New Murabba Development Company is set to award the world’s largest ever structural steel order worth $1 billion for the Mukaab’s main raft works very soon.
The Mukaab is due to become the world’s largest building by volume when complete. The 400 meter cube building will require 1 million tonnes of structural steel, with foundation works nearly complete.
The Mukaab is part of Riyadh’s New Murabba project, which is due to feature a New Murabba stadium for the 2034 FIFA World Cup as well as extensive residential, retail, and hospitality spaces.
Awarding Mukaab Rafts Works
The Mukaab project, a monumental undertaking in Riyadh, is poised to redefine the skyline of Saudi Arabia’s capital.
Spearheaded by the New Murabba Development Company (NMDC), this ambitious initiative is not just about constructing a building; it represents a vision for a new urban landscape that integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
As the project progresses, significant milestones are being achieved, particularly in the realm of structural development.
The Largest Structural Steel Order
One of the most significant aspects of the Mukaab project is the upcoming structural steel order, which is set to be the largest ever placed. This order will require approximately 1 million tonnes of structural steel, underscoring the immense scale of the construction.
Importance of Structural Steel
- Load-Bearing Capacity: The structural steel will provide the necessary support for the Mukaab, which is expected to be the heaviest building in the world, weighing four times more than the parliament building in Bucharest.
- Construction Timeline: Securing this steel is vital for maintaining the project timeline, as it will enable the construction of the central tower and other key components.
Overview of the Mukaab
The Mukaab, which translates to “cube” in Arabic, is designed to be a striking architectural marvel. With dimensions of 400 meters in height, width, and length, it will stand as one of the largest structures globally.
The project is part of the broader New Murabba initiative, which aims to create a vibrant urban environment in northwest Riyadh.
Key Features of Mukaab
- Size and Scale: The Mukaab will encompass an impressive 2 million square meters of floor space, dedicated to various uses including hospitality, commercial activities, and cultural attractions.
- Architectural Design: The structure will feature a unique tower atop a spiral base, showcasing innovative design elements that reflect both modernity and cultural heritage.
- Sustainability: Emphasizing eco-friendly practices, the project aims to incorporate sustainable materials and technologies throughout its construction and operation.
Current Progress and Upcoming Milestones
As of now, the NMDC is on the brink of awarding a significant contract for the raft works of the Mukaab, estimated at around $1 billion. This contract is crucial for laying the foundation of the structure, which is nearly complete.
Foundation Works
The foundation phase has seen substantial progress, with over 1,000 piles already installed out of a planned 1,200. This achievement marks a critical step in ensuring the stability and durability of the Mukaab.
- Material Movement: More than 15 million cubic meters of material have been moved to facilitate the foundation work, showcasing the scale of operations involved.
- Contractor Collaboration: The NMDC is working closely with contractors, including China Harbour and UAE-based HSSG, to ensure the timely completion of the foundation.
New Murabba Project
The New Murabba Stadium is a cornerstone of the larger New Murabba project, a 19-square-kilometer development that promises to redefine urban living in Riyadh.
This ambitious undertaking, set for completion by 2030, will feature an array of residential units, hotels, retail spaces, green spaces, a museum, an immersive theater, and over 80 entertainment and cultural venues.
Cultural and Recreational Facilities
In addition to residential and commercial spaces, the New Murabba project will include various cultural and recreational facilities, enriching the community’s lifestyle.
New Murabba Stadium
A key highlight of the New Murabba initiative is the construction of a New Murabba Stadium, which is set to be completed in time for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This stadium will not only serve as a venue for international events but also as a community hub.
- Capacity and Design: The stadium will accommodate approximately 43,000 fans and is designed to be easily accessible and functional.
- Early Construction Involvement: NMDC plans to engage contractors early in the design process to ensure the stadium meets both aesthetic and practical requirements.
Economic Impact of Mukaab Project
The Mukaab and the New Murabba development are expected to have a significant economic impact on the region. By attracting investment and creating jobs, this initiative will contribute to the overall growth of Riyadh.
Job Creation
- Construction Jobs: The scale of the project will generate thousands of construction jobs, providing employment opportunities for local workers.
- Long-Term Employment: Once operational, the Mukaab will create permanent jobs in various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and management.
Shaping Urban Landscape
The Mukaab project represents a bold vision for the future of Riyadh, combining innovative design with comprehensive urban planning.
With its potential to reshape the urban landscape and contribute to the economy, the Mukaab is set to become a defining feature of Saudi Arabia’s capital.
More Transformative Projects in Riyadh
Rise Tower Riyadh
Rise Tower Riyadh is due to become the world’s tallest building at 2 kilometers in height surpassing both the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the upcoming Jeddah Tower.
Designed by global firm HKS, this tower is part of the North Pole Project Riyadh and will feature 678 floors with hotels, restaurants, offices, and observation decks.
Its construction is planned to start in 2026 near King Khalid International Airport and is expected to finish major work by 2030.
Riyadh Creative District
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has launched Riyadh Creative District to position Riyadh as a global hub for media, culture, and innovation.
Partnering with Riyadh’s iconic KAFD, it is designed to support creatives, startups, and industry leaders and enhance Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the creative economy.
It also aims to promote talent and economic growth to drive digital transformation, aligning with Vision 2030.
Dar Global and Mouawad’s Villa Project
Dar Global, an international real estate developer, has partnered with luxury jeweler Mouawad to unveil a $235 Million Villa Project in North Riyadh, close to the World Expo 2030 site.
The development will include 200 exquisite villas, similar to the prestigious Bulgari Residences, and aims to boost Riyadh’s reputation as a top luxury destination.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, this project represents Dar Global’s debut in Saudi Arabia and Mouawad’s entry into the real estate market.
Global Sports Tower
Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for The Global Sports Tower in Riyadh, which is set to become the world’s tallest sports tower.
This 130-meter towering structure will be located in The Sports Boulevard, one of the major projects in Riyadh.
It is expected to include various world-class sports facilities, such as the highest indoor climbing wall in the world and a running track on its rooftop.
The Avenues Riyadh
The highly anticipated Avenues Riyadh project, valued at $4.58 billion, has reached 44.5% completion and is scheduled to open in early 2026.
Situated in northern Riyadh, this iconic development, inspired by Salmani architecture, will cover 390,000 square meters and host one of the Middle East’s largest malls.
It will also feature three luxury hotel towers: Waldorf Astoria, Canopy by Hilton, and Conrad. This project supports Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of making Saudi Arabia a leading global tourist destination.
Boulevard Business Park
Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority has unveiled plans for a $266 million business park at Boulevard City in Riyadh.
Named the “Boulevard Business Park,” this new project will consist of nine buildings with views of the Boulevard City Fountain, an outdoor art gallery, and a suspended pool.
The initiative aims to promote creativity, innovation, and support for entrepreneurs and businesses, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
King Salman Park
King Salman Park, the largest urban park in the world, is scheduled to open in 2024, covering a total area of 16 square kilometers.
The park includes 11 square kilometers of greenery and water features in the heart of Riyadh.
Its major attractions will be a Royal Arts Complex, an equestrian center, an 850,000-square-meter Royal golf course, and the city’s first skydiving center.
In addition, the park will offer over 2,000 hotel rooms and aims to elevate the quality of life in the city, following the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, thereby improving Riyadh’s global ranking.
Riyadh Sports Boulevard
The Riyadh Sports Boulevard has been designed to be the longest linear park in the world, with the purpose of connecting the Wadi Hanifa in the western part of Riyadh to the Wadi Al Sulai in the eastern part of the city, spanning a total distance of 135km.
This project aims to transform Riyadh into one of the world’s most livable and healthy cities. The development plans to include various pathways, bike lanes, and horse riding trails, covering a vast area of 4.4 million square meters of green spaces.
The impressive initiative will also consist of 8 exceptional districts, such as an athletics district, an entertainment district, and an arts district.
With these transformative projects, Riyadh, one of the world’s top 15 fastest-growing cities, is transforming into a city known for its accessibility and quality of life to become among the world’s top 10 cities with an investment of $1 trillion over the next seven years.
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