Inside New Murabba: A New Era for Riyadh’s Downtown Landscape

New Murabba is a revolutionary project that stands as the world’s largest modern downtown, currently under construction in northwestern Riyadh and easternmost Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. Announced in February 2023 by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this mixed-use development will span an impressive 19 km² (7 sq mi) and is designed to redefine and transform the concept of futuristic urban living in the kingdom's capital.

This blog will provide a breakdown of what goes inside this mixed-use development and what we can expect. 

Project Overview

New Murabba is part of the broader plans of Vision 2030. It focuses on establishing a new city district that serves as a gateway to another world. The project will reshape the downtown landscape of Riyah, reshape its skyline, and promise significant economic benefits. 

It is expected to add 180 billion Saudi riyals ($48 billion) to non-oil GDP and create 334,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030. The development, once completed, will play a crucial role in helping Riyadh to be among the world’s top ten livable cities. 

Mission 

We boldly push the boundaries of technology and development, create the world's largest downtown experience, and deliver a sustainable legacy for Riyadh and the Kingdom.

Vision 

A gateway to another world

We aim to creating the world's largest downtown experience, offering an immersive urban lifestyle that embodies the essence of modern Saudi Arabia.

Where is it located? 

The New Murabba district is located in Central Riyadh, encompassing the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, which includes Al Murabba Palace, the National Museum, gardens, and cultural facilities. 

The development is bordered by major road networks like Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi bin Turki (to the west) and King Faisal Road (to the east), reflecting the area's central and cultural character. This unique blend of modernity and history makes downtown an ideal choice for anyone looking to live in an upscale neighbourhood. 

What are the strategic pillars behind the project? 

People-First Design

New Murabba is designed for people, focusing on immersive and healthy living. From open green spaces to walkable communities, innovative mobility solutions, and world-class facilities, it helps residents enjoy a balanced lifestyle with everything they need reachable within a 15-minute walk. 

Sustainability

Using smart technology 25% of the New Murabba will be covered in greenery, lush parks, plazas, promoting the idea of a green city with excellent quality of life and well-being. The project will be a natural, sustainable downtown that promotes green developments. It will also include wadi-front living and energy-efficient infrastructure to create an inclusive ecosystem for both residents and the environment alike.

Innovation

New Murabba is a mixed-use development that will leverage a suite of smart city infrastructures, nourishing an ecosystem of advanced innovative technology that improves quality of life. The city will see a super application that streamlines public services. AI-powered solutions, machine learning, and open data initiatives will further promote innovation, unlock insights, and enhance automation across government sectors for a better tomorrow. 

What makes New Murabba a fully integrated urban destination?

Mukaab 

At the center of the city stands the iconic Mukaab, a monumental cubic landmark and mega-skyscraper, measuring 400 metres high, 400 metres wide, and 400 metres long, designed to serve as the focal point of the city’s new downtown. It will combine retail, hospitality, cultural, and entertainment attractions with commercial and residential spaces. This integration will be one of the largest built structures in the world, defining Riyadh’s new skyline.

Residences 

The project will offer luxury residences perfect for individuals, families, and couples. It is expected to house 90,000 residential units to suit all styles, such as homes and villas, setting a new standard in high-quality urban living. For residents, everything in downtown will be within a 15-20 minute walk, with a vibrant social scene and a healthy living environment.

Community 

The lush green parks and plazas in the community connect the New Murabba’s neighbourhood with relaxing, healthy, and social environments. It is designed with smart waste plans to lower carbon impact. There are also recreational areas with 150 km of paths for walking and cycling, around a natural landscape, encouraging an active lifestyle and biodiversity, making it one of the best places to live in. 

Mobility 

One of the most outstanding features of the New Murabba is its focus on promoting walkability and an active lifestyle with easy access to all essential amenities. It has an 11km mobility loop free from traffic, and additional transport options such as autonomous vehicles, buses, metros, bikes, scooters, and urban air transport modes. Residents can also easily access King Salman and King Khalid Roads, with smart traffic systems helping reduce congestion.

What services and amenities will be available in the city? 

New Murabba strikes the perfect balance between authenticity and modernity, boasting a range of essential services, including healthcare centres, mosques, schools, and proximity to renowned hospitals and universities. 

Recreational and cultural facilities are also available in the district, with options like the National Museum and King Abdullah Park, making it suitable for families and young professionals. 

The careful integration of convenience across all their facilities makes this futuristic downtown a highly desirable destination for living and investing. 

Key Takeaways 

New Murabba presents a thoughtfully designed urban destination that balances modern, structured living with Riyadh’s unique cultural character, offering calm, connected neighbourhoods and a distinctive sense of place. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, the project is planned to be completed by 2030, with its iconic Mukaab and core community elements scheduled for delivery in time for the global Expo that year, transforming the city’s downtown into a future-ready hub of living, working, and leisure.