• VINCOM LANDMARK 81, HO CHI MIN CITY, 461 metres: Built in just three years, the tallest building in South East Asia and Ho Chi Min City was completed by January 2018 and opened the following year. A potent symbol of Vietnam’s growing economy, it features a sky deck on the 81st floor. Don’t be put off by the ticket price of 500,000 Vietnamese dong, which is actually Dh80. Yen Duong / Reuters
    VINCOM LANDMARK 81, HO CHI MIN CITY, 461 metres: Built in just three years, the tallest building in South East Asia and Ho Chi Min City was completed by January 2018 and opened the following year. A potent symbol of Vietnam’s growing economy, it features a sky deck on the 81st floor. Don’t be put off by the ticket price of 500,000 Vietnamese dong, which is actually Dh80. Yen Duong / Reuters
  • INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE CENTRE, HONG KONG, 484 metres: Originally planned at 574 metres, the building’s height was scaled back, reportedly because it would have overshadowed nearby mountains. Opened in 2010 in West Kowloon on the mainland, it features the five star Ritz Carlton on the 102nd floor and a swimming pool and bar at the top. Kyle Lam / Bloomberg
    INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE CENTRE, HONG KONG, 484 metres: Originally planned at 574 metres, the building’s height was scaled back, reportedly because it would have overshadowed nearby mountains. Opened in 2010 in West Kowloon on the mainland, it features the five star Ritz Carlton on the 102nd floor and a swimming pool and bar at the top. Kyle Lam / Bloomberg
  • SHANGHAI WORLD FINANCIAL CENTRE, SHANGHAI, 492 metres: The city’s first of two entries in our top ten was completed in 2007 and features a hotel from the 79th to 93rd floors. Construction began in 1997 but was then hit by the Asian finance crisis the following year. Its most noticeable feature is a trapezoid opening at the summit, which although intended to reduce wind pressure has earned the nickname “the bottle opener.” Reuters
    SHANGHAI WORLD FINANCIAL CENTRE, SHANGHAI, 492 metres: The city’s first of two entries in our top ten was completed in 2007 and features a hotel from the 79th to 93rd floors. Construction began in 1997 but was then hit by the Asian finance crisis the following year. Its most noticeable feature is a trapezoid opening at the summit, which although intended to reduce wind pressure has earned the nickname “the bottle opener.” Reuters
  • TAIPEI 101, TAIPEI, 508 metres: Opened in 2004, this was the world’s tallest building until Burj Khalifa arrived in 2010. The design is full of symbolism, with the 101 referring to both the number of floors and the start of a new century. Its eight segments reflect a pagoda, with the number also associated with good luck and prosperity. A firework display is shown worldwide as Taiwan celebrates New Year. Chris Stowers / AFP
    TAIPEI 101, TAIPEI, 508 metres: Opened in 2004, this was the world’s tallest building until Burj Khalifa arrived in 2010. The design is full of symbolism, with the 101 referring to both the number of floors and the start of a new century. Its eight segments reflect a pagoda, with the number also associated with good luck and prosperity. A firework display is shown worldwide as Taiwan celebrates New Year. Chris Stowers / AFP
  • CHINA ZUN / CITIC TOWER, BEIJING, 528 metres: The Chinese capital’s tallest building opened in 2018. Popularly known as 'China Zun' after a zun, or ancient drinking vessel which inspired its design. New rules now prohibit buildings of more than 180 metres in Beijing to reduce density. Greg Baker / AFP
    CHINA ZUN / CITIC TOWER, BEIJING, 528 metres: The Chinese capital’s tallest building opened in 2018. Popularly known as 'China Zun' after a zun, or ancient drinking vessel which inspired its design. New rules now prohibit buildings of more than 180 metres in Beijing to reduce density. Greg Baker / AFP
  • TIANJIN, CTF FINANCE CENTRE, TIANJIN, 530 metres: The eighth tallest building in the world is notable for being the tallest with less than 100 floors. It is also the second tallest structure in Tianjin. The Goldin Finance 117 tower was planned to be 597m, but despite being started in 2008 remains unfinished. And if you haven't heard of Tianjin, you should have - it's a port city of 11.5 million people, located just 100km south of Beijing. Alamy
    TIANJIN, CTF FINANCE CENTRE, TIANJIN, 530 metres: The eighth tallest building in the world is notable for being the tallest with less than 100 floors. It is also the second tallest structure in Tianjin. The Goldin Finance 117 tower was planned to be 597m, but despite being started in 2008 remains unfinished. And if you haven't heard of Tianjin, you should have - it's a port city of 11.5 million people, located just 100km south of Beijing. Alamy
  • GUANGZHOU CFT FINANCE CENTRE, GUANGZHOU , 530 metres: Completed in 2016, this is the larger of Guangzhou's twin towers, the other being the 439-metre International Finance Centre. Its lifts are said to be the fastest in the world, reaching 21 metres per second or 75 kph. Prisma Bildagentur / Universal Images via Getty
    GUANGZHOU CFT FINANCE CENTRE, GUANGZHOU , 530 metres: Completed in 2016, this is the larger of Guangzhou's twin towers, the other being the 439-metre International Finance Centre. Its lifts are said to be the fastest in the world, reaching 21 metres per second or 75 kph. Prisma Bildagentur / Universal Images via Getty
  • LOTTE WORLD TOWER, SEOUL, 554 metres: This is the tallest building in South Korea and fifth in the world. It is designed to withstand a magnitude 9 earthquake, opening to the public in April 2017. Two Russian “urban explorers” climbed to the summit of the unfinished tower in 2016, earning over 600,000 views on YouTube - and a lifetime ban from the building. SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg
    LOTTE WORLD TOWER, SEOUL, 554 metres: This is the tallest building in South Korea and fifth in the world. It is designed to withstand a magnitude 9 earthquake, opening to the public in April 2017. Two Russian “urban explorers” climbed to the summit of the unfinished tower in 2016, earning over 600,000 views on YouTube - and a lifetime ban from the building. SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg
  • PING AN FINANCE CENTRE, SHENZHEN, 599 metres: Opened in 2017, this was the second tallest building in China and the fourth in the world, also (just) taking the title of world’s highest observation platform at 562.2 m. Part of Shenzen’s business district, it is connected to a second 290 metre structure called South Tower via a skybridge. Justin Chin / Bloomberg
    PING AN FINANCE CENTRE, SHENZHEN, 599 metres: Opened in 2017, this was the second tallest building in China and the fourth in the world, also (just) taking the title of world’s highest observation platform at 562.2 m. Part of Shenzen’s business district, it is connected to a second 290 metre structure called South Tower via a skybridge. Justin Chin / Bloomberg
  • SHANGHAI TOWER, SHANGHAI, 632 metres: Second in height only to the Burj Khalifa, Shanghai Tower could boast the world’s highest observation tower at 562m when it was completed in 2015. With a price tag of about $2.4 billion, the building’s double glass facade is designed to minimise its carbon footprint. Aly Song / Reuters
    SHANGHAI TOWER, SHANGHAI, 632 metres: Second in height only to the Burj Khalifa, Shanghai Tower could boast the world’s highest observation tower at 562m when it was completed in 2015. With a price tag of about $2.4 billion, the building’s double glass facade is designed to minimise its carbon footprint. Aly Song / Reuters

Megaprojects: 10 tallest buildings in Asia - in pictures


James Langton
  • English
  • Arabic

When they opened in August 1999, the Petronas Towers were not only the tallest buildings in the world, but the first outside the United States to hold the title since 1885.

Their distinctive architecture, based on Islamic patterns, made them an instant icon.

They featured in heist films such as Entrapment, starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and as the scene for daredevil exploits, including the world's highest base jump and a climb without ropes by Alain 'Spiderman' Robert.

The 452-metre twins became an unmistakable symbol of Kuala Lumpur.

And today? Such is the pace of skyscraper building in Asia, that the Petronas Towers do not even make it to the current top 10.

At 508 metres, Tapei 101, which took the world title from Kuala Lumpur in 2004, still clings to a place in Asia’s top 10 but has since dropped to seventh.

Asia is now the place where you build fast and stand tall. Seven of world’s tallest buildings are there, five of which are in China.

Mainland China, including Hong Kong, also claims seven of the top 10 tallest buildings in Asia, but there are also places for Taiwan, South Korea and Vietnam.

All are taller than the Empire State Building, as is the 634-metre high Tokyo Skytree, which is classified as a tower rather than a building as its primary use, as is Guangzhou’s 604-metre Canton Tower.

Collectively they are a powerful symbol of rising Asia and the region’s tiger economies.

When it opens next year, the 118-storey, 644-metre Merdeka 188, also in Kuala Lumpur, will become the second tallest in the world.

Once the world's tallest buildings at 452 metres, Petronas Towers don't even make our top 10. Alamy
Once the world's tallest buildings at 452 metres, Petronas Towers don't even make our top 10. Alamy

Fifteen out the the world’s tallest buildings under construction are in Asia – 12 of them in China.

When they are done, the Petronas Towers will barely make the top 30.

Here are the top 10 tallest buildings in Asia:

  1. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, 632 metres

  2. Ping An Finance Centre, Shenzhen, 599 metres

  3. Lotte World Tower, Seoul, 554 metres

  4. Guangzhou CFT Finance Centre, Guangzhou, 530 metres

  5. Tianjin CTF Finance Center, Tianjin, 530 metres

  6. China Zun / Citic Tower, Beijing, 528 metres

  7. Taipei 101, Taipei, 508 metres

  8. Shanghai World Financial Centre, Shanghai, 492 metres

  9. International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong, 484 metres

  10. Vincom Landmark 81, Ho Chi Minh City, 461 metres

1. Shanghai Tower

Height: 632 metres

Second in height only to the Burj Khalifa, Shanghai Tower could boast the world’s highest observation tower at 562m when it was completed in 2015. With a price tag of about $2.4 billion, the building’s double glass facade is designed to minimise its carbon footprint.

2. Ping An Finance Centre, Shenzhen

Height: 599 metres

Opened in 2017, this was the second tallest building in China and the fourth in the world, also (just) taking the title of world’s highest observation platform at 562.2m. Part of Shenzen’s business district, it is connected to a second 290 metre structure called South Tower via a skybridge.

3. Lotte World Tower, Seoul

Height: 554 metres

This is the tallest building in South Korea and fifth in the world. It is designed to withstand a magnitude 9 earthquake, opening to the public in April 2017. Two Russian “urban explorers” climbed to the summit of the unfinished tower in 2016, earning over 600,000 views on YouTube - and a lifetime ban from the building.

4. Guangzhou CFT Finance Centre, Guangzhou

Height: 530 metres

Completed in 2016, this is the larger of Guangzhou's twin towers, the other being the 439-metre International Finance Centre. Its lifts are said to be the fastest in the world, reaching 21 metres per second or 75 kph.

5. Tianjin CTF Finance Center, Tianjin

Height: 530 metres

The eighth tallest building in the world is notable for being the tallest with less than 100 floors. It is also the second tallest structure in Tianjin. The Goldin Finance 117 tower was planned to be 597m, but despite being started in 2008 remains unfinished. And if you haven't heard of Tianjin, you should have - it's a port city of 11.5 million people, located just 100km south of Beijing.

6. China Zun / Citic Tower, Beijing

Height: 528 metres

The Chinese capital’s tallest building opened in 2018. Popularly known as 'China Zun' after a zun, or ancient drinking vessel which inspired its design. New rules now prohibit buildings of more than 180 metres in Beijing to reduce density.

7. Taipei 101, Taipei

Height: 508 metres

Opened in 2004, this was the world’s tallest building until Burj Khalifa arrived in 2010. The design is full of symbolism, with the 101 referring to both the number of floors and the start of a new century. Its eight segments reflect a pagoda, with the number also associated with good luck and prosperity. A firework display is shown worldwide as Taiwan celebrates New Year.

8. Shanghai World Financial Centre, Shanghai

Height: 492 metres

Completed in 2007, Shanghai's second entry on our list features a hotel from the 79th to 93rd floors. Construction began in 1997 but was then hit by the Asian finance crisis the following year. Its most noticeable feature is a trapezoid opening at the summit, which although intended to reduce wind pressure has earned the nickname “the bottle opener.”

9. International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong

Height: 484 metres

Originally planned at 574 metres, the building’s height was scaled back, reportedly because it would have overshadowed nearby mountains. Opened in 2010 in West Kowloon on the mainland, it features the five star Ritz Carlton on the 102nd floor and a swimming pool and bar at the top.

10. Vincom Landmark 81, Ho Chi Minh City

Height: 461 metres

Built in just three years, the tallest building in South East Asia and Ho Chi Minh City was completed by January 2018 and opened the following year. A potent symbol of Vietnam’s growing economy, it features a sky deck on the 81st floor. Don’t be put off by the ticket price of 500,000 Vietnamese dong, which is actually Dh80.

A version of this article was first published on October 7, 2020

HWJN
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Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The Bio

Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.

Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.

Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.

Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.

Expert advice

“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”

Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles

“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”

Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre 

“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”

Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
 

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

COMPANY PROFILE

Company name: Blah

Started: 2018

Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri

Based: Dubai

Industry: Technology and talent management

Initial investment: Dh20,000

Investors: Self-funded

Total customers: 40

Brief scores:

Southampton 2

Armstrong 13', Soares 20'

Manchester United 2

Lukaku 33', Herrera 39'

Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
​​​​​​​Penguin Press

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

MATCH INFO

What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe

For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.

Golden Dallah

For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.

Al Mrzab Restaurant

For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.

Al Derwaza

For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup. 

In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe

Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010

Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille

Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm

Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year

Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”

Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners

TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013 

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THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)

Power: 141bhp 

Torque: 250Nm 

Price: Dh64,500

On sale: Now

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5