• International Journal of High-Rise Buildings
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.11-32
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• 2024

In recent years, urban landscapes across the globe have undergone a remarkable transformation marked by a substantial surge in skyscraper development. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the contemporary evolution of tall buildings, with a particular emphasis on the Middle East. It surveys tall building development in the ten "tallest cities" across the Middle East, including Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Riyadh, Manama, Tel Aviv, Kuwait, Mecca, and Jeddah, while listing the tallest ten buildings in each city. The focus sharpens on Dubai, UAE, serving as a compelling case study that vividly illustrates the city's swift metamorphosis from a low-rise to a high-rise urban center. Through meticulous examination, the study aims to unveil the key drivers propelling the construction of the world's tallest buildings, asserting that globalization factors play a pivotal role in fostering this transformative shift. The impetus behind this surge is rooted in the aspiration to project a modern and progressive image on the global stage. With Dubai at the forefront, cities in the Middle East strategically endeavor to reshape their international image and reclaim historical grandeur through ambitious skyscraper projects.