What is Saudi Arabia’s Next Mega-Project? Mukaab, An Indoor Super-City In the capital Riyadh

Saudi Arabia has recently revealed their big plans for a massive new proposed project in the country's capital Riyadh called Mukaab. The gigantic cube-like structure is aiming to transform downtown Riyadh through new fascinating things. The viral video shocked the world with its heaven-like elements, displaying the centerpiece of the new downtown core of the city called New Murabba.  

“A gateway to another world”  and a “ New Face of Riyadh”, Mukaab has certain characteristics, learn about them here!

Mukaab: Key Features

• The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has announced a gateway to another world, a project that promises to be the world’s largest modern downtown established in Riyadh, the capital called Mukaab.
• Mukaab would be large enough to hold 20 Empire State Buildings according to reports.
• The 400-meter-tall structure will be 400-meter-wide.
• It is a cube-like city that will form the centerpiece of a new downtown area in Riyadh.
• The Mukaab development scheme aims to transform a 19-square-kilometer area to the northwest of Riyadh into a vibrant mixed-use district. 
• The announcement of this mythic-like structure Mukaab was done by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. 
•  The New Murabba Development Company, in February 2021.
• The building will be based on the modern Najdi architectural style, but with a futuristic twist.
•  Developers say that The Mukaab will offer “ever-changing environments” using digital and virtual technology to create holographic displays that interact with the surrounding urban landscape.

Mukaab: Structure and Aim of the Project

• Based on the modern Najdi architectural style, with a futuristic twist, the building will enclose a tower on top of a spiral base. 
• The structure will feature 2 million square meters of floor space that will be a hospitality destination with retail, cultural, and tourist attractions, featuring residential and hotel units, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities. 
• The New Murabba project is said to feature 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, 980,000 square meters of retail space, and 1.4 million square meters of office space. 
• With 1.8 million square meters of space dedicated to community facilities, the New Murabba project is set to become a model for sustainable urban development. 
• It will have green areas and walking and cycle paths designed to promote healthy lifestyles. 
• The district will also be home to a museum, a technology and design museum, a theatre, and more than 80 entertainment and cultural venues.

Mukaab: Facilities and Access

• Residents of New Murabba will be provided with access to living, working, and entertainment spaces within a 15-minute walking radius.
• The airport will be a mere 20-minute drive away.
•  The developers say the project will create more than 350,000 jobs.
• The entire New Murabba project is scheduled for completion by 2030.
• The Mukaab was to be finished several years earlier.

Bottom Line

The project’s completion will prove to be a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia’s economy. This is because Saudi Arabia looks to diversify away from its reliance on oil and gas exports.

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