Rise Tower: Riyadh’s Daring Bid to Redefine the Sky
Riyadh is preparing to reshape the global skyline with Rise Tower, a proposed skyscraper that will soar to an extraordinary height of 2,000 metres (6,562 feet). If completed, it will be nearly twice the height of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and significantly taller than the long-awaited Jeddah Tower, setting a new benchmark in architectural ambition.
The Heart of the North Pole Development
The tower is planned as the crown jewel of Riyadh’s North Pole megaproject—a futuristic urban district covering about 300 square kilometres. This city-within-a-city is designed to integrate residential, commercial, and industrial zones with cutting-edge infrastructure such as high-speed metros, autonomous vehicles, and air taxis.
Design and Development
The architectural responsibility has been awarded to Foster + Partners, the renowned London-based firm known for iconic global projects. While detailed renderings are yet to be released, the design is expected to combine world-class aesthetics with practical mixed-use features. The development will bring together luxury hotels, premium residences, office spaces, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and observation decks—making it not only the tallest building but also one of the most versatile.
Investment and Timeline
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Rise Tower is estimated to cost around USD 5 billion. The project is currently in the pre-construction phase, with PIF inviting leading international construction firms to bid for project management roles. Given its unprecedented scale and engineering complexity, industry reports suggest that completion may not occur before 2060.
Economic and Social Impact
Mohammed Al Qahtani, CEO of Saudi Arabia Holding Co., has highlighted that Rise Tower is more than just an architectural feat. It is expected to create thousands of jobs, attract significant foreign investment, and elevate Riyadh’s status as a modern global metropolis.
Final Word
Rise Tower reflects the daring spirit of Saudi Vision 2030, standing as a symbol of innovation, ambition, and economic transformation. If realized, it will not only redefine Riyadh’s skyline but also establish Saudi Arabia as home to the most audacious architectural landmark in history.