Construction of ‘world’s biggest building’ begins in Saudi Arabia: All about ‘Mukaab’

The developer, New Murabba Development Company and funded by Saudi Arabia’s central Public Investment Fund (PIF), said groundworks at the site are now 86 per cent complete.

Imposing size and unique design

The ‘Mukaab’ is designed to incorporate cutting-edge technology and luxurious amenities that redefine modern living. The outer walls of the skyscraper will feature advanced virtual reality technology, providing immersive visual experiences for residents and visitors alike, The Sun reported. The interiors will be adorned with vast holographic projections powered by artificial intelligence, showcasing a variety of realities, times, and places, transforming the way people perceive their environment.

This colossal cubic structure will encompass an impressive 2 million square feet of floor space, designed to function as a “downtown-in-a-box.”

The ‘Mukaab’ will house 104,000 residential units and 9,000 hotel rooms, providing ample living and accommodation options. The project promises a “human-first” approach, ensuring that green spaces are accessible within a 15-minute walk from any point within the structure.

It will also be the largest building ever constructed, with Bloomberg referring to it as the “largest built structure in the world.” This development will surpass the current titleholder, the Boeing Everett Factory in the USA.

Moreover, the building will house a plethora of modern luxuries, including fine dining restaurants, retail spaces, and residential units, culture venues, a university, an immersive theatre and an “iconic” museum. Observation decks and rooftop restaurants will offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city, further enhancing its appeal.

Cultural and Economic Significance

The ‘Mukaab’ is part of the ambitious ‘New Murabba’ project, which aims to revitalise downtown Riyadh and contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative. This grand undertaking is expected to add £40 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP and create approximately 334,000 jobs, positioning the country as a leader in innovation and economic diversification.

Expected to be completed by 2030, the ‘Mukaab’ has also sparked criticism due to its architectural resemblance to the Kaaba in Mecca, a site of profound significance in Islam. Human rights groups have raised concerns over potential exploitation of migrant labour and the displacement of local communities during the construction process.

It is one of 14 giga projects currently under development in Saudi Arabia, with Neom being the most well-known and controversial among them.