Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman recently announced an ambitious new development project, known as The Mukaab. The project aims to build the largest inner-city building in the world in Riyadh, the country’s capital. The NMDC (New Murabba Development Company) will manage the project, which is part of the country’s wider Vision 2030 plan to modernize and diversify its economy.
The World’s Largest Inner-City Building
The Mukaab project will develop the world’s largest modern downtown in Riyadh, covering an area of 1.2 million square meters. The centerpiece of the development will be the cube-like structure known as The Mukaab, which will measure 400 meters in height, width, and length. The building will be in the traditional Najdi architectural style, which is characterized by its unique geometric patterns and use of local materials. According to the project’s developers, The Mukaab will serve as a multifunctional complex that will include residential apartments, offices, hotels, and retail spaces. It will also feature public spaces such as parks, plazas, and cultural facilities. The building’s design is meant to be a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s modernization and transformation into a global hub for commerce and culture.
Vision 2030: Diversifying the Economy
The Mukaab project is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the country’s economy away from its dependence on oil exports. The plan includes investments in sectors such as tourism, healthcare, and renewable energy, as well as efforts to attract foreign investment and develop the country’s human capital.
The Mukaab is one of several development projects that have been announced as part of Vision 2030. Others include the Qiddiya entertainment city, which will feature theme parks, sports facilities, and cultural venues, and the Neom megacity, which is planned to be a hub for innovation and technology.
Challenges Ahead
While The Mukaab project represents a bold vision for the future of Saudi Arabia, there are several challenges that will need to be addressed in order to make it a success. One of the main challenges will be attracting investors and tenants to the development, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a major impact on the global economy.
Another challenge will be ensuring that the development is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Saudi Arabia has come under criticism in the past for its environmental record, and there will be pressure to ensure that The Mukaab project is built in a way that minimizes its impact on the surrounding environment.