Featured Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Omarnizar05 / YouTube/Top Luxury
Topics: News, World News
Gerrard Kaonga
Topics: News, World News
The Jeddah Tower was anticipated to be the tallest building in the world but after construction was halted five years ago, plans were thrown into disarray.
Recently, however, construction has got back underway, reigniting hopes Saudi Arabia could take the tallest building title away from Dubai.
At its completed height, the Jeddah Tower would be more than 500 feet higher than the current tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
The Jeddah Tower, initially called the Kingdom Tower, would have been the first building to reach a height of 3,280 feet or more.
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At this point, construction has started again but money still remains a partial issue in its completion.
Multiple companies have been invited to make a bid on the project and have been told to do so before the end of the year. These companies have already been to the site of the building and are expected to form joint ventures comprising local and international partners.
The companies invited to bid include: Almabani, Bawani, China Harbour, China State Construction Engineering Corporation, Consolidated Contractors Company, El-Seif Engineering Contracting, Hyundai Engineering Construction, Mohammed Abdulmohsin al-Kharafi & Sons, Nesma & Partners, Powerchina, Samsung C+T, Saudi Freyssinet, Skanska and Strabag.
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The tower’s construction has been long-time coming as plans to build it were announced in 2008 by billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed Bin Tala of Saudi Arabia.
Construction of the tower initially started in 2013 but came to a halt in 2018 as two of the main backers of the project faced legal troubles.
The Jeddah Economic Company (JEC) helming the project has outlined the many features the completed structure is expected to have, including both residential and business areas, shopping and the tallest observation tower in the world.
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“The Jeddah Tower is aimed at becoming a monumental beacon of a new era in business, leisure, and unique lifestyle and experience,” the company said in a statement on its website.
“With its record-breaking height, it surely will surpass the height of the current title holder, but not only for sky reaching purposes.
“Its aim goes beyond, becoming the focal point of amassing interest in investments towards the surrounding region, and attracting development and expansion for the welfare of citizens and expats alike. Truly, the Jeddah Tower is to become the living wonder of the world.”