In the modern era, the race to build the tallest towers and the largest buildings has become more than just a feat of architectural ingenuity—it is a bold statement of national pride, economic strength, and technological advancement. Skyscrapers now rise not only to meet urban demands but also to symbolize a country's ambition and global standing. From the deserts of Dubai to the skylines of China and the United States, these towering structures showcase how far engineering has come and how nations use architecture to project their influence and innovation to the world.
Below is the list of the top 10 tallest towers on our planet as of May 2025:
1. Burj Khalifa – Dubai, UAE
Height: 828 meters (2,717 feet)
Floors: 163
Completed: 2010
Highlights: The tallest building globally, featuring mixed-use spaces including residences, offices, and observation decks.
2. Merdeka 118 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Height: 679 meters (2,227 feet)
Floors: 118
Completed: 2023
Highlights: Tallest building in Southeast Asia, incorporating neo-futuristic design elements inspired by traditional Malay patterns.
3. Shanghai Tower – Shanghai, China
Height: 632 meters (2,073 feet)
Floors: 128
Completed: 2015
Highlights: Features a unique twisting design to reduce wind loads and houses the world’s highest observation deck.
4. Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower – Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Height: 601 meters (1,972 feet)
Floors: 120
Completed: 2012
Highlights: Part of a government-owned complex, it includes a hotel, shopping mall, and the world’s largest clock face.
5. Ping An Finance Center – Shenzhen, China
Height: 599 meters (1,965 feet)
Floors: 115
Completed: 2017
Highlights: Serves as a financial hub with office spaces and a shopping mall, noted for its sleek design.
6. Lotte World Tower – Seoul, South Korea
Height: 555 meters (1,819 feet)
Floors: 123
Completed: 2017
Highlights: Houses retail spaces, offices, residences, a luxury hotel, and observation decks offering panoramic city views.
7. One World Trade Center – New York City, USA
Height: 541 meters (1,776 feet)
Floors: 94
Completed: 2014
Highlights: Built on the original World Trade Center site, it stands as a symbol of resilience and includes office spaces and an observatory.
8. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre – Guangzhou, China
Height: 530 meters (1,739 feet)
Floors: 111
Completed: 2016
Highlights: Mixed-use skyscraper featuring offices, a hotel, and serviced apartments, known for its energy-efficient design.
9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre – Tianjin, China
Height: 530 meters (1,739 feet)
Floors: 97
Completed: 2019
Highlights: Similar in design to its Guangzhou counterpart, it includes office spaces, a hotel, and luxury residences.
10. CITIC Tower (China Zun) – Beijing, China
Height: 528 meters (1,731 feet)
Floors: 109
Completed: 2018
Highlights: The tallest building in Beijing, its design is inspired by an ancient Chinese ritual vessel, the “Zun.”
