The Saudi Arabian government has unveiled the design proposal for Mukaab, a cube-shaped supertall skyscraper set to become the centerpiece of the New Murabba district in Riyadh’s city center. Located in the northwest of Riyadh, this project is poised to be one of the largest urban development plans globally. With dimensions of 400 meters in height, width, and length, Mukaab aims to be the world’s largest building structure. The announcement was made by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who is also Prime Minister and Chairman of the New Murabba Development Corporation (NMDC).
The New Murabba district will incorporate green spaces, pedestrian paths, and bike lanes, promoting sustainable transportation for residents. The park will feature a dedicated internal transit system designed to support living, working, and entertainment within a 15-minute walking radius. Spanning 19 square kilometers, the district will include over 80 cultural and entertainment venues, such as a new museum, a technology and design university, and an immersive theater. The development will offer more than 104,000 residential units alongside 980,000 square meters of retail space, 1.4 million square meters of office space, as well as leisure and community facilities.
Mukaab aims to become an iconic landmark for future developments. Its structural design incorporates cutting-edge technology to provide an immersive resort experience within a building footprint of 2 million square meters. The facade is covered with dense triangular cladding inspired by the modern Najdi architectural style, blending tradition with innovation.
At the heart of Mukaab will be a spiral tower enveloped by virtual and digital technology installations designed to deliver a fully immersive experience. The skyscraper will host a variety of retail, cultural, and tourist attractions, complemented by residential and hotel units, commercial spaces, and entertainment venues. According to official statements from the Saudi government, the project is scheduled for completion by 2030.
Beyond Mukaab, Saudi Arabia has announced several other ambitious projects funded through its Public Investment Fund as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. Among the most notable and controversial is Neom, a 170-kilometer-long skyscraper connecting the Red Sea coast with mountains and valleys in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Other projects include Oxagon, an octagonal floating port city, and Trojena, a year-round outdoor skiing and adventure sports destination.
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up