Saudi Arabia has officially started the construction of The Mukaab, a monumental cube-shaped building reaching a height of 400 metres, which will potentially become the world’s largest structure. Located in Riyadh, this skyscraper will cover an astounding two million square metres of floor space, equivalent to twenty times that of the Empire State Building.
New Murabba District Development
The Mukaab is expected to cost around $50 billion and will be the centrepiece of a new urban area called New Murabba. This expansive district will feature over 25 million square metres of floor space, including plans for 104,000 homes. The project aims to create a vibrant hub for retail, corporate, and cultural experiences, catering to both business and leisure activities.
Vision for Premium Hospitality
Designed as a premium hospitality destination, The Mukaab will include a central atrium to enhance the visitor experience. Its multifaceted design will cater to various sectors, making it a key attraction for both local and international visitors.
Managed by NMDC
The construction is overseen by Saudi Arabia’s New Murabba Development Company (NMDC), a significant entity within the Public Investment Fund (PIF). This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and invest in innovative infrastructure projects.
A Legacy of Ambitious Projects
While cube-shaped buildings are uncommon due to land-use inefficiencies, Saudi Arabia has a history of ambitious architectural endeavours. Previous projects include the Jeddah Tower, intended to be the world’s tallest building but left incomplete since construction was halted in 2018. Additionally, the plans for The Line, a mirrored city projected to stretch 170 kilometres across the desert, have been scaled back to just 2.4 kilometres for now.
Innovation and Sustainability Goals
The New Murabba district aims to blend technology, innovation, and sustainability. According to its official website, the development aspires to be a centre of progress, creativity, and entrepreneurship while harmonising with nature and authentic culture.
