In February 2021, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz unveiled a new project, Mukaab, overseen by the New Murabba Development Company that aims to transform a 19-square-kilometer area to the northwest of Riyadh into a bustling mixed-use district.
What is Mukaab?
At the heart of this development scheme is Mukaab, a colossal cube-shaped city that will stand 400 meters tall and 400 meters wide, making it the largest modern downtown in the world. To put its scale into perspective, Mukaab will be capable of holding 20 Empire State Buildings.
The ambitious project, funded by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, is set to become the centerpiece of the new downtown area in Riyadh.
About Mukaab Saudi Arabia Project
Developers of the project in Saudi Arabia are planning to blend the modern Najdi architectural style with futuristic features, creating a unique and innovative building.
The 400-meter-tall cube will feature a tower on top of a spiral base, and a 2 million square meter structure that will include a hospitality destination with cultural, retail, and tourist attractions.
Additionally, the super-city will provide residential and hotel units, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities. Using digital and virtual technology, the new project will offer ever-changing environments through holographic displays that interact with the surrounding urban landscape.
What is Murabba Project Saudi Arabia?
The wider New Murabba project will encompass 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, 980,000 square meters of retail space, and 1.4 million square meters of office space, alongside 1.8 million square meters of community facilities.
The impressive scale and futuristic design of the new Indoor city project project will undoubtedly make it a must-see attraction for visitors to Riyadh.
The New Murabba project is not only a development scheme for a new mixed-use district in Riyadh but also a model for sustainable urban development.
The project aims to promote healthy lifestyles through green areas and walking and cycle paths. The district will also boast more than 80 cultural and entertainment venues, including a museum, technology and design museum, and a theatre.
The development will provide residents with access to living, working, and entertainment spaces within a 15-minute walking radius, while the airport will be a mere 20-minute drive away.
Employment opportunities in Murabba Project
According to the developers, the project will create over 350,000 jobs, making it a significant driver of economic growth in the region.
With its focus on sustainability and accessibility, the New Murabba project aims to set a new standard for urban development in the Middle East.
The ambitious New Murabba project, including the New Indoor city project, is set to be completed by 2030, with the Mukaab due to be finished several years earlier.
The project’s completion will mark a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation, aimed at reducing reliance on oil and gas exports.
The project reflects the Saudi Arabian government’s aspirations to position the country as a leader in technology, innovation, and sustainable development.
If successful, the Indoor city project and the wider New Murabba project could set a new global benchmark for large-scale urban development projects, demonstrating the possibilities of sustainable, technology-driven cities of the future.
Recommended reading: US President Joe Biden Makes Surprise Visit to War-Ravaged Ukraine