World's Tallest Building is Moving to Saudi Arabia
Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 12:19PM 
Photo credit: Adrian Smith/Gordon Gill Architecture
Sorry, Dubai: You're about to lose the "World's Tallest Building" title.
But who could possibly surpase the Burj Khalifa's 2,717-foot presense? How about a tower that's a vomit-inducing two-thirds of a mile tall?
In December, Saudia Arabia will break ground on an imposing tower in a ritsy new development called Kingdom City, which is emerging from the desert of Jeddah, the country's second-largest city.
Although the exact height is still under wraps, the financier, Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, assured reporters that it will be greater than 3,280 feet. That's more than 500 feet taller than Burj Khalifa.
The tower will include 59 elevators and 12 escalators to transport visitors to attractions that will include a Four Seasons hotel, serviced apartments, world-class office space, luxury condominiums and the world's highest observatory. (Vomit.)
As you can see, the tower's organic design is fascinating. One of the architects explained that its sleek, streamlined form was inspired by the folded fronds of young desert plant growth.
