The Mukaab: Saudi Arabia begins work on ‘world’s largest building’
The giant cube-shaped “futuristic city” will reportedly stand 1,300 feet tall and span 1,200 feet wide — enough to fit within itself 20 Empire State Buildings
Some 1,000 km from the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa in Dubai, a $50-billion megastructure is reportedly coming up in Riyadh, in the neighbouring country of Saudi Arabia, which may get the tag of the world’s largest building.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly started work on “The Mukaab”, which has been proposed to have a cubical structure. The word “mukaab” reportedly means cube.
Space for 20 Empire State Buildings
The Mukaab is reportedly designed to stand 1,300 feet tall and span 1,200 feet wide upon completion, with 2 million square metres of floor space. For perspective, it can reportedly fit within itself 20 Empire State Buildings.
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It is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “Saudi Vision 2030”, aimed at boosting the country’s non-oil GDP by $51 billion and creating 3.34 lakh jobs — in short, take the kingdom’s economy beyond oil. The building will be Riyadh's tallest too.
About The Mukaab
The building will reportedly be designed to function as a futuristic city, housing a whopping 1.04 lakh residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, offices, along with high-end retail, dining, and leisure facilities. Immersive, AI-based technology, including massive screens around the building’s facade, may also be used to enhance visitors’ experiences.
Despite the futuristic vision, The Mukaab’s design is reportedly inspired by Saudi Arabia’s heritage, with the cube shape being drawn from the Najdi architectural style. The surrounding area will reportedly resemble the local desert landscape.
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Controversy brewing
However, the structure’s resemblance to the holy Kaaba in Mecca has not gone unnoticed. Besides, human rights organisations have reportedly pointed out the possibility of large-scale displacement of local residents and exploitation of migrant labourers.