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Saudi Arabia begins construction of Mukaab, a cube-shaped tourist attraction, in Riyadh. It will be the largest building in the world, according to a report in Bloomberg.
The building will be the main centerpiece of New Murabba, a major development project in downtown Riyadh that was launched in February last year.
The cube structure is projected to be 400 meters long on each side. This would make it large enough to accommodate 20 Empire State buildings within it.
“Right now, it’s masquerading as one building, but it’s actually much more than that,” Michael Dyke, New Murabba’s chief executive, told Bloomberg in a recent interview.
“Ultimately, a capital the size of Riyadh deserves to have a global and central icon like any other capital.”
Dyke said that 10 million cubic meters had been excavated from the ground to prepare for the construction of Mukaab.
The cube-shaped attraction will include the world’s first enclosed skyscraper as well as a dome featuring holographic images with hotel rooms transporting guests to different regions of the world, according to the report.
The structure will consist of overlapping triangular shapes in an architectural style inspired by the Najd region of Saudi Arabia.
The first phase of New Murabba will be completed in 2030. According to Dyke, the project will include 8,000 homes for 35,000 people.
At its final completion, the project aims to accommodate 400,000 people. The shape of the Mukaab has been criticized for its similarity to the Kaaba in the holy city of Mecca.
Muslims around the world pray facing the building in the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and around it during the Hajj and Umrah.
“Apart from anything else, the fact that it is a gold cube strikes me as a deliberate insult to the Kaaba in Mecca and a clear symbol of idolatry,” researcher Laleh Khalili wrote in X last week.
Mukaab is one of several ambitious projects Saudi Arabia wants to implement in the next few years, including a straight-line city, an octagonal city floating on water, a ski resort with a collapsible vertical village, and a luxury island resort in the Red Sea called Sindalah. (MEE/Z-2)
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**Interview with Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba Development Co, on the Construction of Mukaab**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Michael. It’s exciting to hear about the Mukaab project. Can you tell us more about the vision behind this monumental structure in Riyadh?
**Michael Dyke:** Absolutely! The Mukaab is not just a building; it’s intended to be a global icon that reflects Riyadh’s growth and aspirations. We believe that a capital of Riyadh’s stature deserves a centerpiece that embodies its cultural and economic ambitions. Mukaab will serve as a hub for tourism, entertainment, and community engagement.
**Editor:** The structure has drawn comparisons to the Kaaba, which has sparked some controversy. How do you respond to those criticisms?
**Michael Dyke:** I understand the concerns, but I want to stress that Mukaab is designed to be an innovative and modern addition to the skyline of Riyadh. It incorporates unique architectural elements that differentiate it from any religious structure. Our goal is to create a space for people from all walks of life to appreciate and enjoy.
**Editor:** The scale of the project is quite impressive — accommodating 20 Empire State Buildings within it! How has the construction process progressed so far?
**Michael Dyke:** We’ve made significant progress already, having excavated over 10 million cubic meters of earth to lay the foundation. That groundwork is crucial for a structure of this magnitude. We’re committed to leveraging advanced construction techniques to ensure we deliver the project on time and within our sustainability goals.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what kind of activities or attractions can visitors expect at Mukaab once it’s completed?
**Michael Dyke:** Mukaab will host a variety of attractions, including art galleries, retail spaces, and entertainment venues. It will be a multi-faceted space designed to attract both international tourists and local residents. The aim is to create a vibrant ecosystem that encourages people to come together, celebrate, and share experiences.
**Editor:** how do you envision Mukaab impacting the overall architecture and tourism landscape in Riyadh?
**Michael Dyke:** Mukaab is poised to redefine the architectural narrative of the city. It’s not just about this one structure; it’s about inspiring future developments and attracting global attention to Riyadh. We hope it will serve as a catalyst for growth and innovation in the region, positioning Riyadh as a leading destination on the world stage.
**Editor:** Thank you, Michael, for sharing these insights. We’re looking forward to seeing Mukaab come to life!
Experience something extraordinary. We respect the cultural significance of the Kaaba, and we intend for Mukaab to enhance, rather than detract from, the rich tapestry of our heritage.
**Editor:** Can you elaborate on the architectural inspiration behind Mukaab and its unique features?
**Michael Dyke:** Certainly! Mukaab will be defined by its distinctive cube shape, inspired by the traditional architecture of the Najd region. It will showcase overlapping triangular elements that create a modern yet culturally rooted aesthetic. One of the most exciting aspects is that we will feature the world’s first enclosed skyscraper, which will include immersive experiences and a dome that displays holographic images—this will transport guests to various regions across the globe.
**Editor:** Impressive! What amenities can we expect to see in Mukaab once it’s completed?
**Michael Dyke:** Mukaab is designed as a multi-functional space that caters to various needs. It will include hotel rooms with unique themes, shopping centers, entertainment venues, and green spaces for community gatherings. Our vision is for Mukaab to be a vibrant part of daily life for both residents and tourists alike, making it a must-visit destination in Riyadh.
**Editor:** When can we expect the project to be completed, and what are the plans for the surrounding New Murabba area?
**Michael Dyke:** The first phase of New Murabba is set to be completed by 2030. This initial phase will feature over 8,000 homes, providing housing for approximately 35,000 people. Ultimately, when fully finished, the entire project aims to accommodate around 400,000 residents, creating a new urban environment that fosters social interaction and sustainability.
**Editor:** Thank you, Michael, for sharing your insights into this remarkable project. It sounds like Mukaab will be a true landmark for Riyadh.
**Michael Dyke:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited about the transformation that Mukaab and New Murabba will bring to the city and look forward to welcoming everyone to this innovative space.
