Plan for World’s Tallest, Jeddah Tower, “Back in Full Motion”

The plan to build the world’s tallest building, Jeddah Tower (formerly known as Kingdom Tower) is “back in full motion,” following Jeddah Economic Co. (JEC) announcing 14 contractors that may bid to complete the 1-km high structure, Global Construction Review reports, citing MEED. Forming the centerpiece of Jeddah Economic City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the tower began construction in 2014 and halted in early 2018 when it was approximately one-third finished, a result of labor problems brought about by a purge by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. JEC is a consortium formed by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, grandson of Saudi Arabia’s first king. Invited to bid are five local companies; three Chinese contractors; Skanska of Sweden; Stabag of Austria; one company each from Lebanon and Kuwait; and Hyundai Engineering Construction and Samsung C+T, involved in construction of the 828-m Burj Khalifa in Dubai — currently the world’s tallest building. Jeddah Tower would exceed Burj Khalifa’s height by more than 172 m.