- Burj Khalifa in Dubai, completed in 2010, stands at 828 meters (2,717 feet) and has remained the world's tallest building for over 15 years.
- Merdeka 118, completed in 2023, is the second-tallest building in the world at 679 meters (2,227 feet) and the tallest in Southeast Asia.
- As of 2026, the top-20 list ranks Burj Khalifa first and Merdeka 118 second, with China having the most entries.
- Jeddah Tower is still under construction, having surpassed 430 meters with 107 floors complete, marking 43% progress.
- CITIC Tower in Beijing, completed in 2018, stands at 528 meters (1,731 feet) and ranks among the top 10 in the 2026 list.
As of 2026, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai continues to reign as the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters (2,717 feet) with 163 floors.1256
Completed in 2010, it has held this title for over 15 years.
Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is the second tallest at 679 meters (2,227 feet), officially claiming the title of the tallest building in Southeast Asia.34
This architectural marvel has pushed China's Shanghai Tower down to third place.
China boasts the highest number of buildings in the top 20, showcasing its architectural prowess.
The Jeddah Tower project in Saudi Arabia is progressing, aiming to surpass the 1-kilometer (3,281-foot) mark, although it remains under construction.78
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) provides the official rankings, measuring skyscrapers from their lowest open-air pedestrian entrance to their highest architectural element, excluding antennas.
Other notable entries include the One World Trade Center in New York City, the tallest in the U.S., and the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers globally.
Skyscrapers continue to push engineering and design limits worldwide, with the Lakhta Center being Europe's tallest and the Central Park Tower recognized as the tallest residential building.
“Burj Khalifa's 828-meter, 163-floor stature has held the crown since its 2010 completion, while Merdeka 118 stands 679 meters as Southeast Asia's tallest. Jeddah Tower is back on track to claim the crown, surpassing 430 meters with 107 floors complete and targeting the 1-kilometer milestone.”
