Over the years, many countries and even developers around the world have had their eyes set on the title.
2 / 7 Since its grand opening on January 4, 2010, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai has proudly received and retained the title.
Here is a list of the world's top 5 tallest buildings:ADVERTISEMENT3 / 7 Burj Khalifa – Dubai, UAEHeight: 828 m (2,717 ft)Floors: 163Completed: 2010The undisputed king of skyscrapers, the Burj Khalifa has held the title of the world’s tallest building since 2010.
4 / 7 Merdeka 118 – Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaHeight: 679 m (2,227 ft)Floors: 118Completed: 2023The second-tallest building in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia, Merdeka 118 is a striking diamond-patterned glass tower.
ADVERTISEMENT5 / 7 Shanghai Tower – Shanghai, ChinaHeight: 632 m (2,073 ft)Floors: 128Completed: 2015China’s tallest building, the Shanghai Tower, features a unique twisting form that reduces wind load and improves energy efficiency.
Last Updated: August 02, 2026, 16:15 IST
1 / 7 Fans of the 2002 romantic comedy '24 Weeks Notice' would remember the conversation between Hugh Grant's George Wade and Sandra Bullock's Lucy Kelson on the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, two iconic skyscrapers in New York City that were engaged in a famous race for the title of the world's tallest building in the early 1930s. Things have changed a lot since then. Over the years, many countries and even developers around the world have had their eyes set on the title. Some succeeded, many did not.
2 / 7 Since its grand opening on January 4, 2010, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai has proudly received and retained the title. It is not handing over its reigning title anytime soon. However, the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, which is set at 1,008 metres and is expected to be completed by 2028, is trying to win the new title. Here is a list of the world's top 5 tallest buildings:
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3 / 7 Burj Khalifa – Dubai, UAE
Height: 828 m (2,717 ft)
Floors: 163
Completed: 2010
The undisputed king of skyscrapers, the Burj Khalifa has held the title of the world’s tallest building since 2010. A mixed-use tower featuring luxury residences, hotels, offices, and observation decks, its Y-shaped design helps reduce wind forces while maximizing views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline.
4 / 7 Merdeka 118 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Height: 679 m (2,227 ft)
Floors: 118
Completed: 2023
The second-tallest building in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia, Merdeka 118 is a striking diamond-patterned glass tower. It houses offices, a luxury hotel, residential units, and a sky bridge, standing as a symbol of Malaysia’s independence and modern growth.
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5 / 7 Shanghai Tower – Shanghai, China
Height: 632 m (2,073 ft)
Floors: 128
Completed: 2015
China’s tallest building, the Shanghai Tower, features a unique twisting form that reduces wind load and improves energy efficiency. It includes offices, hotels, cultural spaces, and one of the world’s highest observation decks, offering panoramic views of the Lujiazui financial district.
6 / 7 Makkah Royal Clock Tower – Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Height: 601 m (1,972 ft)
Floors: 120
Completed: 2012
Part of the Abraj Al-Bait complex, this iconic tower is home to the world’s largest clock face and serves as a landmark for millions of pilgrims visiting the Holy Mosque. It features a luxury hotel, prayer halls, and observation areas, blending modern architecture with Islamic heritage.
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