saudi arabia unveils its next monument: new murabba

Dubbed the ‘new face of Riyadh’, Saudi Arabia’s newest monument is set to redefine parameters of urban planning and the shape of its capital with the New Murabba mega project. Transforming the city with a series of immersive cultural, commercial, and residential experiences, New Murabba emerges amid the cityscape as the world’s largest modern downtown, built on groundbreaking digital and virtual technology and rooted in the region’s culture.

At the heart of the futuristic megapolis sits the landmark Mukaab — a cube-shaped skyscraper large enough to fit 20 Empire State Buildings, towering over the city as an icon of the kingdom’s ambitions. Imposing yet intricate, the volume is enveloped by delicately carved geometric motifs emblemizing the kingdom’s Islamic history and recalling traditional Najdi architecture 400 meters high against the skyline.

New Murabba downtown will be ‘the new face of Riyadh’ | image © Public Investment Fund

holographic worlds transport visitors inside the skyscraper

Riyadh’s New Murabba mega project was recently announced by HRH Mohammad bin Salman as the latest initiative of the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy, led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) authorities. The downtown development will center around the iconic Mukaab supertall skyscraper which will become one of the largest built structures in the world. Architecturally inspired by a modern interpretation of Najdi design elements, Mukaab 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.’

Mukaab supertall skyscraper can fit 20 Empire State Buildings | image © Public Investment Fund

riyadh to host world’s largest modern downtown 

Part of Saudi Vision 2030, the newly launched New Murabba Development Company will accelerate the city’s growth and position Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism destination. The New Murabba mega project, set to be realized by 2030, will bring together unique living, working, and entertainment experiences, complete with two million square meters of shops, cultural and tourist attractions — all located within a 15 minute walking radius and connected by an internal transportation system.

With over 104,000 residential units, 620,000 square meters of leisure assets, and 1.8 million square meters of space for community facilities, Riyadh’s new downtown will house an iconic museum, a technology and design university, a multi-purpose immersive theatre and over 80 cultural and entertainment venues. The plan is expected to add SAR180 billion (£40 billion) to non-oil GDP and create 334,000 jobs.

Further, Riyadh’s New Murabba will embrace concepts of sustainability to foster wellbeing, enhance quality of life, and promote nature-based community activities for its residents and visitors, weaving green areas and walking and cycling paths throughout the futuristic complex.

video screenshot ‘New Murabba: the new horizon for Riyadh’