Top 10 Tallest Buildings in the World
Modern architecture has taken us to new heights, with towering skyscrapers dotting city skylines worldwide. These tall buildings symbolize innovation, engineering prowess, and the desire to reach the skies. Ranking the tallest buildings in the world is based on structural height, which includes spires but excludes antennae. Many of these skyscrapers also house a mix of hotels, residential spaces, offices, and observation decks that draw millions of visitors each year. The tallest buildings span continents and cultures, each representing the architectural vision and technological advancement of their regions. From the Burj Khalifa’s iconic pinnacle to Merdeka 118’s striking design, these structures showcase modern urban landmarks, and their height is a testament to the aspirations of the cities they call home.
| Rank | Building | Height | Floors | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burj Khalifa | 828 m | 163 | Dubai, UAE |
| 2 | Merdeka 118 | 678.9 m | 118 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| 3 | Shanghai Tower | 632 m | 128 | Shanghai, China |
| 4 | Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower | 601 m | 120 | Mecca, Saudi Arabia |
| 5 | Ping An Finance Centre | 599 m | 115.00 | Shenzhen, China |
| 6 | Lotte World Tower | 555 m | 123 | Seoul, South Korea |
| 7 | One World Trade Center | 541.3 m | 104 | New York, USA |
| 8 | Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre | 530 m | 111 | Guangzhou, China |
| 9 | Tianjin CTF Finance Centre | 530 m | 98 | Tianjin, China |
| 10 | CITIC Tower | 528 m | 108 | Beijing, China |
Burj Khalifa
Rank: 1
Height: 828 m
The Burj Khalifa stands at an astonishing 828 meters, dominating Dubai’s skyline as the tallest building in the world since its completion in 2010. Designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it incorporates Islamic architectural elements with modern aesthetics, creating a striking visual presence. The building has 163 floors, with a mix of residential, commercial, and hotel spaces. Its observation deck, located at 555 meters, offers breathtaking views of Dubai and the surrounding desert. A feat of engineering, the Burj Khalifa required advanced construction techniques and materials to withstand desert winds and temperatures.
Did you know? The Burj Khalifa’s water system pumps an estimated 946,000 liters of water through its system daily.
Merdeka 118
Rank: 2
Height: 678.9 m
Merdeka 118, completed in 2023, stands at 678.9 meters, making it the tallest building in Southeast Asia and the second tallest in the world. Its design, inspired by Malaysia’s cultural heritage, features a crystalline, prismatic structure with 118 floors, housing offices, hotels, and an observation deck. Situated near the historic Stadium Merdeka, this skyscraper symbolizes Malaysia’s growth and ambition. Its observation deck offers panoramic views over Kuala Lumpur, attracting tourists and locals alike.
Did you know? Merdeka 118's design includes eco-friendly features, aiming for platinum-level LEED and GBI certification.
Shanghai Tower
Rank: 3
Height: 632 m
The Shanghai Tower, completed in 2015, stands at 632 meters, making it China’s tallest building and the world’s second tallest. With 128 floors, the tower features a unique double-layered glass façade that reduces wind loads while providing insulation. The building has mixed-use spaces, including hotels, offices, and a retail complex. Notably, it houses the world’s fastest elevator, reaching speeds of up to 74 km/h. Its twisted design allows the structure to resist Shanghai’s frequent typhoons, representing a significant achievement in architectural design.
Did you know? The Shanghai Tower's sustainable design reduces energy usage by approximately 21%.
Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower
Rank: 4
Height: 601 m
The Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower in Mecca, completed in 2012, is 601 meters tall, making it the tallest building in Saudi Arabia. With 120 floors, it holds the record for the world’s largest clock face, visible from over 25 kilometers away. This government-owned building complex includes hotels, shopping centers, and prayer spaces, accommodating pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque. Its design merges Islamic traditions with modern architecture, symbolizing the significance of Mecca.
Did you know? The clock on the Abraj Al-Bait is illuminated by two million LED lights, visible across the city.
Ping An Finance Centre
Rank: 5
Height: 599 m
At 599 meters, the Ping An Finance Centre in Shenzhen, China, is the fifth tallest building globally. Completed in 2017, it houses offices and hotels within its 115 floors. The building’s iconic spire and sleek, angular design have become an integral part of Shenzhen’s skyline. Its construction utilized high-strength concrete and steel to support the skyscraper's height and withstand high winds.
Did you know? The Ping An Finance Centre was originally planned to reach 660 meters but was reduced due to airspace regulations.
Lotte World Tower
Rank: 6
Height: 555 m
The Lotte World Tower, completed in 2016, stands 555 meters tall in Seoul, South Korea. It features 123 floors, with a mixed-use layout including retail, offices, apartments, a hotel, and an observation deck. The deck, known as “Seoul Sky,” is one of the highest in the world, providing sweeping views of the city. The tower's design incorporates traditional Korean art and design elements, making it a cultural landmark.
Did you know? The Lotte World Tower is built to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 9.0.
One World Trade Center
Rank: 7
Height: 541.3 m
Standing at 541.3 meters, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Completed in 2014, it was built on the site of the original Twin Towers as a symbol of resilience and remembrance. With 104 floors, it includes office spaces and an observation deck. Its design emphasizes strength and safety, featuring a reinforced core and extensive safety systems.
Did you know? The height of One World Trade Center, 1,776 feet, was chosen to symbolize the year of American independence.
Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre
Rank: 8
Height: 530 m
The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, completed in 2016, reaches a height of 530 meters with 111 floors. It incorporates ultra-high-strength concrete to support its structure and is home to office spaces, hotels, and apartments. This tower’s design allows for maximum sunlight, enhancing the views for residents and guests.
Did you know? The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre features one of the fastest elevators, reaching speeds of 72 km/h.
Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
Rank: 9
Height: 530 m
Matching Guangzhou’s height, the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre stands at 530 meters with 98 floors. Completed in 2019, this skyscraper is known for its sleek, curving shape. It incorporates energy-efficient systems and is home to office spaces, a hotel, and luxury apartments. Its aerodynamic design helps reduce wind resistance and enhances stability.
Did you know? The Tianjin CTF Finance Centre’s curved exterior minimizes wind impact, a critical feature in its windy region.
CITIC Tower
Rank: 10
Height: 528 m
Known as the “China Zun” for its resemblance to an ancient Chinese ritual vessel, the CITIC Tower is Beijing’s tallest building at 528 meters. Completed in 2018, it has 108 floors, primarily housing offices. The building’s unique shape provides stability, while its reinforced concrete structure can withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8.
Did you know? The CITIC Tower was designed to resist both high winds and seismic activity, essential for the seismically active Beijing region.
