Saudi Arabia’s ambitious New Murabba project, announced last year by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), continues its rapid transformation as it moves closer to becoming the world’s largest modern downtown. At the core of megapolis development sits the Mukaab, a cube-shaped skyscraper large enough to fit 20 Empire State Buildings and rising 400 meters high against the skyline. Integrated with immersive digital and virtual technologies, it is slated to become one of the largest built structures in the world upon completion.

Recent reports reveal significant progress for the broader masterplan in Riyadh, with 86% of the excavation now complete. Over 10 million cubic meters of earth have been moved in preparation for the monumental structure and its surrounding podium sites. In keeping with the project’s focus on sustainability, the excavation process has been managed with aims to reduce the impact on local infrastructure. A crucial aspect of this effort is the construction of a temporary bridge over King Khalid Road, which is projected to eliminate approximately 800,000 truck movements on public roads, drastically minimizing disruption to the surrounding area. Read designboom’s previous coverage here.

recent reports reveal significant progress on-site | all images courtesy of Public Investment Fund

Riyadh’s New Murabba mega project was initially announced by HRH Mohammad bin Salman as an initiative of the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy, led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) authorities. The destination is envisioned to become an iconic global destination while fostering sustainable urban growth. Spanning two million square meters of cultural, commercial, and residential space, the project includes over 104,000 residential units, 620,000 square meters of leisure facilities, and 1.8 million square meters dedicated to community spaces. Anchored by its futuristic vision, New Murabba will create 334,000 jobs and add SAR180 billion (£40 billion) to the country’s non-oil GDP, positioning Riyadh as a leading global hub for innovation and tourism.

The anchoring Mukaab skyscraper, architecturally inspired by a modern interpretation of Najdi design elements, will become the world’s first immersive destination offering a futuristic hospitality experience realized with digital and virtual technology. Inside, it will comprise a futuristic amalgamation of modern day luxuries including fine dining restaurants, retail, and residential living, marked by a monumental towering spiral structure composed of stacked organic forms. The outer dome of the atrium encompassing the tower will be fitted with cutting-edge holographics and virtual reality screens, reflecting surreal, scenic vistas to transport visitors and locals into a ‘gateway to another world.’

New Murabba downtown will be ‘the new face of Riyadh’

the Mukaab skyscraper anchors the new modern downtown development

New Murabba forms part of the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy