Construction on The Mukaab, a colossal cube-shaped structure that will rise to an astounding 400 meters, has officially begun in Saudi Arabia. It will be the biggest building in the world when it is finished. This skyscraper, which will be situated in the capital city of Riyadh, will have an impressive floor area of two million square meters, which is twenty times larger than the famous Empire State Building in New York.
With a projected cost.
of approximately US $50 billion, the Mukaab will be the focal point of a new urban district called New Murabba. This vast area will have over 25 million square meters of floor space, including plans for 104,000 homes. The development’s goal is to create a distinctive mix of corporate, retail, and cultural experiences, making it a hub for both business and leisure.
A vision for premium hospitality.
The Mukaab, a “premium hospitality destination,” will have a central atrium space that will improve the experience for both residents and visitors. The building’s multipurpose design will serve a variety of industries, guaranteeing that it becomes a destination for both domestic and foreign tourists.
Construction is being overseen by Saudi’s New Murabba Development Company (NMDC), a key player within the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and invest in innovative infrastructure projects.
A history of large-scale initiatives
Saudi Arabia is known for pushing the boundaries of architecture, even if cube-shaped buildings are uncommon because of their inefficient use of land. The Kingdom has already undertaken large-scale projects, such as the Jeddah Tower, which was supposed to be the tallest skyscraper in the world but hasn’t been finished since construction was put on hold in 2018.
Furthermore, plans for The Line, which was originally intended to be a mirrored city spanning 170 kilometers across the desert, have been trimmed to a temporary length of just 2.4 kilometers.
Accepting sustainability and innovation
It is intended that the New Murabba district “seamlessly blend technology, innovation, and sustainability.” The development will be a “Centre of progress, creativity, and entrepreneurship while harmonizing with nature’s beauty and authentic culture,” according to its official website.
