AECOM and Jacobs to Deliver Design Services for The Mukaab
AECOM, the global infrastructure leader, has teamed up with Jacobs in a joint venture that’s set to leave an indelible mark on the skyline of Riyadh.
The partnership has been appointed by New Murabba Development Company to deliver design services for The Mukaab, the spectacular centrepiece of the ambitious New Murabba development. This flagship project forms a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national initiative that seeks to craft a sustainable, connected, and human-centred urban future.
Lara Poloni, AECOM’s president, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “This appointment reflects the strength of our global design leadership and our ability to deliver iconic, future-ready infrastructure. The Mukaab is a powerful example of what’s possible when visionary ambition meets world-class technical expertise. We’re proud to bring our integrated capabilities to a project that will define Riyadh’s skyline and set new standards for complex infrastructure delivery worldwide.”
A Monumental Architectural Landmark
At the heart of Riyadh’s New Murabba district, The Mukaab is envisioned as one of the largest built structures in the world. Spanning an extraordinary 247 acres (100 hectares), this cube-shaped architectural masterpiece will anchor a dynamic mixed-use district combining residential, commercial, cultural, and hospitality functions.
Drawing from the rich heritage of Najdi architecture, the traditional style of central Saudi Arabia, The Mukaab’s design pays homage to the Kingdom’s cultural identity while embracing cutting-edge digital and immersive technologies. The aim is not only to create a new architectural icon but also to transform how residents and visitors experience urban living in one of the world’s fastest-growing capitals.
A New Standard for Urban Innovation
Beyond its size and aesthetic appeal, The Mukaab will serve as a blueprint for future smart cities. The project will integrate advanced technologies, sustainable energy systems, and efficient transportation networks to ensure the highest standards of environmental performance and user experience.
The development’s internal spaces will feature immersive digital environments, blending physical and virtual experiences that engage visitors on multiple sensory levels. It’s a step towards redefining how cities can merge cultural authenticity with 21st-century innovation.
Engineering the Future of Riyadh
Under their new appointment, AECOM and Jacobs will provide comprehensive design services for The Mukaab and its extensive podium and infrastructure network. The scope of work covers essential components such as the Mukaab Core, road tunnels, wadi podiums, and public realm development. The collaboration brings together world-class design, engineering, and project management expertise from both firms to ensure seamless integration across all disciplines.
Hamed Zaghw, AECOM’s Chief Executive for the Middle East and Africa, highlighted the project’s importance: “We are very pleased to be supporting New Murabba as they continue to invest in Saudi Arabia’s future. We are connecting and leveraging our diverse knowledge, skills, and experiences from around the world for this transformational project. The win reaffirms our commitment to supporting Vision 2030 through the delivery of large-scale, transformational projects that create long-lasting impact in the Kingdom.”
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative continues to reshape the nation’s economic and social landscape, diversifying its economy beyond oil and establishing a foundation for sustainable urban growth. The New Murabba project, and particularly The Mukaab, symbolises this transformation, representing innovation, cultural pride, and a forward-looking mindset.
The master plan for New Murabba includes not only residential and commercial spaces but also cultural and entertainment destinations designed to enrich the city’s social fabric. The Mukaab will serve as the beating heart of this district, fostering collaboration, creativity, and a sense of community within its walls.
Global Legacy in Infrastructure Excellence
AECOM’s involvement in The Mukaab is another chapter in its global record of delivering complex infrastructure that shapes societies. As a Fortune 500 professional services firm, AECOM brings deep expertise across multiple sectors including water, energy, transport, buildings, and the environment. With revenues reaching $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024, AECOM’s footprint extends across continents, transforming ideas into sustainable and resilient realities.
The firm’s design philosophy is built around innovation, sustainability, and adaptability, three principles that are deeply aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. From concept to completion, AECOM partners with public and private stakeholders to deliver solutions that anticipate the challenges of the future while improving quality of life today.
Delivering Transformational Projects
Jacobs, another global powerhouse in professional services and engineering, brings to the table decades of experience managing complex, high-value projects. With a strong focus on digital transformation and sustainable solutions, Jacobs’ participation in The Mukaab reinforces the project’s ambition to lead globally in innovation-driven design.
The joint venture between AECOM and Jacobs creates a unique synergy, a fusion of technical brilliance, creative insight, and strategic vision, essential for realising a project of this magnitude.
The Future of Riyadh’s Urban Identity
As the capital of Saudi Arabia accelerates its transformation into a world-class metropolis, The Mukaab stands as a symbol of ambition and capability. It’s more than a building; it’s a statement of intent. By merging traditional motifs with futuristic infrastructure, Riyadh aims to balance heritage and progress, offering an urban experience that feels both authentic and visionary.
The New Murabba development will feature extensive public spaces, interconnected mobility networks, and sustainable urban systems that prioritise accessibility, green living, and community wellbeing. From autonomous mobility solutions to integrated renewable energy grids, the district aims to embody the future of smart urbanism.
Building for Generations to Come
Ultimately, The Mukaab is more than just an architectural feat. It’s an embodiment of a nation’s aspirations, a beacon of progress that reflects Saudi Arabia’s journey towards a sustainable, diversified, and globally engaged future. The partnership between AECOM, Jacobs, and New Murabba Development Company exemplifies how collaboration, vision, and innovation can redefine the limits of what’s possible in modern infrastructure.
As AECOM’s leadership emphasises, this project represents not only a milestone for Riyadh but a benchmark for the world: “We’re proud to help create a project that will inspire future generations of architects, engineers, and city builders worldwide.”
Shaping Tomorrow’s Cities Today
With the combined expertise of AECOM and Jacobs, The Mukaab is set to become a symbol of innovation and national pride. Its influence will ripple across industries, inspiring urban designers, architects, and policymakers to push the boundaries of creativity and sustainability.
In the years to come, Riyadh’s skyline will tell a new story, one written in glass, steel, and vision, a story of a nation that dared to dream big and build even bigger.
