In the golden heart of Riyadh, a new kind of city is emerging — one that looks not only skyward but forward. New Murabba is more than a construction project; it’s an act of reinvention. Conceived under Vision 2030 and driven by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), this massive development represents Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious step toward shaping a new model of urban life.
Here, the desert horizon is being transformed into a canvas of innovation — where sustainability meets technology, and tradition meets the future. Designed as a self-contained metropolis, New Murabba will reimagine how people live, work, and interact in one of the fastest-growing capitals in the world. It’s not just an expansion of Riyadh — it’s a blueprint for what the next century of city-building could look like.
Vision 2030 Realized: A City Shaped by Ambition
At the core of New Murabba lies a simple but powerful vision: to create the world’s most modern downtown built on Saudi identity and human-centered design. The project aligns directly with Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy, attract global talent, and elevate quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Spanning over 19 square kilometers in northwest Riyadh, the development will form an entirely new district that complements the existing urban fabric while setting a new global benchmark for mixed-use communities. Within this ecosystem of innovation and culture, every neighborhood, street, and plaza will be designed to promote balance — between technology and tradition, modernity and community, progress and purpose.
Master Plan & Urban Concept: The 15-Minute City, Saudi Style
New Murabba is planned as a “15-minute city”, where every essential element of urban life — from workplaces and schools to leisure, healthcare, and shopping — lies within walking or cycling distance. It’s a vision of efficiency, connectivity, and livability.
The master plan calls for:
- 104,000 residential units integrated across vibrant, walkable neighborhoods
- 9,000 hotel rooms spanning ultra-luxury to boutique lifestyle concepts
- 1.4 million m² of office space to host international companies and local innovators
- 980,000 m² of retail, dining, and entertainment experiences
- 25% green and open space, providing a climate-responsive urban oasis
Designed around shaded boulevards, water features, and pedestrian corridors, New Murabba prioritizes community over congestion. Every detail — from the orientation of buildings to the tree-lined public squares — reflects a deep understanding of Riyadh’s climate, culture, and evolving identity.
The Mukaab: The Monument of Modern Riyadh
At the heart of the district stands the Mukaab — a monumental cube rising 400 meters high, wide, and deep. It is destined to become one of the largest structures in the world and the visual centerpiece of New Murabba.
The Mukaab will contain a vertical city within its walls: luxury hotels, residences, entertainment zones, retail promenades, and immersive digital experiences that redefine what a building can be. Inside, visitors will enter a futuristic realm of holographic environments and interactive design — a sensory journey that merges culture, creativity, and technology.
Architecturally, the Mukaab pays homage to Riyadh’s Najdi heritage, translating its traditional patterns and proportions into a contemporary geometric form. Its glowing façade, illuminated at night, will serve as both a symbol of innovation and a beacon of Saudi confidence — a modern marvel born from centuries-old design roots.
Architecture & Design Language: The Spirit of Salmani
Every aspect of New Murabba’s architecture reflects the principles of Salmani design — a philosophy that fuses Saudi heritage with modern expression. Facades are sculpted from natural materials, emphasizing geometry, texture, and balance. Public spaces blend functionality with artistry, and shaded arcades evoke Riyadh’s old quarters while accommodating modern lifestyles.
The design ethos is distinctly Saudi but globally fluent — a city that speaks to international audiences while staying true to its origins. The result will be a visually unified district that feels both timeless and transformative.
Technology & Smart Infrastructure: The Future Engine
Technology is not an accessory to New Murabba — it’s the foundation on which the city is built. From construction to operation, every layer of infrastructure will be digitally integrated.
Smart-city systems will regulate traffic, power, lighting, and air quality in real time. AI-driven analytics will monitor energy efficiency, autonomous transit, and water use. Residents will move seamlessly through connected environments — with electric vehicles, pedestrian tunnels, and AI-guided mobility ensuring effortless travel.
This is urban technology at scale: a living laboratory for sustainable, data-driven cities.
Sustainability & Green Innovation: Building with the Earth in Mind
In a region defined by its desert climate, sustainability is not optional — it’s essential. New Murabba’s plan dedicates nearly a quarter of its total area to parks, gardens, and natural landscapes designed to cool the environment and enhance livability.
Solar energy systems, district cooling, water recycling, and low-carbon materials form the backbone of its environmental strategy. Urban farming, green roofs, and passive shading will create microclimates that make outdoor living possible even in Riyadh’s heat.
Every decision — from landscaping to construction methodology — aims to balance progress with preservation. The project is designed to become a carbon-conscious model for future developments across the region.
Lifestyle, Sports & Community: The FIFA Factor
New Murabba will also play a vital role in Riyadh’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2034, serving as both a lifestyle hub and a cultural showcase for the influx of visitors expected from around the world. The district will feature state-of-the-art sports and recreation facilities, seamlessly integrated into its urban design.
A new multi-purpose stadium, envisioned as part of the city’s broader infrastructure development, will anchor Riyadh’s global sporting ambitions — combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and architectural artistry. This arena is designed not only for major international events like FIFA but for year-round entertainment, concerts, and community gatherings.
Surrounding the stadium, public plazas, fan zones, and hospitality venues will offer immersive experiences that celebrate both Saudi culture and global sport. During FIFA 2034, New Murabba is expected to become one of Riyadh’s central gathering points — a symbol of how visionary urban planning can meet the excitement of the world’s biggest sporting event.
Beyond 2034, the district’s sports and entertainment framework will ensure the legacy of the tournament lives on — nurturing community wellness, youth development, and cultural exchange.
Construction Progress & Timelines
As of late 2025, major groundwork for the Mukaab and surrounding districts is well underway. Excavation has reached significant milestones, with tens of millions of cubic meters of soil moved and initial foundation works progressing rapidly.
Upcoming phases include structural steel assembly, district utilities, and early superstructure development. The first phase, centered around the Mukaab, is expected to open by 2030, setting the stage for a new era of urban living in Riyadh.
Investment Outlook: The Business of the Future City
For developers and investors, New Murabba offers an unprecedented opportunity. With PIF backing and Vision 2030 alignment, the project is designed to attract both domestic and international capital into one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the world.
Investment opportunities include:
- Residential and branded residences
- Hospitality and leisure developments
- Retail and cultural destinations
- Sustainable infrastructure and clean-tech ventures
Riyadh’s population is projected to exceed 10 million by 2030, driving strong demand for housing, hospitality, and commercial spaces. As a government-led, globally backed mega-project, New Murabba offers long-term value, stability, and prestige for forward-looking investors.
A Legacy in the Making
New Murabba is not just building structures — it’s building identity. It embodies the next chapter in Riyadh’s evolution: a city that looks to its roots while shaping the world ahead.
When complete, it will stand as a living monument to Saudi ambition, redefining what a city can be in the 21st century — sustainable, connected, cultural, and visionary.
For those who build, invest, or simply dream of cities that inspire, New Murabba is the next great urban story.
