Saudi Arabia has revealed its plan to build a giant cube-shaped supertall skyscraper, named Mukaab, in Riyadh under the New Murabba development project.
Mukaab, which literally means “a cube” in Arabic, will be the largest inner-city building in the world. The structure will be 400 meters high and 400 meters long, making it both a supertall skyscraper and the tallest building in the city. The $800 billion project is expected to be completed by 2030.
Mukaab design
The world’s first immersive destination will be housed within a colossal cube featuring an exterior design inspired by the traditional Najdi architectural style of the region. The building promises an unparalleled experience to the visitors, who will be greeted with a series of projections showcasing a range of landscapes as they enter the cube. The immersive experience will be brought to life using the latest virtual technologies, including cutting-edge holographic technology.
The spiral tower at the heart of the structure will also provide apartments with a view of these stunning vistas, said Yasser Elsheshtawy, an adjunct professor of architecture at Columbia University, New York and non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.
“The Mukaab will provide Riyadh with a unique icon that will make the city instantly recognizable among other world cities,” akin to the Eiffel Tower or the Sydney Opera House, he added.
The captivating structure will span over 2 million square meters of floor space, serving as a premium destination for hospitality and will feature a diverse range of offerings, including retail, cultural and tourist attractions, as well as hotel and residential units, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities.
Murabba Project
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Muhammed Bin Salman (aka MBS) announced the development of the New Murabba scheme that aims to develop the world’s largest downtown spread over a 19-square-kilometer in Riyadh by 2030. The 19-square-kilometer Murabba development has been described as “the new face of Riyadh.
The initiative is also expected to add riyals to the economy, and create 334,000 new jobs.
Key features
Located at the intersection of King Salman and King Khalid roads in the northwest of the Kingdom’s capital, Murabba will have a capacity enough to hold 20 Empire State Buildings. It will be able to accommodate hundreds of thousands of residents.
In total, the project will offer 25 million square meters of floor area, including:
- More than 104,000 residential units
- 9,000 hotel rooms
- Over 980,000 square meters of retail space
- 1.4 million square meters of office space
- 620,000 square meters of leisure assets, and
- 1.8 million Square meters of space dedicated to community facilities
The project also includes:
- A museum
- A technology and design university
- Over 80 entertainment and cultural venues
- A multipurpose theater
The site aims to be built sustainably and promote a healthy lifestyle. It offers a unique living, working and entertainment experience within a 15-minute walking radius and will have its own transport system. The drive from the airport will be 20 minutes.
#NewMurabba will be built around the concept of sustainability, and feature an iconic museum, immersive theater, and more than 80 state-of-the-art entertainment and culture venues.
— Public Investment Fund (@PIF_en) February 16, 2023
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