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Futuristic Project in Riyadh Will Have 400 Meters of Height and Immersive Technology, Inside the New Murabba Megadistrict
Saudi Arabia has started the construction of the Mukaab, a gigantic cubic skyscraper 400 meters in height, width, and depth that promises to redefine the boundaries of global architecture. Scheduled for completion by 2030, the building will be the centerpiece of Riyadh’s new urban district, called New Murabba, and is part of the ambitious Saudi plan known as Vision 2030. The information was reported by outlets such as The Sun, ArchDaily, and Designboom.
Construction of a Colossal Cube with State-of-the-Art Technology
With 400 meters in every dimension, the construction of the Mukaab will be large enough to house up to 20 skyscrapers the size of the Empire State Building inside it. According to Designboom, the structure will be clad with elements inspired by traditional Najdi architecture, featuring stylized triangular patterns that reflect Saudi cultural heritage.
The interior of the building will be equally bold: a spiraled tower surrounded by digital and holographic spaces designed to create immersive experiences, as detailed on the website NewMurabba.com.
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New Murabba: A City Within a City
The Mukaab will be the heart of the New Murabba megaproject, a 19 km² district in Riyadh that will include:
- 104 thousand residential units
- 9 thousand hotel rooms
- 980 thousand m² of commercial areas
- 1.4 million m² of office space
- Museums, technology universities, theaters, and 80 cultural attractions
According to Architectural Digest, the initiative aligns with plans to transform Riyadh into a global center for tourism, innovation, and culture by 2030.
Sustainability and Economic Impact
The project prioritizes sustainability, featuring green areas, bike paths, smart urban transport, and pedestrian spaces. According to Wikipedia, the construction of the Mukaab and New Murabba is expected to generate 334 thousand jobs and inject 48 billion dollars (180 billion riyals) into the Saudi economy by 2030.
Criticism and Controversies of the Construction
Despite its magnitude and innovation, the Mukaab has also faced criticism. As published by Middle East Eye, there are controversies regarding its similarity to the Kaaba, a sacred site in Islam, which has raised concerns among more conservative Muslims. Questions also arise regarding the working conditions and rights of workers involved in the construction, a recurring theme in large projects in the region.
The project has been in excavation since 2024, with delivery expected to coincide with Expo 2030, an event to be hosted in Riyadh. The proposal is to make the Mukaab not only a new architectural symbol but also a landmark of futuristic construction that represents the economic power and social transformation of Saudi Arabia on the global stage.
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