The New Murabba Development Company (NMDC) has appointed AtkinsRéalis to support the design of the New Murabba masterplan, the world's largest modern downtown in Riyadh, and the Mukaab, an immersive destination that will revolutionize the way in which people experience hospitality, retail and leisure. A signing ceremony, attended by Sabah Barakat, Acting CEO, New Murabba Development Company, and Campbell Gray, CEO of AtkinsRéalis, Middle East & Africa, was held to mark this milestone and celebrate the ongoing support to deliver Riyadh's new iconic destination. After successfully winning the international architectural and master planning competition for Riyadh's new icon, AtkinsRéalis will provide its world-class advisory, architecture, masterplanning and engineering services to deliver this project, a cornerstone to the visionary reinvention of the Kingdom's capital city.

Contributing to the city's future development in line with the Saudi Vision 2030, the New Murabba masterplan is inspired by Riyadh's original balance with nature, and its design is focused on a data-driven approach to sustainability, user convenience, reduction in the need for transport, walkability and people-centric design of its public realm. AtkinsRéalis's competition-winning scheme is inspired by Najdi Architecture, with a focus on creating a futuristic landmark with deep contextual roots that blends Riyadh's cultural heritage with its future ambitions. The Mukaab, which means cube in Arabic, will be the world's largest immersive destination providing innovative experiences driven by digital and virtual technology.

The Mukaab's exterior envelop shrouds an internal skyscraper, which will be one of the largest built structures in the world's history, standing 400m high, 400m wide, and 400m long. The design of the Mukaab will also include first-of-its-kind hospitality, F&B and retail facilities.