10 million cubic meters of earth has been moved, marking 86% of excavation work has been completed at the Mukaab development, a planned 400m high, 400m wide and 400m long cube-shaped structure in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which will become one of the world’s largest buildings and the tallest in the city.
Financed by the Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, a sovereign wealth sponsor, Mukaab, which translates to cube, will contain 2 million-sq-m of floor space, an internal skyscraper, full-height atrium, plus hospitality, retail, cultural, tourism, hotel and commercial areas.
The project has a design inspired by modern Najdi architecture, with a façade featuring triangles overlayed on horizontal lines.
900 employees are working at the New Murabba development currently, using 250 excavators and 400 other pieces of machinery on site.
A temporary bridge will be built connecting the project to King Khalid Road, simplifying construction logistics.
In December 2023, it was announced that Canada’s AtkinsRéalis would masterplan Mukaab and New Murabba.
The first phase of New Murabba, with houses built for 35,000 residents, is due to be completed in 2030.
Michael Dyke, New Murabba’s chief executive, said: “These milestones are a testament to the dedication and skill of our team, and our ambition to build a world-class destination that prioritises both innovation and the well-being of our workforce.”
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