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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
World's top 10 cities with the most skyscrapers in 2025: Indian city ranked #15th globally
Top 10 global cities with the most skyscrapers in 2025: As cities around the world compete to build ever-taller skylines, Hong Kong leads the world with the maximum skyscrapers, boasting more than 550 completed tall buildings, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). Chinese cities are prominent on the global skyscraper scene with Shanghai's skyline exemplifies modern China, while Shenzhen has transformed from a fishing village to a city with 444 tall buildings over 150m, and Wuhan steadily ascended the ranks, featuring more than 193 tall buildings. From the historic Chrysler Building to new icons like One World Trade Centre, New York is often renowned as the birthplace of the skyscraper, ranking in the top three with over 317 high-rises over 150 metres. Dubai, the sole city from the Middle East in the top 10, is gaining recognition for its impressive buildings, including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest in the world at 828 metres, and it has over 250 skyscrapers above 150 metres. Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, stands out in Southeast Asia with about 180 skyscrapers over 150 metres. It is known for the famous Petronas Twin Towers, which were the tallest buildings in the world in 2004. It has 106 tall buildings over 150m, 45 over 200m, and just 1 over 300m, thereby ranking 15th in the global rankings. Source: Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH)
Condé Nast Traveler
6 days ago
- Business
- Condé Nast Traveler
These 10 Cities Have More Skyscrapers Than Anywhere Else in the World
From soaring skylines in East Asia to vertical expansions in the Middle East, skyscrapers have become defining features of modern urban landscapes. Some of these metropolises are even best known the world over for reaching for the heavens, like New York or Hong Kong. But not all cities build upwards equally. Some have turned high-rise architecture and once-impossible feats of modern engineering into a signature, driven by population density, land constraints, and economic ambition. According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), which maintains a database of high-rise structures, the following destinations below are the cities with the highest number of completed buildings over 150 meters (roughly 492 feet) in height. The rankings, updated as of July 2025, offer a fascinating glimpse into where and why the world is building tall. These are the cities with the most skyscrapers on the planet. A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller India. What counts as a skyscraper? As per this data, a skyscraper refers to a completed building that is at least 150 meters (about 492 feet) tall. This benchmark is widely accepted in urban development and architectural databases as the minimum height for a high-rise structure to be classified as a skyscraper. Where is the data from? The rankings are based on the latest figures (as of July 2025) from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). The CTBUH tracks the height, construction status, and structural details of buildings worldwide, including commercial, residential, and mixed-use towers. Does this data change often? Yes. In fast-growing cities, especially in Asia and the Middle East, new skyscrapers are completed regularly, shifting the rankings every few months. The data in this story reflects the most recent available snapshot from CTBUH at the time of publication. 1. Hong Kong: over 550 skyscrapers A shortage of flat land has made vertical development inevitable in Hong Kong. CHUNYIP WONG No city in the world has embraced vertical living like Hong Kong. With over 550 completed buildings taller than about 490 feet, the skyline is a forest of high-rises squeezed between mountainous terrain and the sea. A shortage of flat land, coupled with rapid economic growth in the late 20th century, made vertical development inevitable. Many of Hong Kong's residential skyscrapers are tightly packed and uniform, while commercial landmarks like the International Commerce Centre and Bank of China Tower punctuate the skyline with dramatic architectural flair. 2. Shenzhen, China: over 380 skyscrapers
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai among world's tallest cities as UAE overtakes US in skyscraper race
The UAE has vaulted past the United States to claim the second spot in the world for the number of supertall skyscrapers—those rising above 300 metres—according to the latest global rankings released by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). This milestone not only underpins the country's place on the global architectural map but also reflects a broader narrative of urban ambition, national pride, and visionary transformation of its skyline. From the soaring Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the sleek Adnoc Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the UAE is home to more than 30 completed supertall structures, the vast majority of which have been built in the last decade. This rapid vertical ascent is more than a race for height — it's a statement of purpose. As the CTBUH notes, the UAE has emerged as a global leader in marrying futuristic design with engineering prowess, constructing high-performance buildings that are not just taller but smarter, greener, and more resilient. At the heart of this vertical revolution is Dubai, now ranked fourth in the world among cities with the highest number of completed buildings over 150 metres in height. With over 250 skyscrapers surpassing that benchmark, Dubai's skyline is an extraordinary fusion of ambition and aesthetics. Anchored by the 828-metre Burj Khalifa—the tallest building on Earth—Dubai's architectural landscape is a dramatic showcase of economic diversification, tourism magnetism, and real estate dynamism. The rise of Dubai has been swift and symbolic. Once a modest Gulf city, it has transformed into a glittering metropolis that competes head-to-head with global powerhouses like Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and New York. Much of this ascent has been propelled by the city's desire to diversify away from oil dependence and position itself as a hub for international business, innovation, and luxury lifestyle. Skyscrapers are not merely structures here—they are expressions of national identity, global relevance, and economic aspiration. Many of Dubai's towers are concentrated along Sheikh Zayed Road, the Marina, and Downtown Dubai, with each new addition pushing the envelope in terms of design and purpose. From residential towers to mixed-use marvels, the city's skyline is a vertical mosaic that reflects a blend of cultures, technologies, and economic forces. Globally, the UAE's status as the world's second-most prolific builder of supertall skyscrapers marks a historic shift. The dominance of the United States, once the undisputed birthplace and leader of the skyscraper age, is now being challenged by the UAE's accelerated pace of development and its embrace of next-generation architecture. This is part of a larger trend that sees Middle Eastern cities becoming increasingly central to the global conversation on urban form and livability. According to CTBUH, the UAE currently boasts more than 200 buildings over 150 metres tall and over 30 that soar beyond 300 metres. The country's strategy of creating iconic structures as anchors for global visibility and economic activity has paid off. Buildings like Marina 101, Emirates Towers, and the Capital Gate not only define the skylines of their cities but have become international landmarks in their own right. Dubai's ranking among the top four cities globally for skyscrapers over 150 metres places it just behind Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and New York—three cities that have long defined the art of vertical urbanism. Hong Kong leads the global list with over 550 high-rises, followed by Shenzhen with more than 380, and New York with over 320. While these cities owe their skylines to historical economic booms and geographic constraints, Dubai's story is one of deliberate and rapid reinvention. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are also contributing to the UAE's upward trajectory. Abu Dhabi's skyline has matured significantly with the addition of civic, commercial, and residential towers that emphasise sustainability and design integrity. Sharjah is following suit with a new generation of high-rises that combine affordability with modern urban living. According to property pundits, the UAE's architectural achievements are not just feats of engineering—they are cultural symbols that articulate the country's openness to global capital, talent, and innovation. They stand as monuments to the nation's journey from desert settlements to urban marvels, attracting millions of tourists, investors, and visionaries from around the world.
What's On
09-07-2025
- Business
- What's On
UAE ranks second globally in number of supertall skyscrapers
According to newly released data from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), the UAE has surpassed the USA in the number of completed supertall buildings. The recent report revealed that the UAE now has 37 skyscrapers, six more than the United States, which has 31. The criteria for this category includes completed buildings that are 300-metres-tall or more. As expected, Dubai is leading this surge for the UAE, home to some incredibly iconic towers like the Burj Khalifa. The UAE also ranks third globally across all height categories, with 345 buildings over 150 metres and 159 above 200 metres. According to a report by The National, China, however, takes the prize across every height category, far ahead with 122 supertall structures over 300 metres, 3,497 buildings taller than 150 metres, 1,271 over 200 metres. Towers in Chinese cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are home to the global top 10 tallest buildings, with landmarks such as the Shanghai Tower, standing at 632m and the Ping An Finance Center at 599m. The tallest towers in Dubai It is well documented that the Burj Khalifa is the winner of this one – 828-metres-tall, the tallest in the world, but there are some other incredible soaring towers that are part of Dubai's world-famous skyline. Marina 101 is the second tallest building in Dubai, a residential building standing at 425 metres and currently the 4th-tallest residential building in the world. Next is the Princess Tower, 414 metres and once upon a time, the tallest residential building in the world. 23 Marina is next at 392.8 metres, followed by Elite Residence at 381 metres, and then Kempinski The Boulevard at 370 metres, which is also the 56th tallest building in the world. Almas Tower, Gevora Hotel, Il Primo and the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai complete this list of the current, completed top ten. Coming soon But of course, Dubai never stops building, and a list of upcoming supertalls is already on the horizon. Burj Azizi is eyeing 725 metres, second to only the Burj Khalifa, and will also be home to the world's highest observation deck (level 130), the world's highest nightclub (level 126), the world's highest restaurant (level 122), and the world's highest hotel room (level 118). The project is projected to cost USD1.5 billion and a tentative completion date is set for 2028. The Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences, a collaboration between luxury jewellers Jacob & Co, and Emirati property development company Binghatti, will be located in Business Bay, and will include two and three-bedroom residences, an infinity pool, and in-house concierge services including private chefs, bodyguards, chauffeurs, and chefs. The design shows a height of 595 metres. The Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina will skirt 517 metres into the sky, and will be the second Dubai property from Six Senses, joining the already under construction Six Senses The Palm. It is set to be completed in July 2028, featuring 251 residences, which are all designed to offer a holistic, wellness-centric approach to living. This will apply both to the design of the tower, the interiors of the residences, and the community spaces. @ Images: Socials/Mo Azizi > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Business Upturn
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat Announces 2025 Award of Excellence Winners, Recognizes Projects Driving the Future of Vertical Urbanism in an Unpredictable Climate
Chicago, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has announced the winners of its 2025 Award of Excellence competition, a robust slate of built and unbuilt projects from around the world that respond to current global challenges and demonstrate the vital role of tall buildings in the 21st century. (View the full list of winning projects here.) Spanning 20 countries and more than 20 categories, this year's winners exemplify creative and technical leadership across the gamut of sustainable vertical urbanism. From carbon-negative towers to adaptive reuse strategies that extend the life of existing structures by decades, the 2025 awardees are unified by an evolution of values: growth as well as stewardship, height and impact. 'This year's cohort demonstrates not only technical sophistication and design ingenuity but also an ability to respond to the circumstances shaping the world right now—from regional issues and economic challenges to the accelerating climate crisis,' according to Javier Quintana de Uña, CEO of CTBUH. 'These projects prove that tall buildings and the vertical urbanism they engender can instigate better quality of life, ecological resilience and urban equity simultaneously. That's the direction our industry must move in.' In categories such as Best Tall Building, Innovation and Urban Habitat, this year's winners emphasize reuse, low-carbon materials, equitable housing and integrated infrastructure. Submitting companies were also asked to share data on the carbon and material usage in their projects—part of the CTBUH 2025 Awards Carbon Pilot Program—which attempts to consolidate embodied carbon data from across the globe and serve as a benchmark for sustainable development practices. Several projects introduce hybrid programmatic models, blurring the line between public and private realms and prioritizing circularity from the outset. 'Vertical urbanism isn't just about going taller—it's about rethinking how height intersects with livability, connectivity and the relationship of tall buildings with the street,' said James Parakh, Urban Design Manager at the City of Toronto Planning Division and a juror in the Urban Habitat category. 'This year's submissions illustrate how tall buildings can do more than dominate skylines—they can animate streets, enliven their contexts and shape cohesive, healthy neighborhoods. The most compelling projects treat the base, the tower and the spaces between towers as a continuous urban experience. That kind of holistic thinking can benefit cities, improve livability and create vibrant places where people thrive.' CTBUH's call for entries drew its broadest global participation yet, with submissions from firms working in cities as diverse as Brisbane, Göteborg, New Cairo, Tokyo and Toronto, among many others. Each submission was evaluated by multidisciplinary juries comprising leaders in architecture, engineering, planning, construction and real estate development. The selection criteria prioritized performance—environmental, cultural and operational—over prestige or aesthetics alone. Awardees will present their work during the CTBUH 2025 International Conference, themed From the Ground Up: Tall Buildings and City-Making, taking place 6–9 October in Toronto, where they'll vie for 'best in category' recognition. Results will be announced during the conference's prestigious award ceremony and dinner. Now in its 22nd year, the CTBUH awards program can enhance the reputation and marketability of the companies responsible for selected projects. 'Receiving the CTBUH Award of Excellence for One Za'abeel has been a defining moment—both personally and for our entire team,' expressed Dr. Mohamed Hegazy, Director of Property & Buildings Construction Supervision in the Middle East at WSP. The project was named overall winner in the Best Tall Building, Middle East & Africa category in the 2024 competition. 'As professionals leading complex projects, we navigate diverse challenges while aligning stakeholder interests. We're proud of the industry-leading engineering that made this achievement possible—advancing standards and integrating it seamlessly with the community—which marks a meaningful evolution in the architectural landscape,' continued Hegazy. 'The award showcased our work on the global stage, inspiring new conversations about what's possible when visionary thinking, purposeful execution and ambition converge to raise the bar and pave the way for the next generation of transformative structures.' 'Our awards have always spotlighted excellence, but in 2025 excellence looks different,' added Quintana de Uña. 'We're now measuring success not by spectacle but by a building's capacity to support life—human and otherwise—for generations to come.' For more information on the CTBUH awards program, including jury members by category and all prior Award of Excellence winners, please visit Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to smarter, more sustainable cities and a more viable future for global populations. Specifically, CTBUH focuses on the critical role of density in addressing climate change. CTBUH is headquartered in Chicago and has offices in Shanghai, China, and Venice, Italy. CTBUH's worldwide membership network includes companies from fields such as real estate development, architecture, engineering, cost consulting, building management and construction, among others. In addition to hosting leading industry events, CTBUH produces research and reports on issues of significant consequence to its membership. Its most utilized asset is the database, a comprehensive compendium of detailed figures, images and technical information on more than 40,000 tall buildings throughout the world. CTBUH is best known to the public for developing international standards for measuring tall building height and is recognized as the arbiter of the 'World's Tallest Building' designation. For more information, please visit Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
