Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Mukaab Project Reportedly Halted Amidst Wider Mega-Project Revisions

Construction on Saudi Arabia’s colossal Mukaab mega-cube project, a flagship component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 redevelopment drive, has reportedly been put on hold. This development follows reports of scaled-down plans for other major Saudi ventures, including Neom’s Trojena ski resort and The Line, signalling a potential recalibration of the Kingdom’s ambitious diversification strategy.

Key Takeaways

Building work on the Mukaab’s main landmark structure has been suspended, with only initial excavation and piling continuing.
The Mukaab’s design is reportedly being revisited to align with a scale more suited to Riyadh’s existing urban fabric.
Other major Saudi projects, such as Neom’s Trojena and The Line, are also facing significant revisions and scale-downs.
These adjustments suggest a broader strategic shift in Saudi Arabia’s development priorities.

Mukaab Project Put On Ice

Building work on the Mukaab, a project backed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, commenced in October 2023. AtkinsRéalis was initially appointed as the masterplanner and winner of the international design competition for the new downtown district. However, in November, AECOM and Jacobs were brought on board for the detailed design phase. Just two months later, construction on the planned 2 million m² tower has reportedly been halted, according to sources cited by Reuters. While work on the main cube structure has been suspended beyond soil excavation and pilings, construction on the surrounding residential-led development, involving KPF, is understood to be ongoing.

A source familiar with the region suggests that AtkinsRéalis’s original vision for the gigantic cube will be redesigned to a scale more in keeping with downtown Riyadh’s predominantly residential character.

Wider Revisions to Saudi Mega-Projects

The Mukaab’s reported pause follows similar adjustments to other high-profile Saudi developments. Neom’s Trojena ski resort, designed by firms including Zaha Hadid Architects and Aedas, is reportedly being scaled down due to escalating costs. The mountain winter sports venue, slated to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, has had its timeline postponed to an unspecified future date. The decision was attributed to a “shared strategic commitment to the long-term and sustainable development of winter sports in Saudi Arabia.”

Furthermore, The Line, Neom’s ambitious linear city project, is also facing significant revisions. Reports indicate it will be substantially downscaled from its original 170km vision and redesigned. The first phase of The Line, overseen by Gensler, was initially expected to be completed by 2030, but its progression is now subject to a year-long review. Neom has stated that it is “always looking at how to phase and prioritise our initiatives so that they align with national objectives and create long-term value.”

Shifting Priorities

These developments come amid broader reports of a slowdown in Saudi Arabia’s construction sector. Some industry insiders suggest a recalibration of priorities, moving away from “batshit projects” towards venues for sports and events, such as the Qiddiya entertainment and leisure masterplan. Financial results from Gensler Europe revealed a decrease in its Middle East work, despite securing a substantial confidential contract, indicating a potential shift in the market dynamics for large-scale architectural and engineering firms operating in the region.

The wider Murabba development, of which the Mukaab is a part, was initially slated for completion by 2030. However, the anticipated deadline for this 19 million m² district has now been extended to 2040. This extensive development aims to create a new ’15-minute’ downtown for Riyadh, incorporating a museum, university, theatres, 100,000 new homes, 9,000 hotel rooms, and significant retail and office space.