Bin Salman’s 400m Cube Sparks Heated Debate: The Bold Gamble of Saudi Arabia's 'Mukaab'

Will Saudi Arabia’s ambitious 'Mukaab' project succeed as a futuristic urban landmark?

The concept of skyscrapers often evokes images of towering spires, their sleek glass exteriors reflecting the sky as they soar above the city. For years, the race to build the tallest building has been a global competition. However, as time has passed, the era of simply competing for height has given way to a new focus on unique architectural designs and the stories behind them. In this new phase, one country stands at the forefront: Saudi Arabia.

Leading the charge with its ambitious and innovative architecture is the 'Mukaab' project, a monumental structure that has captivated global attention. As part of the larger 'New Murabba' urban development in Riyadh, the Mukaab promises to redefine what we understand as the modern metropolis, blending futuristic technologies with a deep cultural narrative.

The Scale of Mukaab: A City Within a Cube

Standing 400 meters tall and stretching 400 meters in width and depth, the Mukaab will be the largest single building in the world upon completion. Its immense size will set it apart from any other structure, establishing it as a true landmark. To put its scale into perspective, Mukaab’s volume will reach 64 million cubic meters, which is the equivalent of a 100-story building based on standard floor heights of 4 meters. If the structure were to be laid flat, its area would cover an astounding 16 square kilometers—approximately 3.5 times the size of Yeouido in Seoul, South Korea.

Inside Mukaab, over 104,000 residential units will be created, alongside vast leisure facilities covering 620,000 square meters and 1.8 million square meters of community spaces. This massive development is not just a building; it’s conceived as a “city within a city,” where residential, commercial, and cultural spaces will interweave to create an entirely new urban environment. This vision could potentially redefine the future of urban living, merging convenience and sustainability in one monumental project.

Mukaab: At the Heart of Saudi Arabia’s Vision for the Future

The Mukaab is not an isolated project, but rather a core element of Saudi Arabia's broader 'New Murabba' urban transformation plan. Spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this ambitious development aims to revamp Riyadh into the world’s most modern city. The plan, unveiled in 2023, includes the construction of museums, universities focused on technology and design, multipurpose theaters, and over 80 cultural and entertainment venues. Throughout the development, smart energy solutions and sustainable technologies will be incorporated to build a city that aligns with global green standards.

The Mukaab, with its bold geometric design, will serve as the focal point of this modern city. Its exterior will feature a striking golden geometric pattern inspired by traditional Najdi architecture, symbolizing the fusion of Saudi Arabia’s past and future. The interior will offer an immersive experience with holographic technology and high-end residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces.

Progress and Ambitions: Mukaab's Ongoing Construction

Construction of the Mukaab is already underway, with significant progress made as of January 2025. The groundwork has been completed, including the removal of over 10 million cubic meters of soil. A temporary bridge has been built along King Khalid Road to ease traffic congestion and reduce truck traffic by 800,000 trips. The first phase of the New Murabba project is expected to be completed by 2030, with 35,000 residents anticipated to move in initially. Ultimately, the area will expand to house up to 400,000 people, becoming a vibrant, self-sustaining urban hub.

Innovation or Monument? The Debate Surrounding Mukaab’s Future

From its ambitious scale to its cutting-edge design, Mukaab might seem like a groundbreaking leap into the future of urban architecture. However, the question remains: will this be a transformative urban development or just another monumental symbol of excess?

One significant challenge lies in Saudi Arabia's ongoing reliance on an oil-based economy. While the country has made strides toward sustainability, the actual implementation of green technologies and renewable energy solutions in large-scale projects like Mukaab remains uncertain. The world will be watching to see if Saudi Arabia can fully embrace its vision for a low-carbon future, given the deeply entrenched dependence on fossil fuels.

Another challenge is Saudi Arabia’s conservative social structure. While the country has made significant progress in opening its doors to international investments and innovations, there are concerns about how well it will integrate foreign residents into this ambitious new city. With Dubai, a global hub located just two hours away, Saudi Arabia faces stiff competition for international residents and investors. For Mukaab to attract the talent and resources it requires, Saudi Arabia may need to enact broader social reforms and policies that encourage openness and inclusivity.

Conclusion: A Global Vision with Local Challenges

Despite the doubts surrounding its execution, the Mukaab project represents Saudi Arabia's desire to break free from traditional urban planning and redefine the possibilities of modern cities. Its innovative design and ambitious scale suggest that it could eventually become a global icon of architectural achievement. However, the success of this project will hinge on the country's ability to balance grand ambition with practical execution, embracing both technological advancements and societal changes. With just five years left until the 2030 deadline, time will tell whether Mukaab will emerge as a groundbreaking success or remain a symbol of unattainable dreams.

As Saudi Arabia continues its transformative journey, the world will be watching closely to see if Mukaab becomes the urban marvel it promises to be or simply another colossal monument to vision without substance.