The Dubai skyline. ARCHIVE

The UAE has overtaken the United States to become the second country in the world with the most supertall skyscrapers, according to a new report by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). The new ranking is largely driven by Dubai’s meteoric vertical growth, which now boasts over 250 buildings taller than 150 metres and more than 30 that rise above 300 metres. These "supertall" buildings, as defined by the CTBUH, are structures that exceed 300 metres in height. According to the report, the UAE now has 37 supertall buildings, edging out the US, which has 31. Only China ranks higher with a staggering 122 supertall buildings. “Dubai's ascent into the global top four cities for high-rises reflects its commitment to futuristic design, engineering excellence, and urban planning,” the report noted. This leap marks a major milestone for the UAE’s urban landscape and reflects a long-term strategy of using iconic architecture to anchor tourism, global visibility, and economic development. Some of the most recognizable buildings that form part of the UAE’s towering skyline include Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa, considered the world's tallest building at 828 metres. The CTBUH also revealed that the UAE currently has more than 200 buildings that exceed 150 metres in height, and over 30 that soar beyond 300 metres, showcasing the country’s dominance in skyscraper engineering. The global shift toward vertical living and working is now clearly being led by the Middle East. Many of Dubai’s tallest towers are located along Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina, blending luxury residences, commercial spaces, and mixed-use marvels. Other cities like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are also contributing to the UAE’s vertical growth with new high-rise projects focusing on sustainability and livability. Here’s a look at the top 10 countries with the most supertall buildings (300m+): 1. China – 122 2. UAE – 37 3. United States – 31 4. Russia – 7 5. South Korea – 7 6. Malaysia – 6 7. Saudi Arabia – 5 8. Qatar – 4 9. Kuwait – 4 10. Thailand – 3 With the UAE now officially second in the world, the country is not just keeping up—it is shaping the future of vertical cities. ICA/Expat Media
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