From Burj Khalifa to Merdeka, here are world’s top 10 tallest buildings in 2024
Check the list of the top 10 tallest skyscrapers in the world in 2024
Check the list of the top 10 tallest skyscrapers in the world in 2024. (Source: Freepik)
Modern-day architecture, engineering, and urban development are advancing day by day, and we stand in awe of the remarkable structures. The race to build taller, more ambitious skyscrapers has captivated the global imagination, showcasing humanity’s relentless drive to push the limits of design and construction.
Notably, skyscrapers have not only redefined city skylines but also stand as symbols of human integrity and progress, pushing the boundaries of architecture and engineering, with each building telling a unique story of innovation, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of reaching new heights in the sky.
From the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the recently completed Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, here are the top 10 tallest buildings in the world in 2024, as per the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH).
1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE:
Burj Khalifa, Dubai UAE
Burj Khalifa, Dubai UAE (Representational image: Pixabay)
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE, is named after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the former president of the UAE. It holds the prestigious title of being the tallest building globally, soaring to a height of 828 metres with 163 floors, having residential apartments, office spaces, and hotel accommodations. Designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the Burj Khalifa was completed in 2010. Notably, it is home to the world’s highest restaurant and viewing platform, and it boasts the most floors of any building, symbolising Dubai’s commitment to modernity and architectural excellence.
2. Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Source: LERA)
Standing tall at 678.9 metres with 118 levels, Merdeka, also known as PNB 118, dominates the skyline of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as the world’s second-tallest building and the tallest in Southeast Asia. This architectural marvel accommodates offices, retail spaces, hotel rooms, and a viewing platform. Completed in 2023, the name “Merdeka,” symbolising independence in Malay, is in honour of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), the Malaysian investment management company that led the project’s development and financing.
3. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China:
Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China
Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China (Source: Getty Images/Stockyme)
Standing tall in Shanghai, China, the Shanghai Tower is a remarkable architectural achievement that dominates the city’s skyline. Soaring to a height of 632 metres with 128 floors, this iconic skyscraper, designed by Gensler, combines commercial, office, and hotel spaces. Completed in 2015, the Shanghai Tower proudly features the world’s highest observation deck and the fastest elevators. Adjacent to it is the Shanghai World Financial Centre, which ranks as the 12th tallest building globally.
4. Makkah Clock Royal Tower, Mecca, Saudi Arabia:
Makkah Clock Royal Tower, Mecca, Saudi Arabia (Source: Pinterest)
Makkah Clock Royal Tower, Mecca, Saudi Arabia (Source: Pinterest)
The Makkah Clock Royal Tower, or Abraj Al Baitin Mecca, stands tall in Saudi Arabia as the fourth-tallest building in the world and the second-tallest in the Middle East. It also holds the title and features the world’s largest clock. Designed and completed by Dar al-Handasah Shair & Partners in 2012, the tower stands tall at a height of 601 metres and 120 floors, with seven hotel accommodations to host the millions of pilgrims who visit Mecca each year.
5. Ping An International Finance Centre, Shenzhen, China:
Ping An International Finance Centre, Shenzhen, China (Credit: Tim Griffith)
Ping An International Finance Centre, Shenzhen, China (Credit: Tim Griffith)
The Ping An International Finance Centre, situated in Shenzhen, China, stands as the fifth tallest globally and the third tallest in Asia. Rising to a height of 599 meters across 115 floors, it was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and was completed in 2017. In addition to serving as a hub for financial activities, it also features a mix of office spaces, a conference centre, retail outlets, and a luxury hotel.
6. Lotte World Tower, Seoul, South Korea:
Lotte World Tower, Seoul, South Korea (Source: Thrillophilia)
Lotte World Tower, Seoul, South Korea (Source: Thrillophilia)
The Lotte World Tower, situated in Seoul, stands at a towering height of 555 metres with 123 storeys, making it the tallest building in South Korea and the sixth tallest globally. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) and finished in 2017, this architectural marvel houses a mix of offices, apartments, a hotel, retail outlets, a concert hall, and a stunning viewing platform.
7. One World Trade Centre, New York City, USA:
One World Trade Centre, New York City, USA (Source: Freepik)
One World Trade Centre, New York City, USA (Source: Freepik)
Located in New York City, USA, the One World Trade Centre stands as the seventh-tallest building globally, soaring to a height of 541 meters. Designed by David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, this building was completed in 2014 and serves as a multifunctional hub, housing office spaces, observation decks, and a museum.
8. CTF Finance Centre, Guangzhou, China:
CTF Finance Centre, Guangzhou, China (Source: Freepik)
CTF Finance Centre, Guangzhou, China (Source: Freepik)
The Guangzhou CTF (Chow Tai Fook) Finance Centre in Guangzhou, China, is the eighth tallest globally and third tallest in China, standing at a height of 530 meters with 111 floors. Accommodating a variety of spaces, including offices, a hotel, and luxury residences, this was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and the CTF Finance Centre was completed in 2016.
9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre, Tianjin, China:
Tianjin CTF Finance Centre, Tianjin, China (Source: https://invest.teda.gov.cn/)
Tianjin CTF Finance Centre, Tianjin, China (Source: https://invest.teda.gov.cn/)
Believe it or not, numbers eight and nine on the list of the world’s tallest buildings are ties. The Tianjin CTF Finance Centre in Tianjin and the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre both stand at a height of 530 meters. However, the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre has 87 storeys, while the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre has 111 floors. Completed in 2019, the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre was designed by the renowned architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, in collaboration with Ronald Lu & Partners. The building houses a mix of office spaces, luxury serviced apartments, and a hotel.
10. CITIC Tower, Beijing, China:
CITIC Tower, Beijing, China (Source: Pinterest)
CITIC Tower, Beijing, China (Source: Pinterest)
The CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun Tower, stands as the tallest building in Beijing, China, reaching a height of 528 meters. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), the tower draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese vessel, the “zun.” The building’s profile, which echoes the shape of a zun, was a collaborative effort between the architectural firms Farrells and Kohn Pedersen Fox.
For the latest news from across India, Political updates, Explainers, Sports News, Opinion, Entertainment Updates and more Top News, visit Indian Express. Subscribe to our award-winning Newsletter Download our App here Android & iOS