A recent update on The Mukaab in Saudi Arabia, which will be the largest building in the world, has shown that a large amount of earth has been excavated. Furthermore, officials have confirmed that the target to excavate an average of 30 km squared per day in 2024 was met. In addition, five out of six bridge spans have been completed and the new headquarters is nearly complete. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by 2030 and will house approximately 35,000 people. The 8,000 homes will be ready to show by the time Saudi Arabia is hosting the Expo2030, a trade show with over 190 nations represented.
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Details on The Mukaab Saudi Arabia
The Mukaab will measure 400 metres in height, 400 metres in width and 400 metres in length, essentially, a cube. It has been estimated to cost US$50 billion and will boast over 2 million square metres of floor space. It has been famously claimed that it will be large enough to fit 20 Empire State Buildings inside. Moreover, it will include the world’s first fully-enclosed skyscraper and a dome that will display holographic images. These images will “transport patrons of the building’s 500-room hotel to different places around the world.”
Project Overview
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Developers: New Murabba
Total cost: US$50 billion
Completion date: 2030 (Phase 1)
Project Scope: 400m x 400m x 400m
Controversy surrounding the structure
The mega structure has, however, been shrouded in controversy. Muslims have brought complaints about its resemblance to the Kaaba, a stone building in the holy city of Mecca. Coupled with the staggering number of construction deaths in the country, there has been keen attention on the nation as it attempts to deliver major projects such as this and The Line. Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia is making efforts to establish itself as a tourist destination, as many countries in the Middle East are, in order to move away from its reliance on oil production.
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