According to the latest data from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially surpassed the United States (US) in the number of completed skyscrapers over 300 meters. It means that the UAE skyscrapers have overtaken US skyscrapers.
As per the report, the UAE now has 37 super-tall infrastructures exceeding the 300-meter mark. On the other hand, the US has only 31 buildings that go over the mark of 300 meters. As a result, the UAE has surpassed the US. So, this update marks an important moment in the continuing ambition of the UAE to be a leader in architectural innovation and high-rise construction.
Dubai: The Crown Jewel of the UAE Skyscrapers
There is no doubt that Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, “Burj Khalifa”, which stands at a height of 828 meters. Thus, the city has been crowned as the skyscraper in the world. Moreover, it has become a global symbol of modern engineering, tourism, and luxury real estate.
It’s anticipated that the Burj Azizi is going to turn into the world’s second-tallest building. Surprisingly, it is already under construction on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, which could strengthen the position of the emirate in terms of infrastructure.
Azizi will have 133 floors and is projected to reach a height of 725 meters. The Warisan Merdeka Tower currently holds the rank of the second-tallest building situated in Malaysia at 678.9 meters. Now, Burj Azizi is expected to surpass it. It is expected to finish the project in 2028.
UAE Ranks Third Globally Across All Height Categories
Beyond the benchmark of 300 meters, the UAE has achieved third rank across many skyscraper categories:
- 345 buildings taller than 150 metres
- 159 buildings taller than 200 metres
- 37 buildings taller than 300 metres
The ranking shows the rapid development and urbanization in the UAE due to foreign investment, visionary city planning, and the country’s strong position as a global business hub.
China Remains Unchallenged in Skyscraper Dominance
Despite the rise in the UAE, China is leading the global high-rise skyscrapers. It has now:
- 3,497 buildings over 150 metres
- 1,271 buildings over 200 metres
- 122 buildings exceeding 300 metres
Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are the leading cities in China due to architectural giants, like Shanghai Tower (632m) and Ping An Finance Center (599m). These numbers show the accelerated urban growth of this nation due to technological development and strong government policies.
The United States: Skyscraper Pioneer Now in Third Place for Supertalls
This country used to be considered the birthplace of skyscrapers. However, it still holds a strong position with:
- 909 buildings taller than 150 metres
- 31 buildings over 300 metres
One World Trade Center (541 meters) in New York remains a global icon in terms of architectural significance strength. A slower approval process and urban density restrictions have pushed the US down in front of new players like the UAE and China.
Malaysia and Other Key Players in the Skyline Race
Till now, we have learned that China and the UAE are leading the list of skyscrapers. Still, Malaysia also holds a powerful place on the list. As we mentioned before, the country is home to the world’s second-largest building, Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, standing at 679 meters.
Furthermore, countries like Japan, South Africa, Australia, and Canada are also contributing largely to the skyline boom. These nations are continuously balancing innovation with sustainability in their urban planning strategies.
UAE’s Rise in Global Skyscraper Rankings Signals Visionary Future
The achievement of the UAE skyscrapers to surpass the US is a reflection of the national ambitions, technological leadership, and a vision of futuristic cities. Moreover, the country is expected to see more in the next wave of urban architectural evolution as many big projects are underway.
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