Saudi Arabia is embarking on an ambitious new project in Riyadh: a $50 billion megastructure, known as The Mukaab, that promises to be one of the largest buildings in the world upon completion. Planned as a city contained within a single, colossal building, The Mukaab is set to redefine urban life in the Kingdom.
This architectural marvel will soar to an impressive height of 1,300 feet and expand 1,200 feet in width, with enough space to house the equivalent of 20 Empire State Buildings within its borders, NDTV.
As part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Saudi Vision 2030—an initiative aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy and reducing oil dependence—The Mukaab is expected to reshape Riyadh’s skyline and attract both residents and visitors from around the world.
Spanning over 2 million square meters, The Mukaab’s design is focused on creating a dynamic, mixed-use space that combines residential, commercial, and recreational facilities under one vast roof.
Inside this futuristic cube, visitors will find high-end residential units, luxurious hotels, modern office spaces, and an extensive array of retail, dining, and leisure options. Saudi officials envision it as a miniature city, a place where residents and tourists can seamlessly live, work, and play.
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The surrounding district will add to this immersive experience, planned to feature over 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, upscale retail stores, and office spaces. The area will also include extensive community facilities designed to enhance quality of life, from leisure zones to community-centered spaces.
The Mukaab’s architecture pays homage to the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia, with a design inspired by the traditional Najdi architectural style. The cubical form of The Mukaab—evoking the mud-brick structures and geometric details characteristic of Najdi architecture—incorporates elements rooted in Saudi’s cultural and natural heritage.
The exterior of the building, for example, will be adorned with large digital screens, showcasing captivating, AI-driven visuals to enhance the experience for those within and around the structure, reminiscent of the immersive design seen in the Las Vegas Sphere, NDTV.
Additionally, the surrounding area will mimic the natural landscape of Saudi Arabia, with features like dry riverbeds, or wadis, which are typical of the Saudi desert environment. This blend of traditional aesthetics and cutting-edge technology aims to make The Mukaab a landmark that both honors the Kingdom’s past and pushes the boundaries of modern architecture.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Saudi Vision 2030 is a driving force behind this megaproject, reflecting the Kingdom’s determination to boost its non-oil GDP and diversify economic opportunities.
The Mukaab is one of the flagship projects under this vision, projected to contribute $51 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP and generate 334,000 jobs. It is a critical part of Saudi Arabia’s plans to foster economic growth through ambitious urban development and tourism.
Alongside economic objectives, the Mukaab is designed to create a new standard for urban living in Riyadh, attracting global investors, tourists, and talent to its innovative ecosystem. The government sees this and other projects within Saudi Vision 2030 as transformative steps toward a vibrant, economically resilient, and future-ready Saudi Arabia.
Despite the grand vision, The Mukaab has attracted its share of criticism and controversy. Some critics have noted that the cube-like shape of the structure bears a striking resemblance to the Kaaba in Mecca, which is Islam’s holiest site. This has sparked discussions about the architectural and cultural implications of such a massive, similarly-shaped structure.
Moreover, human rights organizations have raised concerns about the labor practices associated with such large-scale construction projects in Saudi Arabia. There is apprehension that migrant workers might face exploitation, a recurring issue in the Gulf’s construction industry.
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Additionally, there are concerns over potential displacement of residents to make way for this colossal development, potentially affecting local communities who call the surrounding area home.
Despite these challenges, Saudi Arabia continues to make strides toward realizing its ambitious goals. The Mukaab represents a fusion of modernity and tradition, an architectural feat designed to push boundaries and spark interest worldwide. It encapsulates the transformative goals of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to create a lasting, positive impact on Saudi society, culture, and economy.
As construction progresses, the world will watch with anticipation to see how The Mukaab shapes Riyadh’s future and sets a precedent for urban megastructures around the globe. From its staggering dimensions to its forward-looking amenities, this massive cube is more than just a building—it’s a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s vision of a sustainable, diversified, and prosperous future.