Move over, Burj Khalifa, Saudi Arabia could soon claim the crown for the world’s tallest building. A proposed mega-project in Riyadh aims to build the Rise Tower, a jaw-dropping 2,000-metre-tall skyscraper that would soar more than twice the height of Dubai’s iconic 828-metre Burj Khalifa.

Unveiled by global architectural firm HKS, the Rise Tower is planned to feature a staggering 678 floors, with luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, observation decks, and premium offices. The record-breaking structure will serve as the centrepiece of North Pole, a futuristic 306-square-kilometre urban development envisioned as a “city of the future” built around innovation, technology, and sustainability.

If built as planned, the Rise Tower would not only shatter height records but also become a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, positioning Riyadh as a global hub for business, tourism, and design.

The project is currently in the design and tender phase, with construction expected to commence around 2026; however, a completion date has not been set yet.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower, another skyscraper project designed by Adrian Smith, the architect behind the Burj Khalifa, is also racing toward completion. Expected to stand 1,000 metres tall, the Jeddah Tower has faced multiple delays but is now progressing, with completion anticipated by 2028.

At 2km, Rise Tower would rise nearly four-and-a-half times the height of New York’s Empire State Building, featuring energy-efficient glass facades, vertical gardens, and smart climate systems.

If realised, it would redefine the global skyline and mark a new era of architectural ambition, not just for Saudi Arabia, but for the entire world.

Big 5 Global, the largest construction and urban development event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), is set to return to Dubai World Trade Centre from November 24 – 27 for its 46th edition.

The event is expected to gather more than 2,800 exhibitors and welcome over 85,000 professionals from across the global construction value chain, from planning and design to operations.

Big 5 Global comes as the Middle East and Africa account for $7 trillion in pre-construction projects, driven by large-scale urban development programmes and national visions such as We the UAE 2031 and Saudi Vision 2030.

“The global construction sector is at a tipping point,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President, Construction at dmg events. 

“The scale of urban development underway in the MEASA region is historic, but the pressure to deliver is just as significant. Big 5 Global provides direct access to active projects, key stakeholders and insights, enabling the sector to navigate complexity with clarity.”

This year’s edition will feature nine specialised events, highlighting shifts in construction trends and innovation. Companies from more than 20 countries, including Germany, Italy, China, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, are confirmed to participate.

Big 5 Global continues to serve as a key platform for collaboration, networking, and shaping the future of construction in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Dubai Municipality has issued warnings to several engineering consultancy offices after finding that they exaggerated structural designs for citizens’ villas.

According to officials, these inflated designs went against the Dubai Building Code and led to unnecessary construction costs for property owners, without any real engineering need.

The move is part of the Municipality’s efforts to regulate Dubai’s construction sector and protect residents from extra financial burdens. Consultancy offices across the emirate had already been reminded through circulars to strictly follow approved engineering standards.

Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency, said:

“Compliance with the Dubai Building Code is not only a legal requirement but also a professional and ethical responsibility. The goal is to ensure safe, high-quality construction without forcing citizens to pay more than necessary.”

She added that Dubai Municipality will continue to monitor consultancy offices and contractors to prevent excessive use of building materials, including steel, and ensure construction remains efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

Repeat offenders could face disciplinary measures, including poor annual evaluations or even suspension. Earlier this year, two consultancy offices were banned from licensing new projects for six months due to violations.

By cracking down on such practices, Dubai Municipality says it aims to strengthen the emirate’s construction sector, cut waste, and support sustainable urban growth.