Kuwait Burj-beater plans get green light

Kuwait has taken another a step closer to trumping Gulf Arab neighbour Dubai in the race to build the world's tallest building after authorities approved initial plans for a colossal new development that includes a tower expected to be over one kilometre high.

Kuwait's Municipal Council on Wednesday approved drawing sketches of the 250-square kilometre development, known as the Madinat Al-Hareer, which will be build opposite the capital city across Kuwait Bay.

The council also agreed to the construction of the Jaber Al-Ahmed Bridge that will link the two urban centres.

The Madinat Al-Hareer, or City of Silk, is expected to take around 25 years to build and cost an estimated $86 billion. There is no indication yet as to when construction will begin.

The project includes construction of a 200-hectare natural desert reservation, a new airport, a large business centre, as well as areas that concentrate on the environment, sports, media, health, education, and industry.

At its centre will be the Burj Mubarak Al-Kabir, a tower soaring 1,001 metres into the air - almost twice the height of Taiwan's Taipei 101, which is 509 metres tall and officially still the world's tallest building.

The Burj Dubai overtook Taipei 101 earlier this year as the world's tallest building, but will not be officially recognised until construction is completed at the end of next year.

The final height of the Burj has yet to be revealed, but it is expected to between 700 and 900 metres. A local media report last month claimed the final height will be 818 metres, citing architects drawings posted on the internet.