Saudi Arabia has officially suspended construction on the Mukaab, a monumental cube-shaped megastructure that was planned as the centerpiece of downtown Riyadh’s New Murabba development. According to a Reuters report citing four sources with knowledge of the decision, the project is being paused while Saudi authorities conduct a comprehensive review of its financial viability and feasibility.
The Mukaab, initially conceived as an architectural marvel with each side spanning 400 meters, was designed to be large enough to contain 20 Empire State buildings within its volume. The structure was planned to feature an immense internal dome displaying advanced holographic AI imagery from a 300-meter-tall terrace, positioning it to become the world’s largest built structure.
This suspension represents the latest in a series of scaling back of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 projects amid financial constraints and shifting priorities. Three sources confirmed that work beyond initial soil excavation and pilings has been halted, though surrounding real estate developments in the New Murabba area will continue according to five informed sources.
The project had previously drawn significant criticism for its visual resemblance to the Kaaba in Mecca, Islam’s holiest site. While Saudi commentators defended the design as inspired by the Najd region and a contemporary reinterpretation of Riyadh’s Murabba Palace, the controversy added complexity to the project’s development.
The New Murabba development, originally scheduled for completion by 2030, has now been extended to 2040 and was estimated by Knight Frank real estate consultancy to cost approximately $50 billion – comparable to Jordan’s entire GDP.
This decision coincides with broader reassessments of Saudi megaprojects, including significant downsizing of the NEOM megacity project and its 170-kilometer linear city component. The Financial Times recently reported that NEOM is being repositioned to focus on industrial sectors, particularly data centers as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s push into artificial intelligence. Additionally, the Trojena ski resort within NEOM has been downsized and will no longer host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
These strategic shifts are partially attributed to stagnating oil prices and refocused efforts toward hard deadlines for the 2030 Expo international trade fair and the 2034 World Cup. Saudi Economy Minister Faisal al-Ibrahim acknowledged the transparent reassessment process, stating that the kingdom is not shying away from admitting necessary project delays and rescoping as part of its comprehensive Vision 2030 strategy review.