We humans love pushing limits—setting records, then breaking them again and again. If you look at city skylines throughout history, they tell the story of who held the power at the time. There was a period when churches dominated, followed by grand public buildings. Today, it’s commercial skyscrapers that rise higher and higher, defining our modern skylines.
Skyscrapers aren’t just tall buildings; they’re incredible examples of human creativity and engineering. They reshape cities, become iconic landmarks, and show off the amazing things we can achieve with modern technology. Let’s look closer at the five tallest buildings in the world and what makes them so extraordinary.
5. Ping An Finance Centre
Height: 599 metres (1,965 feet)
Floor Count: 115
Observation Deck: 541 metres
Completed: 2016
Location: Shenzhen, China
Uses: offices, retail, observation
The Ping An Finance Centre in Shenzhen was originally designed to be taller, but flight restrictions led to the removal of its planned spire. Even without it, the building is a striking presence in the city. Its observation deck on the 116th floor is the third highest in the world, offering spectacular views.
This skyscraper is a hub for business and retail, showcasing Shenzhen’s rapid rise as a global economic centre.
4. Abraj Al Bait (Makkah Royal Clock Tower)
Height: 601 metres (1,971 feet)
Floor Count: 120
Completed: 2012
Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Uses: hotel, residences, religious, retail
Located near the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the Abraj Al Bait complex is a stunning landmark for millions of religious pilgrims. The Makkah Royal Clock Tower, the tallest structure in the complex, is famous for its massive clock faces—the largest in the world.
The upper floors of the tower house a museum and an observation deck, offering incredible views of Mecca. This building combines religious significance with cutting-edge architecture.
3. Shanghai Tower
Height: 632 metres (2,073 feet)
Floor Count: 128
Observation Deck: 552 metres
Completed: 2015
Location: Shanghai, China
Uses: offices, hotels, retail, observation
The Shanghai Tower stands tall as China’s tallest building. Opened in 2015, it’s an icon of Shanghai’s modern skyline. Its observation deck, located on the 118th and 119th floors, offers panoramic views of the city from 552 metres up.
With strict height regulations now in place for new buildings in China, Shanghai Tower’s title as the tallest in the country seems secure for the foreseeable future.
2. Merdeka 118
Height: 678.9 meters (2,227 feet)
Floor Count: 118
Observation Decks: 483 m & 566 m
Completed: 2024
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Uses: offices, residences, hotels, shopping, observation
The Merdeka 118 is a new addition to the world’s tallest buildings, completed in 2024. Located in Kuala Lumpur, it’s the tallest in Southeast Asia and the second tallest globally. Its sharp, modern design includes a spire that houses the highest observation deck in the world, at 566 metres.
This building isn’t just about height—it’s also a hub for offices, residences, and shopping, making it a key part of Malaysia’s vibrant capital city.
1. Burj Khalifa
Height: 828 metres (2,717 feet)
Floor Count: 163
Observation Decks: 448 m & 555 m
Completed: 2010
Location: Dubai, UAE
Uses: residences, offices, hotels, observation, communication
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai has been the world’s tallest building since it opened in 2010. It’s a marvel of design and engineering, combining luxury residences, office spaces, and the Armani Hotel. The tower’s observation deck, At The Top SKY, on the 148th floor is the highest in the world, offering stunning views of the city and beyond.
This iconic building might not hold its title forever, though. The under-construction Dubai Creek Tower and Jeddah Tower are expected to surpass it in height when completed.