Aya Yesentayeva
Luxury Hotelier | Travel Enthusiast
A perfect cube rises 400 metres into the sky, challenging our traditional perceptions of architectural possibilities. The Mukaab, Saudi Arabia’s latest architectural marvel, isn’t just another skyscraper—it’s set to become the world’s largest modern structure, with dimensions that could encompass 20 Great Pyramids of Giza.
As the centrepiece of the ambitious New Murabba development, this technological wonder represents a bold departure from conventional urban development.
With its blend of traditional Najdi architecture and cutting-edge holographic technology, the Mukaab stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s vision of transforming from a petroleum powerhouse to a pioneer of innovative urban living.
About the Mukaab
The Mukaab stands as an ambitious architectural marvel set to transform Riyadh’s skyline.
This colossal cube-shaped skyscraper, positioned in the northwest of Saudi Arabia’s capital, will measure an impressive 400 metres in height, width, and length, making it one of the largest built structures in the world.
Situated at the strategic intersection of King Salman Street and King Khalid Street, the Mukaab will serve as the centrepiece of the expansive New Murabba district.
This revolutionary development spans 19 square kilometres and represents Saudi Arabia’s vision for urban innovation and architectural excellence.
The striking geometric design of the Mukaab showcases the kingdom’s commitment to pushing boundaries in modern architecture while establishing itself as a global leader in ambitious construction projects.
Its location in the al-Qirawan district positions it perfectly to become a defining landmark in Riyadh’s evolving urban landscape.
Key Features of the Mukaab
The Mukaab’s monumental scale sets new standards in architectural achievement, with each dimension spanning a remarkable 400 metres.
This perfect cube structure encompasses 2 million square metres of floor space, making it the world’s largest built structure.
This remarkable structure blends contemporary innovation with traditional Saudi design elements through its distinctive triangular-shaped cladding inspired by modern Najdi architecture.
At its heart, a spiraling tower rises within a technological shell, creating an immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of architectural possibility. The structure seamlessly integrates:
- · Premium residential units and luxury hotels
- · World-class retail spaces
- · Cultural and entertainment venues
- · Advanced smart city technologies
- · Sustainable green spaces and walking paths
- · Internal transportation systems
The exterior facade features geometric patterns and mashrabiya screens, crafted from high-quality materials like steel, glass, and local limestone.
This thoughtful design creates a striking visual impact while paying homage to Arabian craftsmanship, reflecting the sunlight across Riyadh’s evolving skyline.
At its core, the Mukaab features a distinctive spiral tower enclosed within a technological marvel. The building’s façade incorporates elements of modern Najdi architecture, while its interior showcases cutting-edge digital innovations, including immersive holographic projections.
The structure’s glass exterior reflects sunlight while integrating traditional mashrabiya screens and local limestone materials.
The building’s technological capabilities extend beyond aesthetics, featuring smart lighting systems, automated temperature control, and advanced connectivity solutions.
An internal transport system facilitates movement throughout the structure, while spacious outdoor terraces provide breathtaking views of the Riyadh skyline.
Significance and Goals of the Mukaab
The Mukaab represents a bold architectural statement that embodies Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision for the future.
As the world’s largest modern structure, it stands as a testament to the kingdom’s determination to push the boundaries of architectural innovation and urban development.
The project aligns seamlessly with Saudi Vision 2030, serving as a cornerstone in the nation’s economic diversification strategy.
By integrating sustainable design principles with cutting-edge technology, the Mukaab aims to reduce dependence on oil revenues while creating numerous employment opportunities in sectors ranging from tourism to technology.
At its core, the Mukaab functions as more than just an architectural marvel – it’s designed as a self-contained city powered by renewable energy.
The structure will house premium residential units, world-class hospitality venues, and immersive retail spaces, all while promoting sustainable living practices through its innovative design and green spaces.
This comprehensive approach to urban development sets new standards for smart city initiatives globally.
Context of the New Murabba Project
The New Murabba development represents an ambitious transformation of downtown Riyadh, spanning an impressive 19 square kilometres.
This mixed-use district aims to create the world’s largest modern downtown, seamlessly blending residential, commercial, and cultural spaces.
At its heart, the project encompasses 104,000 residential units and 9,000 hotel rooms, creating a vibrant urban community.
The development features innovative “5-minute neighbourhoods” and a “15-minute downtown” concept, ensuring essential amenities are within easy reach of residents.
The district boasts over 80 entertainment and cultural venues, including an iconic museum and a technology and design university.
Public spaces are thoughtfully integrated throughout, with extensive green areas, walking and cycling paths, and community gardens creating an interconnected urban landscape. The development’s smart city infrastructure
incorporates cutting-edge technology to enhance residents’ quality of life while promoting sustainable living practices through eco-friendly zones and community areas.
Impact on Tourism and Economy
The Mukaab is poised to deliver substantial economic benefits to Saudi Arabia, with projections indicating a SAR180 billion contribution to non-oil GDP by 2030.
This architectural marvel will create 334,000 direct and indirect jobs, marking a significant step towards economic diversification under Vision 2030.
As a cornerstone of the New Murabba development, the Mukaab will establish Riyadh as a leading cultural destination.
The structure’s immersive experiences, powered by cutting-edge holographic technology, will attract international tourists seeking unique entertainment options.
Its diverse attractions include world-class retail spaces, cultural venues, and innovative hospitality offerings.
The project’s strategic location and comprehensive amenities position it as a premier business hub, attracting significant foreign investment.
By combining luxury residential units with commercial spaces and leisure facilities, the Mukaab creates a dynamic ecosystem that caters to both tourists and business travellers, furthering Saudi Arabia’s goals of becoming a global tourism and business destination.
Appeal to Expatriates and Residents
The Mukaab’s design philosophy centres on creating an inclusive, vibrant community that appeals to both local residents and international expatriates.
The development incorporates thoughtfully designed public spaces that blend modern amenities with traditional Saudi hospitality, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for diverse communities.
The structure’s architectural elements pay homage to traditional Najdi design while embracing contemporary comfort. Expansive communal areas feature climate-controlled environments and green spaces, providing year-round comfort in Riyadh’s challenging climate.
The integration of cultural venues, wellness facilities, and premium retail outlets creates a comprehensive lifestyle destination that caters to varied preferences and needs.
At its core, the Mukaab emphasises human-centric design principles, with carefully planned neighbourhoods that promote social interaction and community building.
The development’s smart city infrastructure ensures seamless connectivity, while its diverse range of residential options accommodates different lifestyle preferences, from luxury apartments to family-friendly homes.
Construction and Development
Construction of the Mukaab has officially commenced, with groundworks reaching 86% completion under the management of the New Murabba Development Company (NMDC).
The project, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), demonstrates significant progress in its initial phases.
China Harbour Engineering Company is spearheading the first construction phase, focusing on excavation and ground improvement works.
Turner Arabia has been appointed as the project management consultant, while Bechtel oversees the broader New Murabba development’s infrastructure.
The collaboration between Atkins and Buro Happold as masterplan consultants ensures comprehensive project oversight.
Major milestones anticipated for 2024 include the completion of permanent piling works and the tendering of Raft Foundation and Main Works packages.
The project maintains an ambitious timeline, targeting completion by 2030 to align with Saudi Arabia’s transformative Vision 2030 strategy and the hosting of World Expo 2030.
This development represents a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s portfolio of megaprojects, showcasing the kingdom’s commitment to architectural innovation and urban development.
Broader Context of Saudi Arabia’s Megaprojects
The Mukaab represents just one component of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious portfolio of transformative projects.
NEOM, a $500 billion mega-city development, showcases the kingdom’s commitment to futuristic urban planning with projects like The Line – a 170-kilometre linear city designed to house 9 million residents without cars or carbon emissions.
These ventures align with Saudi Arabia’s dedication to technological innovation and sustainability. The kingdom integrates cutting-edge solutions across its developments, from AI-powered infrastructure to renewable energy systems.
Smart city technologies, autonomous transport networks, and green building practices demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s evolution towards sustainable urban development.
The strategic placement of these megaprojects creates a network of modern urban centres, each contributing to the kingdom’s economic diversification.
Through these initiatives, Saudi Arabia positions itself as a global leader in sustainable development while creating new opportunities in tourism, technology, and commerce.
Expert Insights and Quotes
The scale and ambition of the Mukaab have garnered significant attention from industry leaders. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who unveiled the project, emphasised its
role as “a new face of future architecture” and highlighted how it exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s innovative spirit.
“The Mukaab will redefine the possibilities of modern architecture while celebrating our cultural heritage,” states Abdullah AlMajed, CEO of the New Murabba Development Company. He notes that the project’s innovative design integrates traditional Najdi architectural elements with cutting-edge technology.
Paul Baumann, Principal Architect at Atkins, shares his perspective on the project’s technological innovation: “The structural engineering behind the Mukaab pushes boundaries in ways we’ve never seen before. Its holographic capabilities and immersive experiences will set new standards for architectural integration of digital technology.”
These insights from key stakeholders underline the Mukaab’s significance as both an architectural marvel and a catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation.
Looking to the Future
The Mukaab represents more than just an architectural achievement; it embodies Saudi Arabia’s ambitious journey towards redefining urban living in the 21st century. As construction progresses and the cube takes shape against Riyadh’s skyline, it serves as a beacon of innovation that bridges traditional Arabian design with futuristic technology.
This transformative project not only promises to reshape Riyadh’s physical landscape but also signals Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global leader in sustainable urban development. As the 2030 completion date approaches, the Mukaab stands poised to become a symbol of the kingdom’s successful transition from oil dependency to a diverse, innovation-driven economy.
