Saudi Arabia has a new megaproject, the New Murabba.

The downtown, which is scheduled to be completed by 2030, will feature a series of immersive experiences tapping into culture, commercial spaces, and residences.

The project will cover an area of 19 square-kilometres, and will have over 25 million square metres of floor area, a press kit by the New Murabba Development Company (NMDC) said.

Over 100,000 residents and over 300,000 jobs

New Murabba will accommodate “hundreds of thousands of residents”, be built with sustainability at its core.

The project will also feature “green areas and walking and cycling paths that will enhance the quality of life by promoting healthy, active lifestyles and community activities,” the statement said, adding that it will add SAR180 billion to the non-oil GDP, and create over 300,000 “direct and indirect” jobs by 2030.

Residents can also expect a 15-minute walking radius and an internal transport system for easy access to the various amenities. The project is also conveniently located, with a 20-minute drive to the airport.

Dubbed as the ‘new face of Riyadh’, the downtown’s main attraction will feature a cube-shaped skyscraper, reportedly large enough to fit 20 Empire State Buildings.

The Mukaab

Located at the heart of the futuristic city lies ‘The Mukaab’ — which will be one of the “largest built structures in world”.

The skyscraper will be 400 metres high, 400 metres long, and 400 metres wide, and will be an immersive destination brought to life by digital and virtual technology.

The façade of the structure will feature delicately carved geometric motifs as a tribute to the kingdom’s rich Islamic history.

Inspired by modern Najdi architectural, The Mukaab will also see a tower atop a spiral base, which will feature two million square metres of floor space, with premium retail, cultural, and tourist attractions, in addition to residential and hotel units, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities.

Holographics will also play a key role at the site, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in various environments.

Spread across an area of 19-square kilometers at the intersection of King Salman and King Khalid roads, the development will boast 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, and 980,000 sqm of retail space.

Take a look inside the New Murabba