Updated on January 27, 2025- Saudi Arabia has halted construction on the Mukaab, a massive cube-shaped centerpiece of the New Murabba development in Riyadh, as the kingdom reassesses the project’s financing and viability. While soil excavation and foundation work have been completed, further construction has stopped, though real estate development in the surrounding area continues. Designed as a 400-meter metal cube featuring an AI-powered internal display and a 300-meter ziggurat, the project was intended to offer an immersive, “other world” experience. However, reports indicate the project was slated for reductions even as promotional events were being held at the site.

This pause reflects a broader strategic shift within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives. The nation’s $925 billion sovereign wealth fund is reducing spending to manage costs and avoid economic overheating, leading to the delay or scaling back of several futuristic megaprojects. Notable adjustments include The Line at NEOM, which has been reduced from 170km to just 5km, with construction suspended in late 2025 following internal audits. Additionally, the 2029 Asian Winter Games have been postponed to an unspecified date, replaced by smaller standalone events.

Resources are now being redirected toward more “urgent and profitable” infrastructure and cultural projects. These include preparations for World Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup, as well as the Diriyah cultural zone and Qiddiya tourism project. Government officials, including the Finance and Economy Ministers, have signaled a willingness to cancel or adjust costly projects without hesitation, emphasizing a transition toward private-sector roles and more sustainable timelines. Consequently, many project contracts have been terminated as financial support for these massive developments winds down.

In another similar project that is currently under development in Saudi Arabia, the Jeddah Tower is expected to become the tallest building in the world overtaking the Burj Khalifa in UAE. Such ambitious construction projects position Saudi Arabia as a leading construction hub in the Middle East.

April 30, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Mukaab is moving rapidly as New Murabba Development Company (NMDC) invites prequalification by contractors for three new contracts. Interested contractors are expected to submit their applications for the three construction packages on 30 April. These are the Central Core Tower, Outriggers, and Vertical Ribs. Saudi Arabia’s Mukaab is a futuristic Najdi-inspired structure at the heart of Riyadh’s New Murabba downtown development. Priced at an estimated SR10bn ($2.6bn), the work bears witness to Saudi Arabia’s strong determination regarding its Vision 2030 ambitions. Meanwhile, NMDC is also evaluating bids presented last November for raft concrete work beneath the podiums and Saudi Arabia’s Mukaab itself. Internally, the mega cube-shaped structure will feature a spiraling tower, surrounded by two million square meters of hospitality, residential, retail, and cultural areas. In October last year, the excavation works were 86% finished, with over 10 million cubic meters of soil having been excavated. Evidently, Saudi Arabia’s Mukaab is a step closer to realization.

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Progress on the world’s largest building, The Mukaab in Saudi Arabia

Project Factsheet

Significance:

• Will be one of the largest buildings in the world, measuring 400m in height, width, and length.
• Forms the centerpiece of Riyadh’s New Murabba downtown development.
• Supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by promoting urban expansion and cultural growth.
• Showcases innovative, Najdi-inspired architectural design blending tradition with modernity.

Infrastructure:

• Cube-shaped structure featuring a spiraling tower inside.
• Total floor area: 2 million square metres dedicated to hospitality, residential, retail, and cultural spaces.
• Central Core Tower, Outriggers, and Vertical Ribs form critical structural elements.
• Integrated within New Murabba’s larger downtown area of 25 million square metres.

Developer:

• Project led by New Murabba Development Company (NMDC).
• Excavation works carried out by China Harbour Engineering Company.
• Foundation works undertaken by UAE-based HSSG Foundation Contracting.

Timeline:

• Significant excavation progress reached by October 2024 (86% complete).
• Firms invited to prequalify for new contracts by 30 April 2025.
• Ongoing evaluation of raft concrete works bids submitted in November 2024.

Context:

• Located in Riyadh, about 20 minutes from King Khalid International Airport.
• Part of New Murabba, which will feature green spaces, walking paths, and an internal transport system.
• Downtown will host over 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, and over 980,000 sq m of retail space

Scope of Implementation on Saudi Arabia’s Mukaab

The construction of Saudi Arabia’s Mukaab involves several important phases. First, the Central Core Tower, Outriggers, and Vertical Ribs are expected to be constructed soon. Second, foundation and excavation works are already ongoing with China Harbour Engineering Company and HSSG Foundation Contracting leading the way. Moreover, the adjacent New Murabba downtown will have a total floor area of 25 million square meters.

It will also feature over 104,000 residential units and 9,000 hotel rooms. Additionally, it will boast 980,000 square meters of retail space and large green areas. Cycle and pedestrian paths will promote a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. New Murabba will also have a museum, a university, and an immersive multipurpose theatre. Entertainment and cultural facilities will exceed 80, enriching the life of the community. Notably, all the facilities will be within a 15-minute walking distance. Accordingly, Saudi Arabia’s Mukaab will be an iconic emblem of modern urban living and the world’s largest building.

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The Mukaab Project In Saudi Arabia Announces Development Plans

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