The Mukaab: Saudi Arabia’s iconic cube-shaped mega structure redefines skyscrapers
It forms the centrepiece of downtown Riyadh's 'New Murabba' master development
The Kingdom has been making waves with its Vision 2030 drive. And just when you thought skyscraper design couldn’t get out of the box, this one’s literally a box.
"The Mukaab" is the Saudi capital's new architectural icon that's turning heads worldwide.
The cube-shaped building is yet another jaw-dropping project, a mega-cube like no other.
A cube like no other
For starters, this shimmering behemoth — equivalent to 20 Empire State buildings — is more than just an super-sized Rubik’s cube, with a striking exterior and breathtaking interior.
So forget towering spires and sleek glass facades — this golden giant throws the traditional skyscraper playbook out the window.
Enclosed skyscraper
It will feature an enclosed skyscraper, with a dome equipped with the latest tech, offering visitors transformative experiences that simulate various global environments, as per Middle East Eye.
The Mukaab is the centrepiece of the broader New Murabba master development, a major reworking for the Riyadh downtown which promises to redefine city living.
Think luxury residences, high-end retail, world-class entertainment, and even a holographic experience inside the cube’s core.
Spanning 2 million sqm, the project will include over 104,000 residential units, 620,000 square meters of leisure facilities, and 1.8 million square meters dedicated to community spaces.
Modernity meets tradition
While the Mukaab looks like something from the year 3000, its design is deeply rooted in traditional Najdi architecture, giving a modern twist to Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage.
Wrapped in a lattice of golden geometric patterns, the structure is both a nod to history and a bold leap into the future.
The Cube-shaped project has already been approved.
FACT FILE:
The Mukaab (which literally means “cube” in Arabic) isn’t just big — it’s massive, standing at 400 meters high, wide, and deep.
That’s large enough to swallow 20 Empire State Buildings and still have room for dessert.
Largest intra-urban building
It’s a mega-cube aimed to have notable eco-credentials.
According to its creators, the Mukaab will be the largest intra-urban building in the world. Hundreds of thousands of people would be able to live in it at the same time.
Beyond its jaw-dropping aesthetics, the Mukaab is all about sustainability. Developers are aiming for eco-friendly technology, smart energy solutions, and a seamless blend of green spaces and high-tech infrastructure.
Updates:
As of January 31, 2025, significant progress has been made on Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Mukaab project in Riyadh.
Excavation efforts have reached 86 per cent completion, with over 10 million cubic meters of earth moved to prepare the site for construction, according to New Murabba.
A temporary bridge over King Khalid Road has been constructed to minimise disruption, reducing approximately 800,000 truck movements on public roads.
Completion:
The first phase of New Murabba is slated for completion by 2030, with plans to house 35,000 residents initially and eventually accommodate 400,000 people.
So, whether you’re a fan of futuristic skylines or just love a good golden spectacle, the Mukaab is definitely one to watch.
Who knew the future of architecture would be a cube?
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