The Mukaab

New Murabba – Riyadh Newest Masterplan and Premier Real Estate Investment Destination

New Murabba has set the Riyadh Investment landscape ablaze with the announcement of the world’s largest downtown area. The scale of the project is awe-inspiring, focusing on the world’s largest structure, the ‘Mukaab’. Off-plan Dubai, at the end of 2023 and throughout 2024/25, has aggressively worked the Saudi market, as we believe it holds some of the world’s most interesting opportunities, with the opening of Premium Residency and the level of wealth entering the region.

Off Plan Dubai will be aligning with New Murabba, a PIF-funded developer, and will provide investors with options for purchasing some of the most exciting Real Estate anywhere in the world. As with any significant new development, it is essential to examine both the Pros and potential Cons.

Here’s a comprehensive look at New Murabba and what it means for Riyadh, including whether residential units are a wise investment in New Murabba.


📌 What is New Murabba?

Scale & scope

  • Massive 19 km² (≈25 million m² of built area) mixed-use district in northwestern Riyadh, launched Feb 2023 as part of Vision 2030
  • It will house 104k–119k residential units, 9k hotel rooms, 980k–1.4 M m² office space, ≥500k m² retail, 620k m² leisure, 180–1.8 M m² community facilities, a 45k-seat stadium, university, museum, and 80+ cultural venues

The Mukaab

  • A central 400 m cube skyscraper — tallest, widest, longest — offering immersive retail, hospitality, residential, cultural, digital experiences, topped with creative tech holographics
  • Aims to be the world’s largest by volume and a digital‑physical landmark

Smart & sustainable city

  • Designed as a 15‑minute city with walkable green corridors, cycling, internal transit, smart energy grids, water reuse, waste recycling, and EV charging.

Economic ambition

  • Projected to add SAR 180 billion (~USD 48 billion) to non‑oil GDP and create 334k jobs by 2030

🌆 Impact on Saudi Arabia & Riyadh Market

Urban tech hub & tourism magnet
It solidifies Riyadh’s position as a global destination for culture and innovation, attracting businesses and talent. New Murabba aim to build the most diverse and forward-thinking Downtown anywhere in the world.

Infrastructure catalyst
With Metro and metro‑adjacent transport links, internal public transit, and proximity to the airport, this zone will redefine connectivity.

Real-estate ripple effect

  • Residential prices in Riyadh average SAR 5,500/m² (£1,050/m²); units inside New Murabba are expected to fetch SAR 8,500/m² (~£1,630/m²)
  • Commercial and retail spaces are also expected to command premium pricing, benefiting from increased visitor and tenant demand.

Foreign investment & stability

  • Full foreign ownership rules in Saudi developments, along with the Riyadh riyal’s peg to the USD, provide predictability.
  • Partnerships with global firms (e.g., Bechtel, Turner Arabia) underpin confidence.

🏠 Is Residential a Good Investment?

Pros

  • High-quality infrastructure: innovative technology, sustainability, community amenities, educational, and health facilities.
  • Rising prices: built-in premium with clear upside if demand mirrors global mixed-use developments.
  • Early-bird advantage: Buying pre-construction or during the early phase is likely to yield better returns.
  • Regulatory openness: regulator-friendly for international investors.

Cons

  • Megaproject risks: ambitious timelines can slip; New Murabba targets 2030 finish.
  • Construction intensity: current chatter suggests that build quality is high, but surrounding construction noise and congestion are expected to persist for a while.
  • Pricing sensitivity: Will premium pricing be sustained? Riyadh’s broader market must absorb high‑end products.

🎯 Final Take — Strategic Investment?

  • Long-term residential: yes — particularly for luxury apartments or family condos with high finishes and tech features.
  • Buy‑to‑let: promising if rental demand arrives from professionals working in the district and short‑term stays.
  • Speculative flip: Riskier pricing may plateau if rollout delays or broader market softens.

Bottom line: New Murabba is a visionary development that boosts Riyadh’s real estate trajectory. For well-capitalised investors targeting high-end residential, especially those entering early, it presents a strong opportunity — but do your due diligence on construction updates and phasing.


📅 What to Watch

  1. Construction progress — excavation nearly done, vertical build phase starting summer 2025
  2. Transport links — completion dates for metro/rail lines influencing connectivity premium.
  3. Market velocity — rental and sales absorption rates in nearby early‑phase units (some real-time rental → ~SAR 50k/year for 3 BHK in newer Murabba areas)

Conclusion
As a transformational urban development, New Murabba is poised to reshape Riyadh’s skyline and economy. Residential units here are likely among the best positioned for capital growth, especially for investors who are comfortable with multi-year horizons and potential project volatility.

Please let me know if you’d like insights on specific unit types, pricing trends, or financing options.

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    The floor plans and brochure for this development will be emailed to you once you request further information from us.