Jeddah Tower Architect Predicts Flying Taxis and Drone Networks Will Revolutionise Middle East Skylines

The architect behind Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Tower believes the next generation of skyscrapers will be shaped not just by height, but by how people and technology move through cities.

Speaking as construction continues on the world's future tallest building, architect Gordon Gill said drone corridors, autonomous transport and elevated passenger movement are expected to become integral parts of urban design across the Middle East. Rather than simply building higher, future developments could be designed around entirely new transport networks operating above ground level.

The comments come as Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in landmark developments under its Vision 2030 strategy, with Jeddah Tower remaining one of the country's most ambitious projects. Once completed, the tower is expected to rise beyond one kilometre, overtaking Dubai's Burj Khalifa as the world's tallest building while serving as the centrepiece of Jeddah Economic City.

Gill said advances in autonomous aviation and drone technology are likely to influence how cities are planned, creating opportunities for buildings to function as interconnected transport hubs rather than standalone towers. The shift could reshape everything from commuting and logistics to the way mixed-use precincts are designed.

While the vision remains long term, it reflects the broader direction of urban development across the Gulf, where governments are increasingly combining large-scale real estate projects with emerging technologies. As construction progresses on Jeddah Tower, the project continues to symbolise not only a race for height, but a glimpse into how future cities may operate.

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Originally posted on LinkedIn