New Murabba & The Mukaab: Riyadh Mega Project
Introduction to New Murabba & The Mukaab
New Murabba & The Mukaab – A project of the New Murabba and Mukaab, the New Murabba and Mukaab are the two largest projects to transform Riyadh‘s downtown area; these will likely become world-class infrastructures, modern cities with high-quality equity. With these developments, the city will have state-of-the-art amenities for residential living (both single-family and multi-family), commercial offices, hotels, recreational facilities (e.g., cinemas, stadiums, convention centers), and digital communications/technology.
A significant part of the New Murabba and Mukaab will include building a large, seven-story, modern, downtown, skyscraper called the Mukaab. The Mukaab is actually a structure designed to house multiple businesses and services at one-time; it will include approximately one million square feet and consist of approximately 250 condominiums and flats ranging from 500-1,500 square feet (approximately 180,000 total residential units).
Vision of the New Murabba Development- New Murabba & The Mukaab
The purpose of the New Murabba & The Mukaab is to develop Riyadh as an international urban centre through the establishment of a fully integrated “smart” urban centre that promotes economic diversification and enhances quality of life.
The New Murabba & The Mukaab Project objectives of this initiative include:
- Creating a new downtown core for Riyadh
- Creating a leading tourist/entertainment destination
- Building a strong infrastructure system for a ‘smart city’
- Enhancing transportation and connectivity network
- Attracting global investment and talent
Key Features - New Murabba & The Mukaab
1. A Symbol of Architectural World Heritage – New Murabba & The Mukaab
The Mukaab represents a new image for New Murabba. The cube-shaped building signifies innovation, scale, and the design of tomorrow.
2. Mixed Use Urban Development – New Murabba & The Mukaab
The New Murabba & The Mukaab project will also feature:
- Residential neighbourhoods
- High-end hotels
- Stores
- Offices
- Cultural and entertainment areas
3. Digital Smart City Development – New Murabba & The Mukaab
New Murabba will be a digital smart city with:
- Real time data using augmented reality and artificial intelligence to improve infrastructure
- Instant traffic-improvement options
- Utility integration
- Fast internet access with Fiber Optic nodes and other methods
4. Sustainable Design & Urban Planning – New Murabba & The Mukaab
Sustainability of the environment is part of the New Murabba & The Mukaab project’s overall design with examples of:
- Energy conservation through smart technology
- Water conservation through innovative systems
- Use of sustainability materials for building construction
- Fully integrated underground utility systems
Benefits of New Murabba & The Mukaab for Saudi Arabia
New Murabba & The Mukaab Project Goal is to Advance the future of all. Goal of the project is to reduce reliance on Oil by strengthening these areas:
Economic Development – New Murabba & The Mukaab
- Tourism Industry
- Real Estate Industry
- Construction Industry
- Technology Industry
- Entertainment Industry
Job Creation – New Murabba & The Mukaab
There will be thousands of job opportunities created in the following areas:
- Engineering
- Construction
- Hospitality
- Smart systems/infrastructure
- Global Tourism Destination
Mukaab is expected to create a Landmark as one of the worlds top global destinations with millions of visitors annually.
Urban Evolution – New Murabba & The Mukaab
Riyadh will develop as an urban evolution that includes next generation, high technology and improved quality living for its residents.
Infrastructure Backbone of New Murabba & The Mukaab
Major developments of this type necessitate extensive, cutting-edge underground infrastructure networks/ systems, capable of supporting utility, communication and environmental sustainability systems.
Fundamental infrastructure/ systems required include:
- Water supply systems/ networks
- Sewerage and drainage systems
- Electrical cable protection systems
- Telecommunications Fibre Optic Networks
- Smart City Utility Corridors
Types of Pipes Used in New Murabba Project
HDPE Pipe
The HDPE pipe is critical to high-performance infrastructure systems due to their durability and flexibility.
Applications:
- Water Distribution Systems
- Fire Protection Systems
- Utility Pipelines
- Irrigation Systems
Specifications:
- Material: PE100 Grade
- Pressure Rating: PN10 – PN20
- Joint Type: Fusion (Butt/Electrofusion)
- Resistance: High Chemical and Corrosion Resistance
Standards:
- ISO 4427
- ASTM D3035
- SASO Compliance
PVC Conduits
The electrical and telecommunications network are primarily protected by PVC conduits.
Uses of the product:
1. Electrical wiring installation
2. Lighting on the street
3. CCTV installation
4. Low-voltage networking
Advantages of the product:
1. Lightweight, easy to install
2. Cost-effective
3. Not corroded
4. Excellent insulation
Standards applicable to the product include:
1. ISO 1452
2. IEC electrical safety standards.
Corrugated HDPE Pipes
Corrugated pipes are critical for drainage and underground protection systems.
Applications:
- Stormwater Management Drainage
- Roads and Infrastructure
- Cable Protection
- Wastewater treatment
Features:
- High ring stiffness (SN4 / SN8)
- Double-wall structure
- High load resistance
- Long service life
Standards:
- EN 13476
- ASTM drainage standards
Telecom Microduct Systems
Modern smart cities require advanced fiber optic infrastructure.
Applications:
- FTTx networks
- Smart communication systems
- CCTV and surveillance networks
- Data connectivity infrastructure
Advantages:
- Easy fiber expansion
- Future-ready infrastructure
- Reduced maintenance costs
Construction Companies Involved in New Murabba
The major infrastructure development in Saudi Arabia are usually done with the help of major international companies that are part of large-scale developments. They include:
Public Investment Fund
The major contributor or investor responsible for many significant or large scale developments in Saudi Arabia.
New Murabba Development Company
This company was created specifically to support new mega projects, including Giga-Projects.
Saudi Binladin Group
The primary construction contractor for mega infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia.
Other contributors include:
- International Engineering Firms
- Utility Infrastructure Contractors
- Telecom & Digital Infrastructure Providers
Standards Followed in Construction
New Murabba adheres to stringent standards: global and local Saudi engineering standards have been established to maintain the reliable, safe and high-performance nature of this development.
International standards include:
• ISO 4427 (HDPE Pipes)
• ISO 1452 (PVC Systems)
• EN 13476 (Corrugated Pipes)
• ASTM Material Standards
Saudi standards include:
• Saudi Building Code (SBC)
• SASO product compliance
• Municipal Infrastructure Regulations
These standards ensure long-lasting and consistent reliable performance for large-scale urban developments like New Murabba.
How Saudi Ducts Supports New Murabba & The Mukaab
A Giga Urban Development Project (New Murabba & The Mukaab), which are two of the largest smart city and mixed-use mega projects worldwide are highly reliant on the presence of a properly functioning well-designed underground infrastructure network that conforms to approved standards. The three major elements of an underground construction network (water, electrical & drainage) require seamless coordination for efficient delivery of the mega project to final delivery and ongoing functionality.
Saudi Ducts provide significant support to EPC contractors, consultants and developers of infrastructure in the search for the most appropriate technical solutions and approved suppliers of utility networks required for the Giga Urban Development Projects.
Saudi Ducts Provide Strategic Infrastructure Support for Giga Urban Developments (New Murabba & The Mukaab)
The engineering demand for New Murabba & The Mukaab is not limited to what is visible on the ground (above ground); there will also be a considerable portion of infrastructure required underground in the form of utility corridors that will be needed to provide ongoing operational efficiency.
Strategic Infrastructure Support for New Murabba & The Mukaab
Saudi Ducts provide support to the Giga Urban Development Project by providing engineering and supplier discovery support for:
- HDPE duct systems (water & utility networks )
- PVC conduits for electrical/protective/control cables
- Corrugated HDPE drainage systems for storm and sanitary wastewater
- Telecom microduct systems for fibre optic and smart city infrastructure.
By aligning their product offerings with the engineering specifications, Saudi Ducts ensure that the infrastructure developed to support the long-term functioning of New Murabba & The Mukaab meets the approved parameters for engineering and end-use.
Maximizing the Efficiency of Mega Projects’ Procurement
One of the greatest obstacles to Mega Projects like The New Murabba and Mukaab is coordinating multiple contractors and/or suppliers and engineering consultants’ procurement processes.
Saudi Ducts acts as a central platform for technical knowledge on the various project teams:
– allows teams to compare similar product specifications among approved suppliers;
– allows teams to decide what materials will best fit the application/environment;
– reduces time to procure Infrastructure;
– ensures adherence to the engineering standards defined for the project.
The simplified process will improve the ability of all stakeholders involved in the New Murabba and Mukaab Infrastructure packages to remain on schedule and coordinate better.
Telecommunications and Smart City Infrastructure Support
Both the New Murabba and Mukaab’s Planned development will be fully connected Smart City Districts. For this to happen, high capacity telecommunications infrastructure is required to support connectivity among:
– FPTH networks;
– Smart Surveillance Systems;
– Digital City Services;
– High-speed data transportation networks.
Saudi Ducts provides comprehensive telecom duct system guidance, including micro duct systems, fibre optic duct system protection and management of underground cable systems.
These systems are critical to creating a future-ready digital backbone of both New Murabba and Mukaab; thereby creating seamless connectivity across residential, commercial and entertainment districts.
Ensuring Compliance with International Engineering Standards
Theoretically, any new building or extension will comply with Saudi and international engineering standards for infrastructure materials, but in practice, this doesn’t happen consistently. Ensuring that the materials used in New Murabba & The Mukaab comply with stringent Saudi and international engineering standards will deliver a higher level of safety, longevity and performance from these products.
By having technical knowledge and understanding of how products align to various standards, including:
- ISO standards related to HDPE and PVC piping systems
- ASTM material testing standards and performance standards
- EN standards related to drainage and corrugated pipes
- Saudi Building Code (SBC) requirements
- SASO certification guidelines
Supporting Sustainable and Future-Ready Infrastructure
The development of New Murabba & The Mukaab is based on the principles of sustainability. As such, all infrastructure systems must not only be durable but also environmentally friendly and efficient over their lifetime.
Saudi Ducts is committed to supporting future-ready infrastructure systems through:
- HDPE pipe systems with long life and low maintenance
- Lightweight PVC conduit systems that have limited installation impacts
- Effective corrugated drainage systems to manage water
- Expandable telecom duct systems to allow room for future upgrades
As a result of the products selected for construction of the infrastructure in New Murabba & The Mukaab, there will be flexibility and adaptability for future growth without requiring major renovations or reconstruction.
Working Together Between EPCs and Other Infrastructure Users
Infrastructure projects such as New Murabba and The Mukaab require the involvement of many various stakeholders, including:
– Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors
– Utility providers
– Engineering consultants
– Government agencies
Saudi Ducts supports collaboration between these users by providing them with:
– Technical specifications for products used in infrastructure
– Assistance with selecting materials that meet specific applications
– Information regarding qualifying and certifying suppliers
– Best practices for ducting and utility systems
Through this type of collaborative approach, all stakeholders improve their efficiency of decision-making and the quality of their project execution across all infrastructure layers associated with both New Murabba and The Mukaab.
Saudi Ducts – Long Term Enablement of Infrastructure
As New Murabba and The Mukaab are developed into a world-class urban project, there will be an ongoing need to expand and develop the infrastructure required to support them. To support the long-term roadmap, Saudi Ducts will continue to provide:
– Verified product information for infrastructure products
– Supplier networks throughout Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
– Technical assistance for evolving engineering requirements
– Support for fibre-to-the-x (FTTx) and smart city deployments
The Saudi Ducts ecosystem supports the development of resilient, scalable, and future-proof infrastructure that supports the growth of New Murabba & The Mukaab as a landmark development in the global economy.
Conclusion - The New Murabba & The Mukaab
New Murabba & The Mukaab – One of the main objectives of the New Murabba & The Mukaab project will be to make Riyadh one of the most advanced smart cities in the world as part of Saudi Vision 2030.
The New Murabba & The Mukaab’s iconic architecture, mixed-use developments, and advanced digital infrastructure will set new standards in urban planning, and smart city design for cities around the world.
To provide the infrastructure and utilities needed to support the above development, a robust technology platform Saudi Ducts has been created to connect developers with certified suppliers, and support the entire infrastructure backbone of the planned mega city.
Frequently Asked Questions - The New Murabba & The Mukaab
1. What is New Murabba & The Mukaab?
It is a mega urban development project in Riyadh featuring a smart city district and a massive cube-shaped landmark.
2. Why is The Mukaab important?
It will become one of the world’s largest architectural landmarks and a global tourism attraction.
3. Which pipes are used in the project?
HDPE pipes, PVC conduits, corrugated pipes, and telecom microduct systems.
4. Why are HDPE pipes used in mega projects?
They offer durability, corrosion resistance, and long service life.
5. What standards are followed?
ISO, ASTM, EN, and Saudi Building Code standards.
6. What is the role of telecom infrastructure?
It supports smart city systems, fiber networks, and digital connectivity.
7. Which companies are involved?
Public Investment Fund, New Murabba Development Company, and major contractors.
8. How does Saudi Ducts help?
It connects developers with certified suppliers and provides technical guidance.
9. Is the project part of Vision 2030?
Yes, it is a key giga project under Saudi Vision 2030.
10. Why is New Murabba important for Riyadh?
It transforms Riyadh into a global smart city and economic hub.