The future Saudi tower designed by Foster + Partners is expected to reach a staggering height of two kilometers. This multibillion-dollar project, towering twice as high as the current record holder, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, will dominate the skyline of Riyadh, accommodating offices, residences, and entertainment spaces. It forms part of a development program led by Saudi Arabia, driven by the vision of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to establish the country's presence through ambitious, large-scale projects. While these super-tall towers symbolize visibility and global recognition, they face criticism for their extravagant construction costs and environmental impact.
In this context, the fascination with super-tall buildings is fueled by a strong political desire for global recognition, alongside practical factors such as attracting foreign investments, optimizing urban land usage, and seeking substantial profits. However, beyond these practical objectives, the choice of super-tall towers as symbols of a location or nation can also be seen from a psychological standpoint.
