Introduction
Saudi Arabia is making headlines around the world for its plans to construct the world’s tallest building. Currently, the title of ‘world’s tallest building’ is held by the Burj Khalifa building in the United Arab Emirates. The new building, to be built in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, will stand at about half the height of the Burj Khalifa and include a mall, offices and more. What does its construction mean to the region, and the world?
Background Information
Saudi Arabia is undertaking a significant economic transformation with its ambitious ‘Vision 2030’ plan. It aims to diversify the Saudi economy away from petrochemicals and raise the profile of the country beyond its oil reserves. Much of the government funding that is going towards the project will be primarily used to employ Saudi Arabian nationals, making it both an inspiring and practical goal.
The building is currently projected to rise 1,001 metres once complete and is expected to cost over 12 billion Saudi Riyals ($3.2 billion). It has been named ‘the Kingdom Tower’ and will take approximately 8 years to build. It will feature 198 floors, include highest observatory and the typical amenities of such a large building such as shopping malls, restaurants, offices, luxury apartments, cinemas, a hotel and other observation decks.
Data & Expert Perspectives
According to Jeddah-based Saudi Binladin Group the primary builders of the Kingdom Tower, “With Kingdom Tower, we strive to nurture sustainable development and deliver impactful institutions that will stimulate job creation, capital influx, know-how transfer and tourist attraction to the Kingdom”.
The official promotional video for the project states that it will reach levels of sustainability, modernity and innovation that have previously been unseen in the region. The company also claims that it will be the world’s number one destination for leisure, tourism, commerce, and entertainment, once completed.
Insights & Analysis
It is clear that the construction and completion of the Kingdom Tower is a critical step in the economic revolution of Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. It is a symbol of economic, technological and industrial power, showing that Saudi Arabia is capable of producing world-class infrastructure and development innovation. Furthermore, what is expected to be the world’s tallest building will make Saudi Arabia a prime destination for travellers and tourists, all of which will generate significant revenue for the region.
The Kingdom Tower is also a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to and vision for the future. The building is designed to be sustainable, energy efficient, and enriched with the latest technological advancements. Areas such as renewable energy and waste management are being explored in order to offset the huge amounts of energy and resources consumed during the construction of such a large structure.
Impact on the Region
The construction and completion of the Kingdom Tower will have a major impact on the region by significantly raising the profile and reputation of Saudi Arabia in the global arena. Moreover, the significant investment in infrastructure and development will be a major boost for the Saudi economy with the potential for new job opportunities for Saudi nationals.
The tower is also projected to attract about four million visitors each year. This would further encourage investment in the region and support increased economic growth. Additionally, the country’s tourism infrastructure would also benefit greatly from the influx of visitors.
Environmental Impact
There is no denying that such a large project would have an environmental impact on the region. One of the ways the project has attempted to mitigate this impact is by using renewable energy sources. A solar powered desalination plant is one of the proposed ideas. Additionally, other measures such as water reuse, recycling, and water efficiency are also being discussed.
The environmental impact of the Kingdom Tower will be closely monitored and regulated in accordance with the highest international standards, as part of the vigilance of the developers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the construction of the Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia has the potential to be a game-changer for the region, raising its profile and reputation in the international landscape. It is a major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan and will create many job opportunities for Saudi nationals as well as bringing in much needed revenue from international visitors. However, the environmental impact of the project must be carefully monitored and regulated. With the latest technologies and state-of-the-art sustainability measures, Saudi Arabia is well placed to deliver an iconic architectural achievement, a symbol of progress.
