Merdeka 118, currently standing as the world’s second-tallest building, may soon relinquish that title

Merdeka 118, currently towering at 678.9 meters, holds the esteemed title of the world’s second-tallest building. However, its reign may be short-lived as the Burj Azizi, slated to grace Dubai’s skyline upon completion in 2028, threatens to dethrone it.

Azizi Developments, a Dubai-based developer, has commenced the construction of the Burj Azizi, which it claims will ascend to the second position in the global skyscraper hierarchy once approved. While the exact height of the Burj Azizi remains undisclosed pending final authorization from authorities, the US$1.5 billion tower is poised to dominate Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Its opulent features are said to include luxury apartments, penthouses, a multi-level mall, a prestigious seven-star hotel, upscale dining establishments, and an observation deck.

Dubai is no stranger to architectural marvels, boasting the world’s tallest structure, the Burj Khalifa, towering at a staggering 829.8 meters. Merdeka 118, currently owned by Permodalan Nasional Bhd via its subsidiary PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, proudly holds the position of the world’s second tallest tower, trailing only behind the Burj Khalifa.

Officially unveiled on January 10th of this year, Merdeka 118 is situated adjacent to the iconic Stadium Merdeka, currently undergoing redevelopment. The tower’s offerings include Southeast Asia’s highest observation deck, the 118 Mall, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Merdeka, a PNB childcare center catering to children aged 2 months to 6 years old, and premium residential units.

Malaysia boasts its own array of towering structures on the global stage. From 1998 to 2004, the Petronas Twin Towers, standing at 451.9 meters, held the prestigious title of the world’s tallest buildings until being surpassed by the completion of the Taipei 101. The Petronas Twin Towers retain the distinction of being the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers.

Kuala Lumpur is also home to The Exchange 106, formerly known as the TRX Signature Tower. At 453.6 meters tall, it currently ranks as the second-tallest building in Malaysia and the third-tallest building in Southeast Asia.