Saudi Arabia has started construction on the Mukaab, expected to become the world’s largest building, situated in the center of Riyadh. The Mukaab, a colossal 1,300-foot-tall and 1,200-foot-wide cube, is designed to house the equivalent of 20 Empire State Buildings inside.
This $50 billion project is part of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “Saudi Vision 2030” initiative, aiming to bring futuristic architecture to Saudi Arabia.
More than just a building, the Mukaab is envisioned as a “city-in-a-box,” offering fine dining, luxury retail, office spaces and enough residential areas for over 100,000 people.
Plans also include 9,000 hotel rooms and green spaces accessible within 15 minutes from any point inside the structure.
The Mukaab is set to feature immersive experiences powered by artificial intelligence, including holographic projections, virtual reality displays on exterior walls and interactive scenes designed to transport visitors to different times and places.
The structure’s design incorporates elements of local Najdi architecture, with a cube shape that some have compared to the Kaaba in Mecca.
While supporters view the design as a tribute to cultural heritage, some critics have raised concerns over this resemblance.
Human rights groups have also voiced worries about potential displacement of local communities and the possible exploitation of migrant labor. Past projects like the Neom development faced similar criticisms, with reports of forced evictions.
Despite the concerns, the Mukaab is projected to add $51 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP and create over 300,000 jobs.
Construction is scheduled for completion by 2030 and ambitious megaprojects, such as the Line, leave many curious about how these new attractions may redefine Saudi Arabia’s future.
