It’s no surprise that some of the most interesting buildings in the world are also some of the most expensive. Whether it’s the sheer size, or design, they simply cost a lot of money.
The amount of money involved is mind boggling let alone some of the quantities of material used to construct these buildings.
Checkout these buildings which are the world's most expensive:
Abraj Al Bait, Mecca, Saudi Arabia $15 billion (main picture)It’s the world’s most expensive by a considerable sum. Owned by the government of Saudi Arabia with their oil-backed deep pockets this 120 storey megatall building complex cost a staggering US$15 billion and also has the title of the world's third tallest building and fourth tallest freestanding structure. It features a four-faced clock which is the largest clock face in the world and also the highest.
The cost of the Abraj Al-Bait Towers dwarfs the second placegetter by almost 200 per cent, which is a staggering achievement in itself.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore $8 billion
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore, the Marina Bay Resort consists of three 55 storey buildings connected by a sky park sitting on top of the buildings. An integrated resort featuring restaurants, hotel, exhibition centre, theatres, retail and entertainment venue it was built by the Nevada Las Vegas Sands Corporation. The building site consists of 15.5 hectares.
Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore $4.93 billion
Another integrated resort with six hotels, an oceanarium and a casino, it was built by the Malaysian Genting Group. Located on the island of Sentosa off Singapore it also includes a Universal Studios theme park. The hotels offer 1,840 rooms of accommodation. Like most similar resorts and casinos there are a number of large production shows.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates $3.9 billion
Emirates Palace is a seven-star hotel and the second most expensive hotel built in the world. Owned by the Abu Dhabi government it is also the official guest palace of Abu Dhabi government.
The total floor area is 850,000 square meters of luxury plus over 85 hectares of manicured gardens and lawns. It comes with its own helipad, marina and parking for 2500 cars. If you’re a member of one of the Royal families of the UAE then you’re in luck – there are six ruler’s suites reserved for Royal families.
The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas $3.9 billion
The grand buildings of Las Vegas were sure to make this list. This 52 storey luxury casino resort was built by the German bank Deutsche. Containing 3000 rooms over two towers it also has a theatre which can seat 3,200 patrons. Now owned by New York-based Blackstone group it also houses the top grossing nightclub in the USA.
One World Trade Center, New York, USA $3.8 billion
Now one of the iconic buildings in the USA, the 104 storey tower dominates the New York skyline at 1451 feet with the spire taking the height to 1776 feet, the year of Independence. Known as the Freedom Tower during its early life it has the same name as the first tower which was destroyed in the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. Consisting mainly of office space it is currently the sixth tallest skyscraper in the world. The strong and abundant steel frame and concrete-core shear wall of the building promises safety and sustainability.
One World Trade Center - Image credit Michael Mahesh Panynj[/caption]
Wynn Resort, Las Vegas USA $2.7 billion
Also located on the Las Vegas strip this casino resort has 2,716 rooms, convention centre and expansive retail space. At the top end in the luxury stakes it is considered to be one of the finest hotels in the world consistently winning awards including for its Michelin star restaurant. It is the flagship property of Wynn Resorts Limited.
Venetian Macau, Macau China $2.4 billion
Owned by the American casino company Las Vegas Sands this building holds the mantle of the largest casino in the world and the largest hotel in Asia. The main casino has 800 gaming tables and 3400 slot machines. The indoor area of this casino has a seating capacity of 15000 patrons and hosts a wide range of events.
City of Dreams, Macau China $2.4 billion
Made up of four towers featuring a Hard Rock Hotel, Crown Towers Hotel and Grand Hyatt Macau (2 towers) its three floor podium features a huge casino, 200 retailers and hotel guest facilities. A 47-storey luxury apartment block is still to come in a further phase of development.
The dancing water theater is the another major attraction in the city of dreams. It displays a spectacular water show and artwork like no other in the world. This amazing theater can accommodate 2000 spectators at a time. The pool within this theater can hold 3.4 million gallons of water.
Australia’s two most expensive buildings
Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia $AUD $2.1 billion
Nearly completed the hospital sits on a 10-hectare site on the CBD’s edge. The RAH will be the largest capital investment project in the history of South Australia, costing a staggering $2.1 billion upon its completion this year and will employ close to 6,000 people. It will be able to cater for 80,000 patients each year and accommodate 700 single beds.
Australian Parliament, Canberra AUD$1.1. billion
Housing the Parliament of Australia, the new Parliament House was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988. The main design is based on the shape of two boomerangs and is completed by an 81 metre flagpole. Designed by Philadelphia-based architecture firm Mitchell/Giurgola they won a design competition which attracted 329 entries from 29 countries. About 1,000,000 cubic metres of rock had to be excavated from the site.
