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DUBAI, 13 March 2008 — Gulf states, flush with proceeds from record high oil prices, are racing to build the world’s tallest tower.
The Kingdom has just joined the fray with a plan to build a one-mile tower in Jeddah, according to the London-based Middle East Economic Digest (MEED).
The project, which would overtake super-tall skyscrapers in neighboring Kuwait and Dubai, places the competition to build the world’s tallest tower firmly in the Gulf region.
Of all the other high-profile buildings under construction around the globe, such as New York’s Freedom Tower, none will exceed 700 meters in height.
Riyadh-based Kingdom Holding Company, which is controlled by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, will invite bids before July for contracts to build the tower in Jeddah.
Called the Burj Al-Meel or the Mile-High Tower, it will be located on the northern side of the Obhur Creek and the Red Sea. It will be spread over an area of more than two million square meters.
MEED said that although there is still secrecy over which companies are involved with the project, it is believed that Britain’s Hyder Consulting is working in a joint venture with Arup, as engineer on the project, which is expected to cost up to $10 billion. US engineering giant Bechtel has been chosen as construction manager for the project. Saudi firm Omrania is the project architect.
Kuwait has unveiled a plan to build a 1,001-meter tower. Its height is a reference to the classic work of Arabic literature, “One Thousand and One Nights.”
Three blades that will be built near the top of the tower will carry a mosque, a church and a synagogue to signify the unity of the three monotheistic religions.
The building will be one of the highlights of the City of Silk, a $77-billion project inspired by the Silk Road which aims to revive the ancient trade route by becoming a major free-trade zone linking Central Asia with Europe.

arabnews.com