Saudi Arabia has put the brakes on building its Mukaab mega-project. Originally scheduled for 2030, it is billed as the largest building in human history.
Straight out of a science-fiction film, the Mukaab is a vast cube measuring 400 metres on each side, conceived as a new national emblem. It sits within Vision 2030, the programme championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Reuters reported in January that work on the project has been suspended.
Why Saudi Arabia has suspended the Mukaab project
According to the news agency, four sources attribute the delay to financial considerations. Having earmarked $925 billion across a range of ambitious developments, Saudi Arabia is now scaling back its plans. The authorities are said to be prioritising projects with clearer returns, including schemes linked to Expo 2030 and the World Cup 2034, as well as major tourism destinations such as Qiddiya.
It is worth stressing that this is described as a suspension rather than a cancellation. Construction on the Mukaab in Riyadh has already started, with excavation completed. Reuters adds that delivery is now expected in 2040.
The Mukaab, a symbol of power willing to do anything to impress
Under Vision 2030, the Saudi leadership has unveiled a string of eye-catching projects. In Riyadh, the planned New Murabba district-a futuristic new city centre-is intended to signal a modernised country. The $50 billion development is presented as a neighbourhood featuring a huge stadium, a museum, a university, cinemas, shops and more.
At its heart is meant to stand the Mukaab: a city within a city. Over time, the building could house 400,000 residents. The structure is so expansive it could fit twenty Empire State Buildings inside-making it, in simple terms, the largest building ever proposed.
Other Vision 2030 schemes also slowed, including The Line
The Mukaab is not the only flagship development to be slowed. Saudi Arabia has also eased off on The Line, its linear “building city” that was meant to cut through the desert for 170 kilometres-an idea often compared to a cyberpunk dystopia.
While there has been no official announcement that The Line has been scrapped, it is expected to be significantly reduced.
A post-oil strategy-and domestic controversy around the Kaaba
These enormous projects share a clear objective: preparing for a future beyond oil. Taking Dubai as a reference point, Mohammed bin Salman aims to reshape the country into a major tourist and business hub, and one of the global centres of entertainment.
Even so, some of the plans may have been overly ambitious, particularly while oil prices remain low. Crude currently accounts for 40% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP.
As Reuters notes, the Mukaab sparked intense controversy in the country from the moment it was announced, due to its perceived resemblance to the Kaaba, a sacred structure for Muslims.
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