The construction of towers is increasing, whether for residential purposes or office use, and the pace with which it is being done is changing the skyline of cities, according to real estate developers.

“What is more, a new vertical smart community lifestyle is emerging, putting into the background the horizontal style of compounds,” says Darwish Bakeer, chief commercial officer of Rafal Real Estate Development Co.

In the case of business complexes, the demand for a 21st century work environment combining comfort and privacy with optimum efficiency is rising, says Essam Fakeeh, executive partner of Aldar Alkhasa, whose The Headquarters Business Park project on the Jeddah Corniche is now in the third phase of construction.

Business continues to boom in the Kingdom, which is boosting real estate and urban development, especially luxurious projects.

Office suites in demand are the most luxurious imaginable, with sophisticated services that meet the demands of the modern businessman, Fakeeh said, while announcing at a press conference at the Jeddah Westin over the weekend that the second phase of the project has been completed.

“Work has commenced on the Western Tower that will offer a home for businessmen and businesswomen who seek smart and environment-friendly office suites, redefining the concept of luxurious business buildings,” Fakeeh added.

The Central Podium, which is completed, is located midway between the 52-storied Western Tower, rising 240 meters, and the 15-storied Eastern Tower, which rises 70 meters above sea level. The state-of-the-art technology includes wireless Internet service.

In addition to the office units, the project includes 250 villas and a variety of facilities such as conference and event halls, restaurants and cafes, and a health club with the latest equipment and fitness machines.

Rafal showcased a model of “Burj Rafal,” its jewel community, at the annual Luxury Motor Show, which ended over the weekend at the Jeddah Hilton. The construction of the project has commenced in Riyadh.

“The unique vertical smart community has the most luxurious and superb lifestyle,” Bakeer said, adding that the project, set to open in June 2013, will be a mixed-use development landmark of 62 stories constructed on an exclusive 20,000 square meter plot in Assahafa district along King Fahd Highway in the capital.

“The residential smart Manhattan style apartments are considered a dream come true,” Bakeer told a press conference during the luxury car show. Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski will be on 17 floors of the Burj Rafal Community project.

Guests can choose from 297 luxury guestrooms and suites, and 54 luxury serviced hotel apartments, all offering stunning views of Riyadh. There will also be smart Manhattan style offices set on 13 floors of the project, all fitted with state-of-the-art communication facilities.