Current Tallest Building Under Construction Worldwide
As of the latest available data, the title of the world’s tallest building under construction is held by the Torch Triple One in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. When completed, it will rise to a height of 517 meters (1,696 feet) and feature 111 stories. This mixed-use tower is being developed by Torc Properties, a joint venture between DAMAC Properties and Dubai Properties, and represents a continuation of large-scale vertical development in a city already famous for record-setting towers. Below is a fact-driven breakdown of its attributes, context, and how it compares to other major projects.
Defining Tallest and Under Construction
Height Metrics and Status Criteria
In tall building rankings, official height is typically measured to the architectural top, including spires and permanent elements, but not to temporary or marketing appendages. Occupiable floor height is also commonly reported for comparison of functionality. A structure is generally considered under construction when major vertical assembly or permanent structural work has begun and a definitive program exists, even if full interior fit-out is pending. These distinctions matter because different lists use different criteria, and ambiguous projects can appear in multiple rankings with different placements.
Torch Triple One: Attributes and Developer
Located in the Dubai South District near the Expo 2020 site and Al Maktoum International Airport, Torch Triple One is designed as a mixed-use tower integrating hotel, residential, retail, and office space. Its name refers to three distinct towers converging into one vertical skyline, a design intended to maximize views, capture desert and city vistas, and create a signature gateway for the region. Key parameters of the project are summarized below.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Official Name | Torch Triple One | Developer announcements |
| Height (architectural top) | 517 m (1,696 ft) | Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat methodology cited by developer |
| Number of Stories | 111 | Project planning documents |
| Developer | Torc Properties (DAMAC Properties and Dubai Properties joint venture) | Company filings and press releases |
| Primary Use | Mixed-use (hotel, residential, retail, office) | Scheme plans and marketing materials |
| Construction Start | Officially launched 2023; major works underway by 2024 | Regulatory and permitting records |
| Estimated Completion | Target 2028, subject to market and execution conditions | Project scheduling disclosures |
Global Context: Other Tall Buildings Under Construction
Several other towers are advancing around the world, and a short comparison helps illustrate where Torch Triple One sits within the broader landscape of supertall development.
Notable Projects Ranked by Architectural Height at Data Time
- Torch Triple One (Dubai, UAE) — 517 m — 111 stories — Mixed-use — Target completion 2028
- India Tower (Mumbai, India) — approx. 442 m — 118 stories — Mixed-use — On hold since 2011; status uncertain
- Signature Tower (Nashville, USA) — approx. 353 m — 75 stories — Mixed-use — Topped out 2 redevelopment expected late 2020s
- One Za’abeel Tower 1 (Dubai, UAE) — approx. 305 m — 87 stories — Hotel/residential — Expected completion 2025–2026
Note: Rankings can shift as projects reach milestones; exact heights and story counts may vary across sources. The status of India Tower remains particularly fluid and illustrates how long-lead programs can be affected by economics, financing, and regulation.
Why Height Records Still Matter
Height records generate headlines because they are simple, communicable metrics of engineering and ambition. But for planners and investors, the more relevant measures are program fit, market demand, financing certainty, and delivery risk. Tall buildings can redefine skylines, influence airport approach paths, and affect urban wind and shadow patterns, which is why authorities often require detailed studies before approving supertall schemes. In many cases, hubs with strong institutional demand, deep capital markets, and clear governance are better positioned to see such projects through to completion.
Risk, Timing, and Market Signals
Construction Timelines and Completion Uncertainty
Large towers often experience schedule shifts due to macroeconomic conditions, supply chain constraints, or changes in design. Public project calendars, when provided, should be treated as directional rather than binding. Torch Triple One’s target completion in 2028 aligns with a period of expected strength in Dubai’s commercial and residential markets, though global interest-rate environments and regional development policies could affect progress. Projects with longer timelines and evolving financing arrangements typically carry higher completion risk than those with firm anchor tenants and cleared financing.
Methodology and How to Verify
For consistent tall-building comparisons, reference the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) criteria, which define height measurement, status thresholds, and what qualifies as a “building.” Cross-check developer claims with permit databases, municipal approvals, and reputable industry tracking. Project pages and press releases provide useful inputs but should be corroborated with planning authority records and, when available, audited financial disclosures.
Summary
The world’s tallest building under construction is the Torch Triple One in Dubai, targeting 517 meters and 111 stories as a mixed-use tower led by Torc Properties. It stands among several notable supertall projects, some of which face long-lead uncertainty. While height captures attention, prudent assessment of risk, market fundamentals, and verified documentation remains essential for understanding the true status and prospects of these developments.