Inside New Murabba: Constructing Riyadh’s Futuristic Downtown

New Murabba stands as the world's largest modern downtown project currently under construction in northwestern Riyadh and easternmost Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. Announced in February 2023 by Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, this ambitious development spans an impressive 19 km² (7 sq mi) and is designed to transform urban living in the kingdom's capital.

The project is not only reshaping Riyadh's skyline but also promising significant economic benefits, projected to add 180 billion Saudi riyals ($48 billion) to non-oil GDP and create 334,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030. At its center stands the iconic Mukaab, set to measure 400 meters in height, length, and width, making it the largest built structure on the planet. Furthermore, New Murabba exemplifies the modern smart city concept where all areas can be accessed within a 15-minute walking distance. As Saudi Arabia works toward positioning Riyadh among the world's top 10 most livable cities, New Murabba plays a crucial role in achieving this Vision 2030 objective.

What is New Murabba and why it matters

Located at the intersection of King Khalid Road and King Salman Road in northwestern Riyadh, New Murabba represents a groundbreaking approach to urban development in Saudi Arabia. This expansive project covers over 19 square kilometers and will feature more than 25 million square meters of floor space upon completion.

A new downtown in Al Murabba Riyadh

The vision for New Murabba extends beyond mere infrastructure it aims to create a vibrant urban core that redefines the concept of downtown living. As a 15-minute city, the development ensures that residents can access essential amenities within a walking radius. The project includes 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hospitality units, 980,000 square meters of commercial space, and 1.4 million square meters of office space. Additionally, approximately 1.8 million square meters are dedicated to community facilities, with another 620,000 square meters reserved for entertainment venues.

Strategically positioned just a 20-minute drive from King Khalid International Airport, the development will serve as a gateway to another world while remaining connected to the city's transportation network.

Part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030

New Murabba epitomizes Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiatives, acting as a cornerstone in the kingdom's economic diversification strategy. Through promoting sustainable development and fostering innovation, the project aims to significantly reduce dependency on oil revenues.

The development is expected to contribute SAR 180 billion to non-oil GDP and generate 334,000 direct and indirect jobs by its completion in 2030. This economic impact, coupled with its focus on sustainability and quality of life, underscores New Murabba's integral role in transforming Saudi Arabia's economy and society.

How Kodifly's 4DRC Suite Can Transform the New Murabba in Riyadh

The sheer scale and ambition of New Murabba demand a new standard of construction oversight and project delivery. Kodifly’s 4D Reality Capture (4DRC) Suite, combining fixed‑point LiDAR, handheld SLAM LiDAR, drone LiDAR, and AI-powered software, provides exactly that, delivering critical advantages across every phase of New Murabba’s development.

3D Site Scanning & Digital Twin Creation

With high‑precision coverage (±2 cm accuracy), Kodifly’s 4DRC enables detailed 3D digital replicas of New Murabba’s evolving site, supporting real-time progress monitoring, clash detection, and seamless BIM integration for a project of this complexity.

Progress Tracking & Quality Control

For a megaproject like New Murabba, early detection of deviations is key. Regular site scans with Kodifly’s 4DRC compare as-built conditions against design models, minimizing costly rework and keeping construction on schedule.

Enhanced Safety & Reduced Manual Inspection

By reducing reliance on manual site inspections, Kodifly’s automated LiDAR-based monitoring enhances worker safety, crucial for New Murabba’s vast and dynamic construction zones. Drone-mounted LiDAR further extends coverage into hazardous or restricted areas.

Actionable Insights via AI-powered Analysis

Kodifly’s AI-driven platform processes massive point cloud datasets in real time, automatically classifying site elements, detecting anomalies, and issuing alerts, empowering New Murabba’s project teams with faster, smarter decision-making.

Full Project Visibility & Stakeholder Alignment

New Murabba’s success hinges on seamless collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and government stakeholders. Kodifly’s digital twins enable remote access and shared insights, fostering alignment and reducing onsite coordination delays.

Efficiency Gains & Cost Savings

By accelerating data collection, automating manual tasks, and reducing human error, Kodifly’s 4DRC Suite boosts operational efficiency and cuts down on unnecessary labor and material costs, critical for a high-investment project like New Murabba.

4D Simulation for Scheduling & Risk Mitigation

Linking LiDAR-generated models with project schedules allows Kodifly’s system to run 4D simulations, helping New Murabba’s project leaders identify scheduling risks, optimize construction workflows, and proactively address safety challenges.

Why This Matters for New Murabba

Managing a smart city megaproject like New Murabba demands real-time, data-driven oversight, and that’s precisely what Kodifly’s end-to-end 4DRC Solution delivers. From precision measurement to proactive risk management, Kodifly empowers New Murabba with the technological edge it needs to execute on its vision of innovation, transparency, and sustainable urban development.

Want to see how Kodifly’s smart city solutions can empower your next project?
Visit our website to explore our AI-powered LiDAR, digital twin, and construction solutions.