Most Expensive Buildings in the World

expensive buildings

Many buildings all over the world have luxurious exteriors and ornamental interiors, ranging from exclusive apartment blocks to five star hotels and sumptuous offices. These innovative and beautiful landmarks have cost billions to design and construct and in this article, we look at some of the world's most expensive buildings and the teams behind them.

The Princess Tower

Located in Marina, Dubai, the Princess Tower, which cost $2.17 billion to build, stretches up 101 stories. The world's highest residential only building began construction in 2006 and was opened to the first residents in September 2012. Made up of 763 residential units, 957 parking bays in an underground car park and 8 retail outlets, the tower was developed by Tameer Holding Investment LLC and its high price tag brought it into the list of the world's top 10 most expensive buildings.

City of Dreams

City of Dreams

The impressive City of Dreams building is opposed The Venetian Macao in Macau and is owned by Melco Crown Entertainment. Designed in a podium style, the building consists of four towers which contain the Crown Towers Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Grand Hyatt Macau. There is also a mega casino and more than 200 different shopping facilities inside. First opened to the public in 2009, the City of Dreams cost around $2.40 billion and offers 450 gaming tables, 1,513 games machines and 1400 guest suites and rooms.

Venetian Macao

Venetian Macau

Opposite the City of Dreams, the Venetian Macao is a luxurious casino and hotel in Macau which is owned by Las Vegas Sands. Home to the largest casino in the world, it boasts no less than 3400 slot machines, 800 gaming tables and 3000 guest suites and cost $2.40 billion to design and construct. Opened to the public in 2007, it also features the Cotai Arena which has a 15,000 seat capacity and is used for sporting events like boxing, tennis and basketball as well as for concerts.

Wynn Resort

Wynn Resort

On Las Vegas's famous Strip, the Paradise Wynn Resort, coming in at a huge $2.70 billion, is the world's 6th largest hotel, boasting a total of 4750 rooms and an impressive casino. Believed to be one of the world's finest hotels, it has been awarded numerous accolades including five star titles from Forbes, Mobil, AAA and Michelin as well as Zagat Survey Top US Hotel ratings. It not only houses guest suites and gaming opportunities but also several shops, restaurants, boutiques, nightclubs and the Wynn Golf and Country Club.

One World Trade Center

One World Trade Center

The Western Hemisphere's tallest skyscrapercraper, the One World Trade Center stands at 104 storeys high in the heart of New York in the US. As the 4th tallest building in the world, this building has a height of 1792 feet and was opened in 2014 after its construction was begun 8 years earlier. Costing $3.80 billion, it was developed by a partnership of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Tishman Construction and its structural engineer was WSP Cantor Seinuk.

Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Ranking amongst the world's top luxury hotels, the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas cost a huge $3.90 billion and houses a 5 star hotel and luxurious casino in its twin high rise towers. The building is home to several popular restaurants including the Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, Chine Poblano, The Henry, Costas Spiliadis' Estiatorio Milos and Jaleo. It is owned by the Blackstone Group, and despite some financial difficulties, it has still found its way into the top 10 list of world's most expensive buildings.

Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace

Located in Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace is a luxury 7 star hotel that is owned by the government of Abu Dhabi. It was designed by John Elliott, a British architect, and is home to 394 rooms and suites that have been specially furnished in order to offer the guests a greater level of opulence. Opened in 2005, it is the United Arab Emirates' most luxurious hotel and is also one of the world's most expensive buildings, having come in at a budget of $3.90 billion.

Resorts World Sentosa

Resorts World Sentosa

On the island of Sentosa, Resorts World is an integrated resort that has a wide ranging appeal thanks to its multiple uses. It is home to several theme parks including Universal Studies, Marine Life Park and the Adventure Cove water park and also hosts two luxurious casinos and the world's biggest oceanarium. Developed by Genting Singapore, it opened in 2010 and cost a total of $4.93 billion to construct.

Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands

Costing an outstanding $5.5 billion, the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is one of the world's most expensive buildings, consisting of a 2561 roomed hotel, two theatres, seven celebrity restaurants, an ice skating rink, a museum and the largest atrium casino in the world with 500 tables and 1600 slots. Owned by Las Vegas Sands Corp, the Marina Bay Sands opened in 2001 and offers a panoramic views of the skyline from 200 metres in the air.

Abraj Al Bait

Abraj Al Bait

More expensive than any of the other buildings on our list, the Abraj Al Bait in Saudi Arabia cost a phenomenal $15 billion. Owned by the government, this mega-tall building was developed by the Saudi Binladin Group and holds numerous titles including the 3rd tallest building, 4th tallest freestanding structure, 2nd largest mosque and world's largest clock face. It is also home to a five storey shopping mall, 2 heliports, a Lunar Observation Centre, a parking garage and an Islamic Museum.