Last Updated on March 7, 2023

Saudi Arabia has announced a new project that could see the creation of the world’s largest built structure. The Mukaab is a cube-shaped supertall skyscraper that will measure 400 meters in height, width, and length, and will become the center of the new Murabba district in downtown Riyadh.

The building is part of the New Murabba Development Company (NMDC), a 19 square kilometers area that will become one of the largest downtown developments in the world.

Digital rendering of the Mukaab, a cube-shaped supertall skyscraper, as the center of the new Murabba district in downtown Riyadh.
The Mukaab, a cube-shaped supertall skyscraper, is set to become the center of the new Murabba district in downtown Riyadh.

The New Murabba district will feature green areas and walking and cycling paths, along with a new museum, a technology and design university, and an immersive theater among the over 80 entertainment and culture venues.

The neighborhood is designed to offer living, working, and entertainment facilities within a 15-minute walking radius. The development is set to create more than 104,000 residential units in addition to 980,000 square meters of retail spaces, 1.4 million square meters of offices, leisure assets, and community facilities.

The Cube: Saudi Arabia’s Next Megaproject

The Mukaab skyscraper is set to become the iconic landmark of the new development, and its structure was designed to integrate technological advancements to create an immersive destination within its 2 million square meters of floor space. The exterior triangular-shaped cladding is inspired by the modern Najdi architectural style.

Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Development Plans

Besides the Mukaab, Saudi Arabia has announced several other ambitious projects developed through their Public Investment Fund as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil.

One of the most debated projects announced is The Line, a 170-kilometer-long skyscraper linking the coast of the Red Sea to the mountains and upper valleys of northwest Saudi Arabia. Other developments include Oxagon, an octagonal floating port city, and Trojena, a year-round outdoor skiing and adventure sports destination. All these projects are part of a larger-scale futuristic desert megacity named Neom.

The Mukaab project is set to be completed by 2030, according to the official statement of the Saudi Arabian government. The project is an ambitious step towards the future of Saudi Arabia, and the government hopes that it will help to diversify the country’s economy and create new opportunities for its citizens.


Read also: Telosa: The Future of Sustainable Cities?


Leave a Reply