Saudi Arabia begins construction of the ‘world’s largest building’ that could fit 20 Empire States inside | Trending

Saudi Arabia has officially commenced construction on The Mukaab, a monumental cube-shaped building that will reach an impressive height of 400 metres. If completed, it is set to become the world’s largest structure. Located in the capital city of Riyadh, this skyscraper will encompass a staggering two million square metres of floor space, equivalent to twenty times that of New York’s iconic Empire State Building. Saudi Arabia began construction on The Mukaab, a 400m cube-shaped building in Riyadh. (X/@therealmindman) (Also read: ‘Dive into love’: Saudi couple gets married underwater in Red Sea with fellow divers as attendees) New Murabba drictThe Mukaab is projected to cost around US $50 billion and will serve as the centrepiece of a new urban drict known as New Murabba. This expansive area will feature over 25 million square metres of floor space, including plans for 104,000 homes. The development aims to provide a unique blend of retail, corporate, and cultural experiences, making it a hub for business and leisure. A vision for premium hospitalityDesigned as a “premium hospitality destination,” The Mukaab will boast a central atrium space, enhancing the experience for visitors and residents alike. The building’s multifaceted design will cater to various sectors, ensuring it becomes a focal point for both local and international visitors. (Also read: ₹100,000 for classic Indian chappal? Viral video from Saudi Arabia shocks people) Construction is being overseen Saudi’s New Murabba Development Company (NMDC), a key player within the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and invest in innovative infrastructure projects. A legacy of ambitious projectsWhile cube-shaped buildings are rare due to their inefficient land use, Saudi Arabia has a reputation for pushing architectural limits. The Kingdom has previously embarked on ambitious projects, including the Jeddah Tower, which was intended to be the world’s tallest skyscraper but has remained incomplete since construction was halted in 2018. Additionally, The Line, conceived as a mirrored city stretching 170 kilometres across the desert, has seen its plans scaled back to a mere 2.4 kilometres in length for the time being. Embracing innovation and sustainabilityThe New Murabba drict is envisioned to “seamlessly blend technology, innovation, and sustainability.” According to its official website, the development will be a “centre of progress, creativity, and entrepreneurship while harmonising with nature’s beauty and authentic culture.”