The “New Square” Alters the Modern Life’s Notion in Riyadh

Saudi Vision 2030 includes several ambitious projects, including the “New Square” project in Riyadh. Rivalling the most renowned capitals in the world, it will transform the city’s future with its architectural magnificence and varied amenities.

Notably, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman started this project in 2023 as a major component of the Kingdom’s endeavours to diversify its revenue streams and lessen its reliance on oil.

Under the direction of the “New Square Development Company,” a division of the Public Investment Fund, it seeks to turn Riyadh, the capital, into a major global hub for innovation, tourism, entertainment, and contemporary industries.

Riyadh’s Contemporary Downtown Icon

The “New Square” is a 19-square-kilometre, most elegant modern downtown in Riyadh, located northwest of the city at the intersection of King Khalid and King Salman Roads. It is 20 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, making key city centres more accessible and offering direct connections.

Remarkably, the Saudi capital’s largest project, the square, aims to blend efficiency and comfort in 2025. Its unique feature is its simplicity in exploring and navigating. Its state-of-the-art transport system allows for quick exploration in five minutes and fast access to facilities in fifteen minutes.

Additionally, the project uses cutting-edge infrastructure to serve the needs of locals and guests, families and individuals alike, and it has various amenities intended to offer a remarkable everyday experience that cannot be found elsewhere. Besides, its environmentally friendly design uses renewable energy sources, energy-efficient buildings, and efficient waste and recycling systems. The parks and green areas set aside for twenty-five per cent of the public space will enhance biodiversity and the standard of living.

Moreover, modern technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and open data initiatives will power the project’s management systems to increase operational efficiency, lower resource consumption, and improve the comfort and well-being of residents within a smart city environment.

The development comprises 1.4 million square meters of office space, 620,000 square meters of recreational facilities, 1.8 million square meters of community facilities, 9,000 hotel rooms, 980,000 square meters of retail space, and more than 104,000 residential units. By 2030, the first phase—which will include about 8,000 residential units and house about 35,000 people—should be finished.

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The Cube: The New Square’s Crown Jewel

One of the most significant elements of the New Square project is The Cube, a massive architectural undertaking at its centre. When it opened in February 2023, it seemed sure to transform Riyadh’s landscape. Likewise, this iconic structure has a unique design that draws inspiration from the genuine traditional Najdi style. When finished, it will rank among the largest architectural structures in a city worldwide, with dimensions of 400 metres in height, length, and width.

Construction of the Cube is taking place on an area of roughly 2 million square meters. The world’s first destination utilising the newest digital and virtual reality technologies will be located within, providing an unparalleled interactive experience that combines technology and creativity.

Further, the structure will include retail establishments, entertainment venues, hotel and residential units, and various commercial, cultural, and tourism facilities. The spiral base of the building is a major feature that draws attention to the distinctive landmark’s functional and aesthetic aspects. Encircling it are eleven major entertainment zones, each designed to offer a different experience to all audiences.

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Sports Stadium

On July 16, 2024, the Public Investment Fund-owned development company, which is also a part of the Al-Murabba project, unveiled the “New Al-Murabba Stadium” design in Riyadh. It seems likely that construction will be finished in 2032, having started in 2027. The Kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup included this stadium.

The acacia tree’s beauty served as the inspiration for the stadium’s distinctive design, which combines the best aspects of nature and design. Furthermore, it will have more than 45,000 seats when finished, and it will have multipurpose areas for competitions, exhibitions, entertainment performances, and sporting events. The newest technology will also be available to participants and fans.

Last but not least, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030-based major projects include NEOM, Diriyah Gate, Qiddiya, Asir, and Amaala, of which the New Al-Murabba project is only one. In the areas of innovation, technology, and tourism, the Kingdom will be able to compete with the world’s best nations thanks to all of these groundbreaking projects.

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