The World's Best Construction Podcast Work Resumes on the World's Next Tallest Building, the Jeddah Tower - #172
Jan 15, 2026
Construction on the Jeddah Tower is back on track, targeting completion by 2028. The hosts dive into the tower's ambitious design and its significance as a city anchor. They also unveil the new Brisbane 2032 Olympic Stadium, debating its high costs and modest appearance. A fascinating design overview of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art leads to lively critiques. Additionally, a listener's question about using desert sand for concrete opens up a discussion on material shortages and innovative building trends.
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Jeddah Tower Restarted And Targets 2028
- Jeddah Tower restarted in early 2025 and surpassed 80 stories by December 2025 after long pauses.
- Completion targets 2028 to reclaim the world's tallest building title at ~1,000m.
Tower As An Anchor, Not A Space Solution
- The tower serves as an anchor asset to spark development in Jeddah Economic City rather than solving space shortages.
- Its primary purpose is prestige and investment attraction, not local density optimization.
Unexpected Historical Footnote
- The Saudi Binladin Group, a contractor on the project, was founded by Mohammed bin Laden, Osama bin Laden's father.
- Hosts noted the odd historical footnote that the company disowned Osama and has no association now.
