The age of the skyscraper continues to define modern civilization. These vertical giants represent not just architectural brilliance, but the cultural and economic confidence of nations. From Dubai to Shanghai, here are the nine highest buildings in the world for 2025 — verified by global architectural councils and engineering bodies.
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#1 Burj Khalifa – 828 m (2,717 ft), Dubai, UAE
Completed in 2010, the Burj Khalifa remains the undisputed tallest building on Earth. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, its Y-shaped floor plan stabilizes the structure against desert winds while maximizing views of the Arabian Gulf.
The tower features 163 floors, 57 elevators, and a spire visible from 95 km away. Every year, millions visit its observation deck, making it not just an architectural feat, but a global landmark of ambition. Details ↗
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#2 Merdeka 118 – 678.9 m (2,227 ft), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Completed in 2023, Merdeka 118 symbolizes Malaysia’s independence and modern growth. Its diamond-patterned façade draws inspiration from traditional Malay art forms, merging cultural heritage with modern design.
Home to offices, hotels, and observation decks, it became the first building in Southeast Asia to achieve triple platinum sustainability certifications. Details ↗
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#3 Shanghai Tower – 632 m (2,073 ft), Shanghai, China
The Shanghai Tower spirals gracefully into the clouds with a 120° twist that reduces wind pressure by 24%. Inside, double-layered glass walls minimize energy loss while creating stunning vertical atriums filled with gardens.
It features the world’s fastest elevators, reaching 20.5 m/s, and serves as a symbol of China’s futuristic urban vision. Details ↗
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#4 Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower – 601 m (1,971 ft), Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Overlooking Islam’s holiest site, the Abraj Al-Bait complex is as spiritual as it is architectural. The clock face measures 43 meters across, illuminated by over two million LED lights visible up to 30 km away.
Inside, the tower hosts luxury residences, hotels, and a lunar observation center that aligns religious practice with scientific precision. Details ↗
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#5 Ping An Finance Center – 599 m (1,965 ft), Shenzhen, China
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the Ping An Finance Center is clad in corrosion-resistant stainless steel. It anchors Shenzhen’s growing tech and finance corridor.
The building includes a sky lobby at 550 meters and an observation deck offering 360° views of the Pearl River Delta. Details ↗
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#6 Lotte World Tower – 555 m (1,819 ft), Seoul, South Korea
The Lotte World Tower combines leisure, luxury, and sustainability in one elegant structure. It features retail, offices, a seven-star hotel, and “Seoul Sky” — one of the highest glass-floor decks in the world.
It was the first Korean skyscraper to receive LEED Gold certification, underscoring its eco-friendly innovation. Details ↗
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#7 One World Trade Center – 541.3 m (1,776 ft), New York City, USA
Known as the “Freedom Tower,” One World Trade Center stands as a testament to resilience. Its 1,776-foot height references the year of U.S. independence, and its reinforced glass design symbolizes transparency and strength.
The building produces 20% of its own power through sustainable systems — a quiet victory for green engineering. Details ↗
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#8 Guangzhou CTF Finance Center – 530 m (1,739 ft), Guangzhou, China
Constructed with terracotta cladding and high-performance glazing, Guangzhou CTF stands as a model for energy efficiency in supertall structures. It integrates offices, residences, and the Rosewood Hotel across 111 floors.
The design minimizes heat gain in China’s humid climate — a balance of power and precision. Details ↗
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#9 Tianjin CTF Finance Center – 530 m (1,739 ft), Tianjin, China
Tianjin’s counterpart to Guangzhou CTF features a sleek, curved silhouette that enhances aerodynamics. It uses tuned mass dampers to resist earthquakes and strong northern winds.
Though equal in height, it distinguishes itself with fluid geometry that captures Tianjin’s growing modern skyline. Details ↗
💎 About the Rankings
All listed heights follow the CTBUH official measurement standards, accounting for architectural top but excluding antennas. Data was compiled from verified engineering databases, developer records, and satellite elevation models reviewed by Highest Business Group.
🌍 The Future of Vertical Architecture
Projects like Jeddah Tower (Saudi Arabia) and Dubai Creek Tower are poised to surpass the Burj Khalifa within this decade, crossing the 1-kilometer mark. These new giants will rely on carbon-neutral concrete, AI maintenance systems, and vertical ecosystems to achieve sustainable height.
As cities expand upward, skyscrapers are evolving into self-contained habitats — blending engineering, ecology, and economy. The crown 👑 of “highest building” now stands for something deeper: the height of human potential.