Man’s love for scaling heights started with climbing mountains but it didn’t end with reaching the moon or aiming for the stars. The love continued here on our dear planet earth by building tall sky scrapers and competing to own the tallest one.

The Empire State Building in New York City, USA stood its ground being the highest for nearly 40 long years. However, it was soon overcome by taller buildings in Asia to Middle East and all the way across to the Americas. Buckle up, as this list will take you through a journey through the top 10 tallest buildings of the world in 2014.

 

10. Willis Tower, USA

On number 10 of this list we have the Willis Tower in Chicago which stands at a height of 1,450 feet. This building was the tallest for 25 straight years. It is truly remarkable to note that this high rise was constructed in 1973 and still holds its position among the tallest buildings of the world in 2014.

9. Zifeng Tower, China

Also known as the Greenland Square Zifeng Tower, this high rise building boasts a height of 1,476 and is just 7 feet shorter than the PETRONAS Twins in Malaysia. However, it beats the former in floor count by 1 having a total of 89 floors.

8. PETRONAS Twin Towers, Malaysia

The PETRONAS Twin Towers can easily take two places in this list of the top 10 tallest buildings of the world as they both have the exact same height of 1,483 feet comprising of 88 floors. The twin towers held the record for being the highest from 1998 to 2004 and were designed by an architect belonging to Argentina.

7. International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong

An overall height of 1,588 feet and having 118 floors, the International Commerce Centre in Hong Kong is at number 7 of the top 10 tallest buildings of the world in 2014. There is some controversy in the correct floor count for this building with some of its floors being below ground level.

6. Shanghai World Financial Center, China

Located in Shanghai, China, the Shanghai World Financial Center comprises of 101 floors – same as Taipei 101. However it falls a mere 57 feet from being number 5 in the list and beating Taipei 101 in the race to be the tallest building. Construction was completed in 2008 resulting in the height of a little over 1,614 feet.

5. Taipei 101, Taiwan

This high rise building stands at a height of 1,670 feet and was formerly called the Taipei World Financial Center. It has 101 floors which caused its name to be changed to Taipei 101. Interestingly, this building was the highest building of the world from 2004 till 2010. Taipei 101 was constructed by KTRT Joint Venture.

4. One World Trade Center, USA

The grim memories of September, 2011 and the terrorist attacks that took down the original World Trade Center are somehow compensated by this high rise also known as the ‘Freedom Tower’. With a height of 1,776 feet and 104 floors, this building was constructed in 2013 is on number 4 of the top 10 tallest buildings of the world in 2014.

3. Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel, Saudi Arabia

Reaching the skies at a height of 1,971 feet, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel is also renowned for being nearest to the Holy Masjid Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca. Built by Saudi Binladin Group, this structure is also the world’s tallest clock tower and has 120 floors including a large area for prayers that can accommodate more than 10,000 people.

2. Shanghai Tower, China

A staggering height of 2,073 feet and with 121 stories makes the Shanghai Tower the tallest building in China. The structure is expected to complete in 2014 and is designed by a Chinese architect belonging to a US based architectural firm called Gensler. The building’s design is quite impressive as it incorporates the principles of green architecture.

1. Burj Khalifa, UAE

Do you dream about being able to walk in the clouds? If so, then simply reach up to the 163rdfloor of this enormously high structure in Dubai and turn your dream into reality. Standing at a magnificent height of 2,722 feet, Burj Khalifa beats all other high rise structures by far. Built in 2010, Burj Khalifa is one of the most prized possessions in the construction trophies of Emaar Properties.