Olusegun Taiye James
The aspiration of humanity to reach for the heavens has been realized in the form of astounding feats of engineering, and nowhere is this more visible than in the towering structures that pierce our skylines. As we move closer to the year 2025, the landscape of the world’s highest towers continues to undergo transformations. While long-standing giants continue to maintain their position, there are also magnificent new challengers competing for a spot among the clouds. The following list presents the top ten tallest towers in the world at the present time, mostly ranked according to their architectural height (the height to the structural top, excluding antenna stands).
List Of Top 10 Largest Towers In The World 2025
1. Burj Khalifa
As it soars magnificently to a startling height of 828 meters (2,717 ft), the Burj Khalifa captures the title of being the largest man-made structure on Earth. It exemplifies the highest level of human engineering and imagination. It is more than just a feat of architectural design; this awe-inspiring skyscraper is a strong symbol of the city’s constant desire for excellence, economic ambition, and cultural evolution. It is located in the heart of Dubai, which is located in the United Arab Emirates. From practically any vantage point in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa commands attention. Its towering height and ability to pierce the sky have transformed the skyline of the city into a silhouette of modernity that is known all over the world. The dazzling glass facade of this building not only reflects the sunlight of the desert, but it also represents the dreams of an entire nation. This nation has rapidly transformed itself from a country with humble beginnings into a center of global banking, luxury, and tourism.
2. Merdeka 118
As it towers majestically above the cityscape of Kuala Lumpur, Merdeka 118 is a tribute to the aspirations of Malaysia, the architectural expertise of Malaysia, and the country’s deeply rooted history. This enormous tower, which was officially opened to the public in January 2024, is more than just a structure; it is a landmark that reflects the nation’s road to independence as well as its hopes and dreams for the future. The Merdeka 118 building, which is currently the second-tallest structure in the world, has reimagined the appearance of the city and attracted the attention of people all over the world.
3. Shanghai Tower
An outstanding example of contemporary design and engineering, the Shanghai Tower is a towering structure that dominates the skyline of the Pudong neighborhood in Shanghai. This megatall skyscraper, which measures 632-meters (2,073 feet) in height and was finished in 2015, is not only the highest structure in China but also the third-tallest building in the world in terms of architectural height. An emblem of the 21st century, it is distinguished by its beautiful, twisting form as well as its commitment to becoming environmentally friendly.
4. Makkah Royal Clock Tower
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower is a stupendous construction that combines contemporary architectural aspirations with profound religious importance. It is located in the holy city of Mecca, which is located in Saudi Arabia. This towering landmark is not only a functional timepiece but also a powerful symbol that can be seen from miles around the largest mosque in Islam, the Kaaba, which is located within the Masjid al-Haram (Great Mosque of Mecca). It is the centerpiece of the Abraj Al-Bait complex, which is a collection of seven skyscraper hotels owned by the government.
5. Ping’an International Financial Center
The Ping An International Financial Center (PAFC) is a striking symbol of the city’s rapid growth and economic supremacy, and it dominates the skyline of Shenzhen, which is located in Guangdong province, China. This 115-story supertall skyscraper was finished in 2017, and it reaches an architectural height of 599.1 meters (1,965 feet). This makes it the highest building in Shenzhen, the second-tallest building in China, and the fifth-tallest building in the world at the present time. In addition to its towering height, the PAFC is not only a spectacular architectural statement but also an important commercial hub located in the center of the Futian District of the city.
6. Lotte World Tower
The Lotte World Tower is a beautiful example of architectural ingenuity and national pride. It is located in Seoul, South Korea, and it rises impressively above the skyline of the city. This 123-story supertall skyscraper, which was finished in 2017, pierces the sky at a height of 555 meters (1,821 ft). It is the tallest building in South Korea, the tallest in the nations that are members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and it is now the sixth-tallest building in the world. The Lotte World Tower is more than simply an outstanding structure; it is also a multidimensional vertical metropolis that integrates traditional Korean aesthetics with cutting-edge modern design and a wide variety of functions in a seamless manner.
7. One World Trade Center
The skyline of Lower Manhattan is dominated by One World Trade Center, which is a towering monument that stands as a tribute to rebirth and resilience. The World Trade Center, a 104-story supertall skyscraper that reaches a symbolic height of 1,776 feet (541.3 meters), is not only the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the tallest in the United States, but it is also a powerful symbol of hope and the enduring spirit of New York City and the nation. It was built from the ashes of the 9/11 attacks.
8. CTF Finance Centre
However, the name “CTF Finance Centre” alludes to not one but two unique supertall skyscrapers, each of which is a notable landmark in its respective metropolis: Guangzhou and Tianjin. The name “CTF Finance Centre” resonates with architectural ambition and economic might in China. Both of these projects, which were constructed by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, are noteworthy examples of contemporary engineering, design innovation, and the tremendous urbanization that is occurring in China. Although both the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre and the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre are owned by the same developer and have the same goal of dominating the skyline of their respective cities, they both have their own distinctive qualities and have made their own contributions to the architectural environment of the world overall.
9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
In Binhai, Tianjin, China, the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre is a spectacular example of modern architectural brilliance. It dominates the skyline of the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA), which is located in Tianjin. This supertall skyscraper, which was finished in 2019, is a monument to inventive design, superior engineering, and a commitment to sustainable development. It stands at 530 meters (1,739 feet) tall and has 97 floors. Chow Tai Fook Enterprises is responsible for its development, and while it belongs to the same family tree as its counterpart in Guangzhou, it is distinguished by its curved shape, which has earned it a special place on the international architectural arena.
10. CITIC Tower
As a tower that dominates the skyline of Beijing’s Central Business District (CBD), the CITIC Tower, which is also commonly referred to as China Zun, stands as a colossal testament to the ambitious architectural goals attained by modern Chinese architects. Built in 2018, this 109-story supertall skyscraper climbs to a height of 528 meters (1,732 feet), making it the tallest structure in Beijing. It surpasses the China World Trade Center Tower III by a substantial margin, making it the tallest building in Beijing. A distinctive and iconic landmark in the center of the nation’s capital, the CITIC Tower is distinguished by more than simply its towering height; it is also distinguished by its distinctive form, which was modeled by an ancient Chinese ritual vessel, and its dedication to environmental preservation.
