The race to build higher has redefined skylines across the globe. From Dubai to New York, these skyscrapers are feats of engineering and symbols of modern ambition. In 2025, the world’s tallest buildings are dominated by Asia and the Middle East, with structures that not only reach the sky but also host offices, residences, hotels, and observatories. Here are the ten tallest buildings in the world today.
1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
- Height: 828 m (2,717 ft)
- Floors: 163
- Completed: 2010
The Burj Khalifa has been the tallest building in the world for over a decade, and it still holds the crown in 2025. Its shimmering design was inspired by desert flowers and Islamic architecture.
Facts:
- Visible from up to 95 km away
- Home to the world’s highest outdoor observation deck
- Construction required more than 330,000 cubic meters of concrete
2. Merdeka 118, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Height: 678.9 m (2,227 ft)
- Floors: 118
- Completed: 2023
Merdeka 118 dominates Kuala Lumpur’s skyline and stands as the second-tallest building in the world.
Facts:
- Tallest building in Southeast Asia
- The spire lights up with LED displays at night
- Its name “Merdeka” means independence in Malay
3. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China
- Height: 632 m (2,073 ft)
- Floors: 128
- Completed: 2015
Twisting upward in Shanghai’s financial district, this is China’s tallest building.
Facts:
- Features the world’s fastest elevators, reaching 20.5 m/s
- Double-skin façade reduces wind load and energy use
- Houses offices, hotels, and retail spaces
4. Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
- Height: 601 m (1,972 ft)
- Floors: 120
- Completed: 2012
This government-owned complex towers over the Grand Mosque, offering lodging for pilgrims.
Facts:
- The clock face is over 40 m in diameter
- Visible from more than 25 km away
- Part of a seven-tower complex
5. Ping An Finance Centre, Shenzhen, China
- Height: 599.1 m (1,965 ft)
- Floors: 115
- Completed: 2017
Shenzhen’s financial hub boasts one of the sleekest skyscrapers in the world.
Facts:
- Designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes
- Clad in stainless steel for durability
- Includes offices, retail, and a luxury hotel
6. Lotte World Tower, Seoul, South Korea
- Height: 554.5 m (1,819 ft)
- Floors: 123
- Completed: 2017
South Korea’s tallest structure combines business with leisure.
Facts:
- Observation deck offers glass-bottomed skywalks
- Houses the world’s highest swimming pool
- Inspired by traditional Korean pottery
7. One World Trade Center, New York City, USA
- Height: 541.3 m (1,776 ft)
- Floors: 104
- Completed: 2014
Standing tall in Lower Manhattan, this tower symbolizes resilience and renewal.
Facts:
- Height of 1,776 ft honors the year of U.S. independence
- Strongest safety features of any American skyscraper
- Known as the “Freedom Tower” by many
8. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, Guangzhou, China
- Height: 530 m (1,739 ft)
- Floors: 111
- Completed: 2016
Part of the Zhujiang New Town skyline, this mixed-use tower stands out for its efficiency.
Facts:
- Contains one of the fastest elevators in the world
- Houses a hotel, apartments, and offices
- Uses terracotta cladding to reduce glare
9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre, Tianjin, China
- Height: 530 m (1,739 ft)
- Floors: 97
- Completed: 2019
Tied with Guangzhou’s CTF tower, this structure is China’s second-largest by height.
Facts:
- Distinctive curved glass façade
- Designed to reduce wind vortex effects
- Houses retail, offices, and apartments
10. China Zun (CITIC Tower), Beijing, China
- Height: 528 m (1,732 ft)
- Floors: 109
- Completed: 2018
Nicknamed “China Zun,” its shape resembles a traditional ceremonial vessel.
Facts:
- Tallest building in Beijing
- Contains office space for China’s largest state-owned companies
- The design symbolizes prosperity
People Also Ask
What is the tallest building in the world in 2025?
The tallest building in the world in 2025 is still the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, standing at 828 meters (2,717 feet).
Which country has the most tallest buildings?
China dominates the list, with five of the top ten tallest buildings located in Chinese cities.
How tall is Merdeka 118 compared to the Burj Khalifa?
Merdeka 118 is 678.9 meters tall, making it about 149 meters shorter than the Burj Khalifa.
Are there taller buildings under construction?
Yes, several projects are planned or under construction, including the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to surpass the Burj Khalifa when completed.
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