For centuries, humanity has been fascinated with building higher and higher. From the Great Pyramid of Giza, which reigned as the tallest structure for over 3,800 years, to today's gleaming skyscrapers of glass and steel, tall buildings have symbolised ambition, wealth and national pride.
The modern skyscraper era began in 1885 with Chicago's 138-foot Home Insurance Building, widely considered the first of its kind. Since then, records have been broken again and again - first in the United States, later across Asia and the Middle East.
Here, we count down the seven tallest buildings in the world today.

The tower rises to 678.9 metres, with a spire reaching 700.9 metres above sea level. It features 118 floors, making it the tallest building in Southeast Asia and the second-tallest in the world.
Inside, the skyscraper hosts office space, a luxury hotel, residential areas, and observation decks. Its crystalline, diamond-inspired design pays tribute to Malaysia's multicultural identity while pushing architectural innovation.
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