Misk City: Redefining Urban Living as the First Nonprofit City

What is MISK City? 

Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City, also known as Misk City or MBS City in short, is the first nonprofit city of its kind. Established by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in 2011, Misk City is a non-profit organisation that aims to foster and encourage learning and leadership in the youth for a better future in Saudi Arabia. 

Misk City is part of Vision 2030, focusing on creating a vibrant and innovative ecosystem within a human-centric city that empowers youth and promotes a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. It is a mixed-use urban development in Riyadh to be recognised as the world’s first nonprofit city. 

Vision and Mission Behind Misk City 

Born from the legacy of the Misk Foundation Riyadh, which has empowered Saudi youth for over a decade, Misk City serves as its living extension - a purpose-built environment for learning, leadership, and collaboration.

Vision

Creating a dynamic ecosystem for young Saudi talents to shape the future of the kingdom and the world.

Mission

Enable future leaders and entrepreneurs through innovative programs in education, culture, science, and technology.

The Misk Foundation hosts the Youth Majlis as a dedicated platform to amplify the voices of young people and connect them with global leaders, innovators, and policymakers.

How Misk Foundation Supports Saudi Youth

The Misk Foundation Riyadh helps the Saudi youth through two core pillars:

1. Education & Entrepreneurship: providing training, incubation, and leadership development.

2. Culture & Creative Arts: promoting storytelling, media, and innovation as national strengths.

By partnering with local and international organisations, Misk builds programmes that turn talent into economic and intellectual capital.
Its initiatives range from the Youth Majlis and Misk Art Institute to entrepreneurship bootcamps and global fellowships.

“Through the Misk Foundation, we take initiatives, encourage innovation and, in turn, ensure sustainability and growth to achieve the higher goal: developing the human mind.”

HRH. Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz

Founder, Chairman of the Board

Project Implementation and Scale 

The vision behind Misk City is implemented by a masterplan proposed by the renowned German architecture and urban planning firm AS+P, which won an international competition for the project design. 

The Misk City project is implemented in an 840-acre (3.4 square kilometre) site along the Western Ring Road in Riyadh. It is strategically located in the south of Wadi Hanifa and north of the Irqah Neighbourhood, accessible within a 20-minute drive from Riyadh Downtown. 

The announced design partners for Misk City include Australian architecture practice Conrad Gargett and international company Brewer Smith Brewer Group (BSBG), with the UK’s Buro Happold as engineers. 

The total investment of the Misk City project is estimated at around SAR20.4 billion ($5.4 billion). The project manager for the first phase of construction is Mace, a UK-based company. 

Misk City will feature educational institutions, offices, arts, sports facilities, exhibitions, and entertainment opportunities, alongside residential, retail spaces, and hotel accommodations, cultivating a dynamic lifestyle and creative environment. The project is designed to accommodate 18,000 residents, 25,000 employees, 450 companies, and attract 8 million visitors annually.

Sustainability Measures

The Misk City plan promises 44% open green spaces, trails, and parks with a special focus on the natural context of the Wadi Hanifah. The project also incorporates an intelligent transport system with plans to emphasise the “15-minute city to become a prime example of modern and integrated urban transport. The Misk city will feature smart and sustainable cooling and shading system designed to provide a comfortable outdoor environment.

Misk City, the world’s first nonprofit city in Riyadh, is an 840-acre youth-focused hub that combines innovation, education, culture, and sustainable urban living.

Components of The Misk City 

Misk City is organised around a central spine known as The Lifeline, which links residential, educational, and entrepreneurial zones.

Key Components:

• The Lifeline: Main artery connecting workplaces, public amenities, and housing.

• Misk Foundation Centre: Symbolic core and administrative hub.

• Al Mishraq: Central business and retail district.

• Misk Art Institute: Cultural platform nurturing creative talent.

• Ilmi Science Discovery & Innovation Centre: Interactive STEM education for learners of all ages.

• Misk Schools: Flagship institutes training the Kingdom’s future leaders.

• The City Hub: Mixed-use venue for events (up to 4 500 people).

• Manga Productions: Home to Saudi animation, gaming, and digital media.

• Forum Offices: Corporate spaces for business and foundation partners.

Together, these elements build a youth-driven innovation district that combines knowledge, culture, and sustainability.

Misk City and Vision 2030

Misk City advances Vision 2030’s objectives to empower citizens, foster creativity, and diversify the economy.
By integrating education, entrepreneurship, and urban livability, it represents the shift toward a human-centred economy rooted in innovation.

Flexible Workspaces in Riyadh: Fueling Innovation and Youth Talent

At The Executive Centre (TEC), we share Misk City’s vision for empowering the next generation of leaders.

Located in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), our Riyadh workspaces connect businesses to the Kingdom’s most vibrant innovation and education hubs.

Our offerings include:

• premium serviced offices & enterprise suites with premium infrastructure.

• Coworking spaces designed for collaboration and creativity.

• Meeting and event venues equipped for modern hybrid business needs.

Get in touch with us to learn how TEC can support your organisation in building sustainable growth within Riyadh’s transforming urban landscape.

Key Takeaways 

• World’s first nonprofit city, created by the Misk Foundation.

• Youth-focused ecosystem uniting education, entrepreneurship, and culture.

• SAR 20.4 billion investment in an 840-acre smart urban district.

• 44 % green space and a “15-minute city” mobility model.

• Home to Misk Foundation Riyadh and global knowledge institutions.

• Supports Vision 2030 goals of innovation, livability, and youth empowerment.