Saudi Arabia's project Mukaab is 20 times the size of the Empire State Building. Watch video

Saudi Arabia aims to develop the world’s largest modern downtown in Riyadh as part of Saudi Vision 2030 plan. The new project, to be built over an area of 19 square kilometers, will offer more than 25 million sqm of floor area, featuring more than 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, and more than 980,000 sqm of retail space, as well as 1.4 million sqm of office space, 620,000 sqm of leisure assets, and 1.8 million sqm of space dedicated to community facilities.

The project will be situated at the intersection of King Salman and King Khalid roads to the North West of Riyadh, over an area of 19 square kilometer.

New Murabba Development Company will develop the project and build the “Mukaab”, a landmark featuring the latest innovative technologies. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund said that the Mukaab will be large enough to hold 20 Empire State Buildings.



"The design of the “Mukaab” includes first-of-its-kind facilities and will be one of the largest built structures in the world, standing 400m high, 400m wide, and 400m long. The cubic shape of the “Mukaab” will ensure the ultimate utilization of space to accommodate the technologies necessary to develop the icon," the Saudi fund said in a statement.

"The New Murabba project will be built around the concept of sustainability, featuring green areas and walking and cycling paths that will enhance the quality of life by promoting healthy, active lifestyles and community activities. It will also feature an iconic museum, a technology and design university, a multipurpose immersive theater, and more than 80 entertainment and culture venues."

The New Murabba project will have its own internal transport system. It will be approximately 20-minutes' drive from the airport.

Inspired by the modern Najdi architectural style, the “Mukaab” will be the world’s first immersive destination offering an experience created by digital and virtual technology with the latest holographics, the Saudi fund said.

"The “Mukaab” will encompass a tower atop a spiral base, and a structure featuring 2 million sqm of floor space that will be a premium hospitality destination with a multitude of retail, cultural and tourist attractions, along with residential and hotel units, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities."

The project is part of the government's effort to contribute to the development of real estate projects and the local infrastructure, and diversify sources of income for the Saudi economy. It is expected to add SAR180 billion to non-oil GDP and create 334,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030. The project is due to be completed in 2030.

Saudi Arabia is also building a megacities project that spread across 26,500 sq. kilometres on the Red Sea coast. The $500 billion project will be powered entirely by clean energy, will be free of cars and will have no streets or zero carbon emissions. An official said that nearly 20% of the infra work has already been completed, and works are progressing according to schedule.