tianjin CTF Finance Centre is the second building in Tianjin to feature among the world’s tallest skyscrapers. The tower accommodates numerous corporate offices, more than 300 luxury apartments, and a five-star hotel, catering to a wide range of needs for businesses and residents, from working and living to enjoying premium hospitality services.

Tianjin CTF Finance Centre

TIANJIN CTF FINANCE CENTRE BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 530m
  • Number of floors: 97 floors
  • Architectural firms: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in collaboration with Ronald Lu & Partners
  • Completion date: September 22, 2019
  • Address: Binhai New Area, Tianjin, China

11. CITIC Tower

Located in Beijing, China, CITIC Tower ranks among the world’s tallest buildings. Its design takes inspiration from the traditional Chinese zun, an ancient bronze vessel used for pouring wine. The tower’s glass façade becomes increasingly transparent toward the upper levels, allowing the building’s interior activities to be visible from the surrounding city at night.

CITIC Tower

CITIC TOWER BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 528m
  • Number of floors: 108 floors
  • Architect: TFP Farrells
  • Completion date: September 30, 2018
  • Address: Z15 Plot, Guanghua Road, Beijing Central Business District, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

12. Taipei 101 

Taipei 101 is a renowned skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan. The building is famous for its high-speed elevators, which can travel at speeds of up to 1,010 meters per minute, equivalent to approximately 16 meters per second. Officially opened in 2004, the tower is also notable for its advanced double-deck elevator system, which allows the two elevator cabins to operate independently.

Taipei 101

TAIPEI 101 BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 509m
  • Number of floors: 101 floors
  • Architect: C.Y. Lee & Partners
  • Completion year: 2004
  • Address: Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan

13. Shanghai World Financial Center

Ranking thirteenth among the world’s tallest buildings, Shanghai World Financial Center is a prominent business landmark in Shanghai. The tower accommodates more than 36 multinational companies, primarily banks, insurance companies, and technology corporations. Standing at approximately 492 meters tall, the building began construction in 2001 and opened in 2008. It remains one of Shanghai’s most recognizable skyscrapers.

Shanghai World Financial Center

SHANGHAI WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 492m
  • Number of floors: 101 floors
  • Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox
  • Completion date: March 2008
  • Address: 100 Century Avenue, Pudong, Shanghai, China

14. The Exchange 106

The Exchange 106 ranks fourteenth on the list of the world’s tallest buildings. Located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the skyscraper opened in 2019 and stands 492 meters tall. It is one of Malaysia’s most prominent high-rise developments and a major feature of the Tun Razak Exchange financial district.

The Exchange 106

THE EXCHANGE 106 BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 492m
  • Number of floors: 96 floors
  • Architects: Mulia Group Architects; Peter Chan (architect of record)
  • Completion date: August 2019
  • Address: Tun Razak Exchange, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

15. International Commerce Centre

International Commerce Centre is another iconic skyscraper in Hong Kong. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, the tower occupies a prime location overlooking the famous Victoria Harbour. It houses premium commercial spaces and luxury hospitality facilities, including The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, which occupies the upper floors of the building.

International Commerce Centre

INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE CENTRE BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 484m
  • Number of floors: 118 floors
  • Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox
  • Completion year: 2010
  • Address: 1 Austin Road, West Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

16. Central Park Tower

Central Park Tower is a 472-meter-tall, 95-story skyscraper completed in 2020 in New York City, USA. It ranks among the world’s tallest buildings and is renowned for its ultra-luxury residential properties, which command some of the highest real estate prices in New York City.

Central Park Tower

CENTRAL PARK TOWER BUILDING INFORMATION:

  • Height: 472m
  • Number of floors: 95 floors
  • Architect: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture
  • Completion year: 2020
  • Address: 225 West 57th Street, Manhattan, New York, USA

These are the top 16 tallest skyscrapers in the world. You can see that buildings in China dominate the majority of the list, reflecting the country’s impressive development. However, the number one spot is still held by a representative from the Middle East, and it may be a while before another building dethrones this record. Hopefully, this information has provided you with valuable insights.

>> See more of the tallest buildings in different countries:

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