RIYADH,
Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia unveiled plans Tuesday to build the world's
tallest tower (The tallest tower in the world will be built by 2020)— a
mixed-use structure that will rise two-thirds of a mile high — in the
Red Sea port city of Jeddah. Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal
signed a $1.23 billion contract with Bin Laden Group for the proposed
tower, which will take just over five years to complete. The building is
the centerpiece of the planned Kingdom City development being built
outside Jeddah by Prince Alwaleed's Kingdom Holding. "Building this
tower in Jeddah sends a financial and economic message that should not
be ignored," Prince Alwaleed told reporters. "It has a political depth
to it to tell the world that we Saudis invest in our country despite
what is happening around us from events, turmoil and revolutions even."
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, a Chicago architectural firm, has been
selected to design the Kingdom Tower, which will feature a Four Seasons
hotel, serviced apartments, Class A office space, luxury condominiums
and the world's highest observatory.07 more images after the break...
Via — Link