Saudi Arabia Reveals “Mukaab,” a Massive New Cube-Shaped Skyscraper to Enclose Riyadh’s Downtown

As part of its Murabba downtown plan in Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian government has unveiled plans to construct a cube-shaped skyscraper called Mukaab that will stand 400 meters tall. The 19-square-kilometer complex, intended as Riyadh’s new downtown, will be built to the northwest of the city’s heart of downtown.

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One of the foremost constructed structures in the world, the Mukaab skyscraper will serve as the focal point of the new Riyadh. It will be 400 meters on each side and 400 meters in height, making it a mega-tall skyscraper. When completed, it will stand as the city’s tallest structure.

Mukaab’s Concept

Taking cues from the modern Najdi architectural style, the cube-shaped building will be wrapped in a facade of interlocking triangular patterns. Two million square meters of retail, cultural, and tourist attractions will fill the building, and a swirling tower will top an almost-filled indoor space.

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia is spearheading the establishment of the New Murabba Development Corporation, of which the Mukaab tower is a part. More than 100,000 dwelling units, 9,000 hotel rooms, more than 980,000 square meters of retail space, and 1.4 million square meters of co-working space are all part of the master plan for this massive development.

Inside Mukaab ©NMDC

The Mukaab will also be home to an exhilarating theatre, museum, technology, design college, and 80 entertainment outlets.

Human rights violations and adverse environmental effects have been raised as concerns about the project. As part of its effort to diversify the economy, Saudi Arabia plans to finish the Mukaab and other megaprojects backed by its Public Investment Fund by 2030 under the Saudi Vision 2030 program.

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In response to allegations, the PIF stated that the entire Murabba region would be developed with sustainability in mind, complete with parks, bike lanes, and other amenities meant to improve residents’ quality of life. Notably, the new Mukaab hopes to inject $48 billion into the Saudi economy and generate 334,000 new job opportunities.