Not to be outdone by all the amazing buildings that are going up in Dubai, Saudi Prince al-Walid bin Talala has decided to build
the world's tallest building. It will be one mile high.
On a clear day, the view from the top will take in the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian Ocean -- providing you've a head for heights.
Plans for a mile-high tower in the Saudi Arabian desert have been unveiled by the billionaire owner of London's Savoy Hotel.
At 5,250ft, the £5billion project, masterminded by two British engineering consultancies, will be twice as high as its nearest rivals, skyscrapers under construction in Dubai and Kuwait, and almost seven times as high as the Canary Wharf tower in London's Docklands.
It is being planned for a new city near the Red Sea port of Jeddah. Behind the scheme is 51-year-old Prince al-Walid bin Talal, who bought the Savoy for £1.25billion in 2005.
The plan gives the Middle East a clear lead over Asian countries and the U.S., who have vied in the past to construct the world's tallest buildings.
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Experts say the technical challenges are enormous. Much of the lifting will be carried out by helicopters, which will also be used as commuter transport for builders.
The tower will have to be capable of withstanding a wide range of temperatures, with its top baking in the desert sun by day but dropping to well below freezing at night.
To resist the strong winds prevalent in the area and stop it swaying, giving its occupants a form of high-rise seasickness, it will be fitted with a giant computer-operated damper.
What is it with these men all vying to have the biggest tower? It's just so.... Freudian. Because we have yet to hear about any woman real estate developer who is determined to build the tallest building. You know, as opposed to building the most green building. Or the most technologically advanced building. Or some other "best" measurement.
We hope they have transporter technology by the time this thing gets built, because otherwise that lengthy elevator ride to the top is going to be a major pain. Still, we wish the prince the best of luck: we can't wait to see it.
