World's tallest building built in the Middle East

Jerusalem Post:AP

A year and a half ahead of completion and already 1,680-foot (512 meters) tall, the skyscraper know as Burj Dubai in this Gulf city-state has become the world's tallest building, its developers claimed Saturday.

With it, the Middle East is also set to reclaim the honor of having the tallest man-made structure - centuries after the construction of Egypt's ancient Great Pyramid of Giza held the title with its 481 feet (147 meters), until Paris' Eiffel Tower took over, at a height of 1,023 feet (312 meters), including the flag pole.

If independently confirmed, the Burj Dubai will take over as No. 1 from the Taipei 101 in Taiwan, which has dominated the world's skyline at 1,667 feet (508 meters) since 2004.

The Burj's final height is a closely guarded secret. It is expected to be finished by the end of 2008.