Saudi Arabia In Riyadh, work has begun on the Mukaab, a massive golden cube structure that could be the largest building in the world. Kaaba The holy place in Mecca.

Murabba Development Company (MDC) announced that the $50 billion project will be 400 meters high, 400 meters long and 400 meters wide.

According to MDC, approximately 900 workers and 250 excavators are on site each day to complete the project.

“This achievement highlights the rapid pace of development and the strong commitment to creating the world’s largest modern urban centre,” MDC said in a statement. he said.

Designed by engineering company AtkinsRealis, the building will be the centerpiece of the New Murabba development in the northwestern part of the Saudi capital and will include more than 100,000 homes in an area of ​​19 square kilometers.

The news that construction work would begin in the building was met with criticism by social media users.

While some described it as a good way to diversify Saudi Arabia’s oil-based economy and open it further to tourism, others criticized its resemblance to the Islamic holy Kaaba.

Saudi Arabia is starting the construction of Makaab, the world’s largest building, which can accommodate 20 Empire State Buildings, at a cost of $50 billion. pic.twitter.com/pVrMxduMj4

— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) October 25, 2024

“Let me get this straight… They are building a replica of the Kaaba but with gold in which all sorts of un-Islamic things will happen! I get it! Well done Saudis are just waving the sign at this point”, one person commented.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) said the development will have retail, hospitality, entertainment and office space facilities and is believed to be large enough to house 20 Empire State Buildings when completed.

While the project is spearheaded by the Kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the building’s design and architecture are said to be inspired by styles found in the region. Najd The region in the central part of Saudi Arabia.

The structure is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which has faced some backlash over ongoing human rights violations in the country and has been called a “whitewash” by some rights groups.

Mukaab building is planned to be completed on time Fair 2030The event will be hosted by the Gulf kingdom.