From the deserts of Dubai to the heart of New York, skyscrapers define modern progress. The tallest buildings in the world are not only architectural wonders but also symbols of ambition and innovation. These towers stretch beyond clouds, blending design, engineering, and human vision into one breathtaking form.

In this section, we’ll explore the 10 tallest buildings in the world in detail, as listed in Tallest Buildings in the World. Each skyscraper has a unique story, from record-breaking heights to cultural inspiration and technological brilliance.

Quick Overview of Tallest Buildings in the World

Rank	Building	City/Country	Year	Height
1	Burj Khalifa	Dubai, UAE	2010	828 m
2	Merdeka 118	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	2023	679 m
3	Shanghai Tower	Shanghai, China	2015	632 m
4	Makkah Royal Clock Tower	Mecca, Saudi Arabia	2012	601 m
5	Ping An Finance Center	Shenzhen, China	2017	599 m
6	Lotte World Tower	Seoul, South Korea	2017	555 m
7	One World Trade Center	New York, USA	2014	541 m
8	Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre	Guangzhou, China	2016	530 m
9	Tianjin CTF Finance Centre	Tianjin, China	2019	530 m
10	CITIC Tower (China Zun)	Beijing, China	2018	528 m
11	Taipei 101	Taipei, Taiwan	2004	508 m
12	Shanghai World Financial Center	Shanghai, China	2008	492 m
13	International Commerce Centre	Hong Kong, China	2010	484 m
14	Wuhan Greenland Center	Wuhan, China	2023	476 m
15	Central Park Tower	New York, USA	2020	472 m
16	Lakhta Center	St. Petersburg, Russia	2019	462 m
17	Vincom Landmark 81	Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	2018	461 m
18	The Exchange 106	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	2019	454 m
19	Changsha IFS Tower T1	Changsha, China	2018	452 m
20	Petronas Towers 1 & 2	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	1998	452 m
21	Suzhou IFS	Suzhou, China	2019	450 m
22	Zifeng Tower	Nanjing, China	2010	450 m
23	Wuhan Center Tower	Wuhan, China	2019	443 m
24	Willis Tower	Chicago, USA	1974	442 m
25	Guangzhou International Finance Center	Guangzhou, China	2010	439 m

Burj Khalifa – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Burj Khalifa remains the undisputed tallest building in the world, reaching an incredible 828 meters. Completed in 2010, it redefined modern architecture and put Dubai on the global map for innovation. Its triple-winged design, inspired by desert flowers, helps it withstand fierce winds while housing hotels, residences, and offices.

Key Highlights of Burj Khalifa:

• Height: 828 meters
• Location: Dubai, UAE
• Completed: 2010
• Floors: 163
• Uses: Residential, commercial, hospitality
• Special Feature: World’s highest observation deck and tallest human-made structure

Merdeka 118 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Merdeka 118, standing 679 meters tall, symbolizes Malaysia’s independence and cultural pride. Completed in 2023, its diamond-patterned façade draws inspiration from Malay art. It is Southeast Asia’s tallest skyscraper and serves as a hub for offices, a hotel, and observation decks overlooking Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.

Key Highlights of Merdeka 118:

• Height: 679 meters
• Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Completed: 2023
• Floors: 118
• Uses: Office, hotel, observation
• Special Feature: Second tallest building in the world

Shanghai Tower – Shanghai, China

The Shanghai Tower, completed in 2015, rises 632 meters with a graceful, twisting form. The spiral shape reduces wind loads and improves energy efficiency, making it one of the most sustainable skyscrapers in existence. Inside, it features vertical zones for offices, hotels, and gardens that mimic mini-cities in the sky.

Key Highlights of Shanghai Tower:

• Height: 632 meters
• Location: Shanghai, China
• Completed: 2015
• Floors: 128
• Uses: Offices, hotels, retail
• Special Feature: Double-skin façade for energy savings

Makkah Royal Clock Tower – Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Towering at 601 meters, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower dominates the skyline near Islam’s holiest mosque. Finished in 2012, it features one of the largest clock faces in the world. The tower provides accommodation for pilgrims and includes a lunar observatory and Islamic museum, blending devotion with modern engineering.

Key Highlights of Makkah Royal Clock Tower:

• Height: 601 meters
• Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
• Completed: 2012
• Floors: 120
• Uses: Hotel, residences, museum
• Special Feature: Giant illuminated clock visible for miles

Ping An Finance Center – Shenzhen, China

The Ping An Finance Center, completed in 2017, rises to 599 meters and reflects China’s growing financial power. Its stainless-steel façade shines across Shenzhen’s skyline, housing corporate offices, conference spaces, and a high-altitude observation deck.

Key Highlights of Ping An Finance Center:

• Height: 599 meters
• Location: Shenzhen, China
• Completed: 2017
• Floors: 115
• Uses: Offices, retail, observation
• Special Feature: Tapered spire design for wind resistance

Lotte World Tower – Seoul, South Korea

Completed in 2017, the Lotte World Tower stands at 555 meters and transforms Seoul’s urban identity. With its curved glass form overlooking the Han River, it combines shopping, offices, luxury residences, and hotels, creating a vertical city within a single tower.

Key Highlights of Lotte World Tower:

• Height: 555 meters
• Location: Seoul, South Korea
• Completed: 2017
• Floors: 123
• Uses: Commercial, residential, hotel
• Special Feature: Skywalk with panoramic views of Seoul

One World Trade Center – New York, USA

Rising 541 meters, the One World Trade Center symbolizes resilience and rebirth. Completed in 2014, it occupies the original site of the Twin Towers and features advanced safety systems and sustainable technologies. The tower’s height of 1,776 feet honors the year of American independence.

Key Highlights of One World Trade Center:

• Height: 541 meters
• Location: New York, USA
• Completed: 2014
• Floors: 94
• Uses: Offices, observation
• Special Feature: Symbolic height representing U.S. freedom

Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre – Guangzhou, China

At 530 meters, the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is a sleek skyscraper combining luxury residences, offices, and a hotel. Completed in 2016, it features one of the fastest elevators in the world, taking passengers from ground to top in under a minute.

Key Highlights of Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre:

• Height: 530 meters
• Location: Guangzhou, China
• Completed: 2016
• Floors: 111
• Uses: Mixed use (office, hotel, residence)
• Special Feature: Advanced vertical transportation system

Tianjin CTF Finance Centre – Tianjin, China

The Tianjin CTF Finance Centre, completed in 2019, mirrors its Guangzhou counterpart in both height and elegance. At 530 meters, its curved façade minimizes wind resistance and enhances energy efficiency. The tower includes offices, hotels, and luxury apartments.

Key Highlights of Tianjin CTF Finance Centre:

• Height: 530 meters
• Location: Tianjin, China
• Completed: 2019
• Floors: 97
• Uses: Office, residential, hotel
• Special Feature: Fluid, aerodynamic exterior

CITIC Tower (China Zun) – Beijing, China

The CITIC Tower, or China Zun, stands 528 meters tall and was finished in 2018. Its design takes inspiration from an ancient Chinese wine vessel called “Zun,” giving it a modern yet cultural shape. The tower dominates Beijing’s skyline with its elegant curves and serves as a hub for business and observation.

Key Highlights of CITIC Tower:

• Height: 528 meters
• Location: Beijing, China
• Completed: 2018
• Floors: 109
• Uses: Offices, hotel, observation
• Special Feature: Vase-inspired design symbolizing harmony

The Rise of Skyscrapers in the Modern World

The race to build higher skyscrapers began with advances in steel construction and elevators during the 19th century. Today, skyscrapers symbolize innovation and progress. Cities like Dubai, Shanghai, and Kuala Lumpur continue to compete for world records, driven by ambition and technology.

Modern skyscrapers are designed for sustainability, using smart materials and energy-saving systems. They’re no longer just office buildings; they’re vertical cities that blend living, working, and leisure spaces.

Future of Tall Buildings

The future of tall buildings will focus on eco-friendly design, renewable energy use, and vertical green spaces. Urban populations are growing, and skyscrapers offer a solution by creating more space in limited areas. Engineers are experimenting with carbon-neutral materials and new aerodynamic forms to make the next generation of megatalls even smarter and safer.

FAQs About the Tallest building in the world

Q1. Which is the tallest building in the world in 2025?

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai remains the tallest building globally, standing at 828 meters.

Q2. What is the newest skyscraper on the list?

Merdeka 118 in Malaysia, completed in 2023, is the latest addition to the world’s tallest buildings.

Q3. Which country has the most skyscrapers in the top 25?

China dominates with several entries, including Shanghai Tower, Ping An Finance Center, and multiple CTF towers.

Q4. Which is the tallest building in the United States?

One World Trade Center in New York is the tallest in the U.S., measuring 541 meters.

Q5. What is the tallest twin structure in the world?

The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, at 452 meters each, hold the title for the tallest twin buildings.

Q6. Which building has the fastest elevator in the world?

The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is known for having the fastest elevator, reaching speeds up to 44 mph.

Q7. Which skyscraper is famous for its twisting design?

The Shanghai Tower features a spiral design that reduces wind load and energy consumption.

Q8. What is the meaning behind the name “China Zun”?

The name comes from an ancient Chinese wine vessel symbolizing respect and unity, inspiring the tower’s shape.

Q9. Which building is located near the Great Mosque in Mecca?

The Makkah Royal Clock Tower, located near the Masjid al-Haram, serves pilgrims visiting the holy site.

Q10. Which Asian country has multiple skyscrapers above 450 meters?

Malaysia and China both have several supertall structures exceeding 450 meters in height.