MEED reported that Riyadh based Kingdom Holding Company will launch tenders for the major construction packages on its project to build the world's tallest tower in Jeddah. The tenders will follow a final investment decision on the project.

The tower in Jeddah, also known as the Mile High tower, could reach 1,600 meters in height, making it twice the height of the current tallest building in the world Burj Dubai, which is under construction. While the final height and number of storey are yet to be finalized, the budget is expected to be up to USD 10 billion.

UK's Hyder Consulting is working in a JV with Arup as engineer on the project. Saudi firm Omrania is the project architect and the US' Bechtel is the construction manager.

According to Mr Rukn Eldeen project manager with Omrania, the tower plot will be 170,000 square meters.

The towers projected height means wind will be a major factor in the design, and Eldeen says the company has spoken to wind consultants and lift manufacturers to deal with the logistical challenge of transporting elevator passengers to such a height.