The capital and largest city in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is currently a hotbed of development activity, with a number of major projects currently under construction, and more proposed projects on the horizon. In the last 100 years, the city's population has exploded from around 18,000 residents to a current population approaching 6 million. The city's continued growth has fostered a wave of skyscraping development in recent years that have added a wealth of modern architecture to the Middle Eastern metropolis, mostly in the new King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), which will eventually consist of 59 towers over an area of 1.6 million square metres.

The tallest structure currently under construction in Riyadh is the 77-storey Capital Market Authority Headquarters. Developed by Capital Market Authority and designed by architects HOK and Omrania & Associates, the supertall development is now topped off at its final height of 385 metres (1,263 feet), and is expected to be completed later this year. The project is currently the third tallest building under construction in Saudi Arabia, trailing the future world's tallest Jeddah Tower, and the 432-metre (1,417-foot) Diamond Tower in Jeddah.

Rendering of Capital Market Authority Headquarters, image via Capital Market Authority

The next tallest building under construction in Riyadh is the KAFD World Trade Centre. Designed by architects Gensler and NIKKEN SEKKEI, the 67-storey tower from Riyadh Investment Company topped off last year and is due for 2016 completion.

Rendering of the KAFD World Trade Centre, image via Riyadh Investment Company

Another major skyscraper on track for 2016 completion is the GCC Bank Headquarters from developer Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. Designed by Gensler, this 53-storey office building topped off last year at a height of 240 metres (787 feet) and is expected to be completed within the coming months. 

Rendering of the GCC Bank Headquarters, image via Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf

The next tallest building under construction is the Al Majdoul Tower, now in the process of topping off at 54 storeys. Designed by Zeidler Partnership Architects and developed by Al-Daffah Group, this twisting 232-metre (761-foot) structure is anticipated to be completed later this year.

Rendering of Al Majdoul Tower, image via Al-Daffah Group

Not quite as far along is the 62-storey Rafal Living Tower from developer RAFAL Real Estate Development. Designed by Promontorio, the 213-metre (699-foot) tower currently stands several storeys above grade, though construction of the project isn't slated to see completion until 2019.

Rendering of Rafal Living Tower, image via RAFAL Real Estate

In addition to the buildings already under construction, the skyline of Riyadh is expected to continue growing thanks to a number of new and active proposals on the horizon. We will return soon for an overview of these projects, though you can learn more about the city's developments in the meantime by visiting our city page for Riyadh.

Related Companies:  Gensler, Zeidler Architecture