Saudi Arabia is pushing the boundaries of architecture with its proposal to build the Rise Tower — a megatall skyscraper planned to reach approximately 2,000 meters (2 km) in height, more than twice the current height of the Burj Khalifa. The tower is part of the ambitious North Pole development in North Riyadh, and is backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). saudigulfnews.com
Ad
Key Details & Vision
-
Height & Storeys: Rise Tower is proposed to be about 2 km tall, with reports suggesting about 678 floors. If constructed, it would become the tallest building in the world, surpassing the Burj Khalifa (828m) and the under-construction Jeddah Tower.
-
Architect & Developer: The design has been awarded to Foster + Partners, a UK-based architecture firm, through a competition held in 2022. The project is to be developed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
-
Location & Surroundings: The site is in North Riyadh, near King Khalid International Airport. The Rise Tower will serve as the centerpiece of a new Central Business District (CBD) in the North Pole district — envisioned as a futuristic, mixed-use urban area combining residential, commercial, entertainment, and leisure spaces, all integrated into a smart city model.
-
Cost & Timeline: The estimated cost of the project is around US$5 billion (≈ SAR 18.75 billion). The tower remains in the proposal and bidding stage. The PIF is inviting international firms for project management consultancy and related tenders. No confirmed construction start date has been announced yet.
Significance & Challenges
This megatall tower is more than a record-breaker; it aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, boost tourism, spearhead futuristic urban development, and attract global investment. saudigulfnews.com
However, the project faces immense engineering, financial, and logistical challenges — from structural integrity at such heights, materials and construction technologies, to planning infrastructure (transport, utilities, wind and seismic safety). Environmental sustainability and cost-overruns are also big questions. constructionweeksaudi.com
SEO Keywords
Rise Tower Riyadh, Saudi 2km tower, world’s tallest building proposal, North Pole Riyadh project, Foster + Partners megatall tower, PIF skyscraper plans, Riyadh skyline record, Saudi Vision 2030 architecture, 2 km skyscraper, Riyadh megaprojects
Search Description
Saudi Arabia is planning the Rise Tower — a proposed 2-kilometer skyscraper in North Riyadh that would more than double the height of Burj Khalifa. Developed by PIF and designed by Foster + Partners, this $5 billion megatall tower is part of the futuristic North Pole district.
Ad
