The Mukaab: a cube-shaped skyscraper the size of 20 Empire State Buildings

When it comes to architecture some have the mentality of go big or go home. After all, why build a skyscraper when you can build a mega structure the size of 20 skyscrapers?

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

It is with this XXXL mentality that the huge new project to be built in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia seems to have been conceived: The Mukaab. A structure that will be the size of 20 Empire State Buildings.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

The Mukaab will be an architectural giant in the shape of a cube. Measuring 400 meters in length, width and height, the building will be in the heart of Riyadh.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

The Public Investment Fund (PIF), whose board is led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Adbulaziz, describes the project as "an exceptional milestone that will feature the latest innovative technologies".

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

The goal seems clear: to combine a striking and recognizable cubic shape with panels of overlapping triangles. The Mukaab will rise above the PIF Tower (385 meters) and the Burj Rafal (308 meters) as the tallest building in Riyadh.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

Inside, an endless spiral tower will rise above a spectacular atrium. That said, the splendor will not be limited to just the facade, which will be inspired by the Najdi architectural style.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

"The design of The Mukaab will have unique facilities and be one of the largest structures in the world, with a shape that guarantees maximum use of space," said PIF.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

But what will be inside The Mukaab? Residential areas, hotels, shops and cultural and tourist attractions will be spread over the two million square meters.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

"It will be the world's first immersive destination, with an experience created through digital and virtual technology using the latest holography," reads the project's press release.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

And beware, as PIF plans to make The Mukaab the linchpin of New Murabba, a massive project that aims to create "the world's largest modern center" in Riyadh.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

We are talking about 7.3 square miles or 19 square kilometers of area and space for the stay of hundreds of thousands of people, with more than 100,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms or almost 900,000 square meters of commercial space.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

In addition, there will be 1.4 million square meters of office space, 620,000 square meters of leisure space and 1.8 million square meters of common areas.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

The project would be complemented by an important museum, a technical and design college and a theater with an impressive atmosphere.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

The aim of this mega-project is to "provide a unique living, working and leisure experience, where everything is just a 15-minute walk away, as well as its own internal transport system," explains PIF.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

Of course, the construction of The Mukaab will take some time. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2030.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba

When inaugurated, The Mukaab is expected to contribute nearly $49,000 million to Saudi Arabia's GDP, create 334,000 direct and indirect jobs and become a global architectural landmark.

Photo: The Mukaab - Web New Murabba