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The world’s tallest buildings are more than just engineering marvels—they symbolize modernity, innovation, and architectural excellence. Each skyscraper stands as a testament to a city’s economic strength, technological advancements, and visionary design.
Interested in the world’s tallest towers? This article unveils the top 10 tallest buildings in 2024. Let’s explore these architectural wonders!
Here’s a look at the world’s tallest buildings:
| Ranking | Building Name | City and Country | Height | Floor |
| 1. | Burj Khalifa | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 2717 ft | 163 (+2 below floor) |
| 2. | Merdeka 118 | Kula Lumpur, Malaysia | 2227 ft | 118 (+5 below floor) |
| 3. | Shanghai Tower | Shanghai, China | 2073 ft | 128 (+5 below floor) |
| 4. | Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower | Mecca, Saudi Arabia | 1972 ft | 120 (+3 below floor) |
| 5. | Ping An International Finance Tower | Shenzhen, China | 1966 ft | 115 (+5 below floor) |
| 6. | Lotte World Tower | Seoul, South Korea | 1819 ft | 123 (+6 below floor) |
| 7. | One World Trade Centre | New York, United States | 1776 ft | 94 (+5 below floor) |
| 8. | Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre | Guangzhou, China | 1740 ft | 111 (+5 below floor) |
| 9. | Tianjin CTF Finance Centre | Tianjin, China | 1740 ft | 97 (+4 below floor) |
| 10. | China Zun | Beijing, China | 1731 ft | 109 (+8 below floor) |
1. Burj Khalifa – The tallest building in the World
- Elevation: 828 meters
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Completed in: 2010
Construction of the Burj Khalifa commenced in January 2004, and the tower was officially inaugurated on January 4, 2010. Standing as the tallest building in the world, it is an iconic symbol of Dubai’s architectural and engineering excellence.
Designed by the esteemed architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, with Adrian Smith as the chief architect, the 163-story skyscraper houses residential, corporate, and luxury hotel spaces.
The Burj Khalifa boasts the world’s highest observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline. As the tallest skyscraper on Earth, it remains a must-visit destination for tourists and architecture enthusiasts alike.
2. Merdeka 118 – Second Tallest building in the World
- Elevation: 678.9 meters
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Completed in: 2023
Merdeka 118 stands as the second tallest building in the world, boasting 118 floors dedicated to commercial, residential, and hospitality spaces. Completed in 2023, it ranks among the most impressive skyscrapers globally.
The tower derives its name from Stadium Merdeka, the historic site where Malaysia declared independence in 1957. A symbol of Malaysia’s cultural heritage and diversity, Merdeka 118 is an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned Australian firm Fender Katsalidis.
3. Shanghai Tower
- Elevation: 632 meters
- Location: Shanghai, China
- Completed in: 2015
The Shanghai Tower, standing as the tallest building in China and the third tallest globally, is a remarkable architectural feat. Its construction, which started in 2015, is situated in the vibrant Lujiazui district, the financial hub of Shanghai.
This awe-inspiring skyscraper boasts 128 floors, accommodating offices, luxury hotels, and premium retail spaces. Additionally, it features a spectacular observation deck on the 118th floor, providing panoramic views of Shanghai.
4. Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower
- Elevation: 601 meters
- Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
- Completed in: 2015
The Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower holds the fourth position among the tallest buildings in the world. Situated in the heart of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, it stands as a prominent landmark in the city.
A standout feature of the Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower is its enormous clock face at the top, visible from miles away.
This iconic structure houses a luxury hotel, residential apartments, a shopping mall, a vast prayer hall that can accommodate thousands of worshippers, and a museum showcasing Islamic art and history.
5. Ping An International Finance Tower
- Elevation: 599 meters
- Location: Shenzhen, China
- Completed in: 2017
The Ping An International Finance Tower is among the tallest buildings globally and holds the title of the second tallest building in China. Situated in Shenzhen, this stunning skyscraper was designed by the renowned Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, an international architecture firm.
The tower boasts high-end retail stores, premium office spaces, a luxurious hotel, and a range of dining options. Located on the 116th floor, an observation deck provides breathtaking, panoramic views of Shenzhen and its surrounding areas.
6. Lotte World Tower – Among the Tallest buildings in the world
- Elevation: 554.5 meters
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Completed in: 2017
The Lotte World Tower ranks as the sixth tallest building in the world, situated in Seoul, South Korea. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the tower showcases a stunning glass and steel outer facade.
Standing as one of the tallest structures globally, the Lotte World Tower comprises 123 floors and offers a variety of amenities, including premium office spaces, luxurious residences, a seven-star hotel, and a spacious shopping mall.
The skyscraper also boasts multiple observation decks, with the highest offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
7. One World Trade Centre
- Elevation: 541.3 meters
- Location: New York City, US
- Completed in: 2014
One World Trade Center is among the tallest towers globally, located in New York. It holds the seventh position in the list of the world’s tallest buildings.
The tower houses office spaces, an observation deck (the One World Observatory), retail areas, and restaurants. The observatory, spanning the 100th to 102nd floors, provides stunning views of New York City.
8. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre
- Elevation: 530 meters
- Location: Guangzhou, China
- Completed in: 2016
The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre ranks as the eighth tallest building in the world and the third tallest in China. Located in Guangzhou, this mixed-use skyscraper includes a mall, office spaces, apartments, and a hotel.
The upper floors are home to the Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou, offering spectacular views of the city’s skyline and the Pearl River below.
9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
- Elevation: 530 meters
- Location: Tianjin, China
- Completed in: 2019
This magnificent tower, located in Tianjin, is the ninth-tallest building in the world and the second-tallest in China. Standing tall with 97 floors, it is an iconic skyscraper.
The building serves as a multifunctional hub, housing offices, luxury serviced apartments, and a five-star hotel. Its remarkable height solidifies its place as one of the tallest buildings globally.
10. China Zun – Among the Tallest buildings in the World
- Elevation: 527.7 meters
- Location: Beijing, China
- Completed in: 2018
China Zun also referred to as the CITIC Tower, is among the tallest buildings in the world. Situated in Beijing, China, this striking skyscraper features 109 floors.
Finished in 2018, China Zun reaches a height of 1,731 feet (527.7 meters), making it the tallest building in Beijing and one of the tallest globally.
Conclusion
In 2024, the world’s tallest buildings represent the zenith of modern architecture and engineering. From the Burj Khalifa’s record-breaking height in Dubai to the innovative designs of skyscrapers like Merdeka 118 and the Shanghai Tower, each of these structures embodies a harmonious blend of technological progress and architectural brilliance.
These towering giants not only shape the city skylines but also symbolize the economic and cultural growth of their respective cities. Whether it’s the panoramic views from the One World Trade Center or the luxurious amenities at the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, each building provides a unique glimpse into the future of urban development.
Looking ahead, these skyscrapers serve as a testament to human creativity and the ongoing quest for architectural excellence.
