Saudi Arabia is once again capturing the world’s attention with an extraordinary plan to build the tallest skyscraper on the planet—a two-kilometer-tall tower that could change the face of modern architecture and global cityscapes. As this bold vision takes shape, some of the biggest names in international construction and engineering are lining up to submit their bids, hoping to be part of this historic project.
A Tower Twice the Height of Burj Khalifa
The proposed skyscraper, known as the Rise Tower, will soar an estimated 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) into the sky. That’s nearly double the height of the current tallest building in the world, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, which stands at 828 meters (2,717 feet). Once completed, the Rise Tower will become not just an architectural marvel but a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s ambition and transformation under its Vision 2030 development goals.
The tower is set to be built on the outskirts of Riyadh, the kingdom’s capital city, as part of a massive new central business district (CBD). This area is planned to be a hub of commerce, luxury, and innovation, featuring a mix of office spaces, residential units, entertainment venues, and retail zones.
The Bidding War Begins
In early 2025, Saudi Arabia’s powerful Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is leading the development of the project, invited major global companies to submit proposals for the project management consultancy (PMC) role. This role will involve overseeing every stage of the tower’s design, engineering, and construction. Because of the complexity and scale of the project, the bidding deadline was extended to March 20, 2025, allowing companies more time to prepare detailed and competitive offers.
Among the key contenders expected to bid are some of the most respected names in the construction world. These include U.S.-based giants such as Bechtel, Aecom, Turner Construction, Parsons, and Jacobs. Each of these firms has a long track record of managing large-scale developments across the globe. Also in the race is the UK-based firm Mace, well known for its work on several landmark skyscrapers.
This level of competition shows how significant the project is—not just financially, but also in terms of global prestige. For any firm, being selected to manage a record-breaking 2km tower would be a career-defining moment and a powerful addition to their global portfolio.
Designed by the Best
The Rise Tower is being designed by Foster + Partners, one of the world’s leading architectural firms. The British firm, led by the legendary architect Norman Foster, has been behind several iconic projects worldwide, including Apple Park in California and the Gherkin in London.
The tower is expected to have an incredible 678 floors. Inside, it will include a combination of high-end apartments, five-star hotels, office space, observation decks, restaurants, and green zones. The project also aims to prioritize environmental sustainability, incorporating smart technologies and energy-efficient systems.
The structure will be built using cutting-edge materials and design strategies to handle extreme conditions, including high winds, desert heat, and seismic activity. Engineers will need to develop new construction methods to ensure both stability and safety for a tower of this magnitude.
Part of a Bigger Vision: Saudi Arabia’s Urban Future
The Rise Tower is more than just a record-breaking building; it is part of a broader transformation happening in Saudi Arabia. The project aligns closely with Vision 2030, a national plan introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the kingdom’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil.
Vision 2030 focuses heavily on developing non-oil sectors such as tourism, entertainment, real estate, and high-tech industries. Mega-projects like NEOM, The Line, and now the Rise Tower reflect the scale of Saudi Arabia’s ambition.
Riyadh, in particular, is undergoing a rapid evolution. The city aims to double its population over the next decade and become one of the world’s top 10 city economies. Building such a towering icon could position Riyadh as a rival to global cities like New York, Dubai, and Shanghai.
Estimated Cost and Funding
The cost of the Rise Tower alone is estimated to be around $5 billion, but the entire CBD development will likely run into tens of billions of dollars. The PIF, which manages over $700 billion in assets, will finance the bulk of the investment. The fund sees real estate and mega-infrastructure as essential components in modernizing Saudi Arabia’s economy and attracting international investment.
The tower is also expected to create thousands of jobs during the construction phase and after completion. From engineers and architects to construction workers, hospitality staff, and tech professionals, this project promises significant employment opportunities.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite the excitement, the project will face many challenges. Constructing a two-kilometer-high tower presents enormous technical and logistical issues. Experts must consider how to move people up and down 678 floors efficiently, how to manage temperature changes, and how to make the structure resilient against wind and environmental stress.
Supply chain issues, potential cost overruns, and the pressure of delivering a globally watched project will all add layers of complexity. Moreover, global attention will bring scrutiny—on labor rights, environmental impact, and the feasibility of such ambitious developments.
Nevertheless, the Saudi government is confident that with the right partners and planning, this vision can be turned into a landmark achievement for the country.
What Happens Next?
With the bidding process now underway, firms will be evaluated on their technical expertise, global experience, innovation potential, and proposed timelines. The winner will likely be announced later in 2025, with ground-breaking expected soon after.
If construction proceeds as planned, the Rise Tower could be completed by the early 2030s. Once finished, it would dominate global headlines, attract millions of tourists, and become a beacon of the country’s future-facing ambition.
Final Thoughts
The Rise Tower is not just about breaking records. It represents a bold reimagining of what cities can look like in the 21st century. It is about pushing the boundaries of human engineering, architecture, and imagination.
As firms from around the world compete for a role in this mega-project, one thing is clear: Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of global development—and the world is watching.
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