Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba, on building the world's largest downtown with smart design, sustainability, and a 400-meter immersive wonder

At the Smart City Expo World Congress 2024, we had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba, about the ambitious project that is set to reshape urban living in Riyadh. New Murabba will soon become the largest modern downtown in the world, encompassing 19 square kilometers of sustainable and accessible space that blends technology, nature, and community-centered design. At the heart of this development is The Mukaab, a groundbreaking structure that is expected to become the world's largest building by volume, with an innovative 400-meter cube design that houses an immersive urban experience unlike any other. We sat down with Michael Dyke to delve into how New Murabba is redefining urban spaces with a people-first approach and cutting-edge technology.

TSCJ: New Murabba is positioned as a human-first downtown, blending technology with nature and accessibility. How does this concept influence the design and development of urban spaces, and what are the most significant benefits you foresee for residents and visitors?

GD: Thank you for having me. Yes, we focus first and foremost on putting people at the heart of our new downtown. New Murabba will be the world's largest modern downtown, covering 19 square kilometers with a capacity of 400,000 residents and tens of millions of visitors each year. This human-centered approach influenced some major decisions early on. For instance, we've dedicated 25% of the area to green spaces, providing a place for residents to stay fit, connect with nature, and link back to Riyadh’s natural waterways. Another 25% of the space is reserved for mobility, including an 11-kilometer urban loop where people can walk, cycle, or jog without encountering vehicles, creating a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment. Altogether, 50% of the area is dedicated to livability, while the remaining space houses our modern downtown.

Our concept is to create a balance, like New York City's core downtown with twice the size of Central Park surrounding it. Residents and visitors will be able to live, work, and play within a vibrant, nature-infused environment, making New Murabba a standout urban destination.

TSCJ: That’s an incredibly high standard of living. The Mukaab is an iconic centerpiece of New Murabba, redefining Riyadh’s skyline. Can you tell us about the role of advanced technology and innovation in The Mukaab’s design and how it contributes to a sustainable and immersive urban experience?

GD: Absolutely. The Mukaab, which is central to New Murabba, will be the largest structure ever constructed, spanning 400 meters in every direction—essentially, it’s like enclosing 20 Empire State Buildings. Inside, we have an immersive dome 340 meters in diameter and 380 meters high, allowing visitors to enter and feel as if they’ve stepped into an entirely different world. This structure presents unique engineering challenges, from managing multi-perspective views and horizon fade to scaling objects at human and elevated perspectives.

Technologically, we’re collaborating with engineers worldwide to create the perfect blend of immersion and sustainability. The Mukaab will connect to Saudi Arabia’s electricity grid, allowing us to access low-carbon energy. Additionally, we’re implementing green infrastructure such as green roofs, green walls, rainwater harvesting, and cooling technologies to minimize environmental impact. Our goal is to provide a place where people can live, work, and play, all while benefiting from a fully integrated smart city ecosystem.

TSCJ: Sustainability and biodiversity are core values of New Murabba, with a significant portion of the space dedicated to open areas and habitat zones. How are you integrating smart city technology to manage these spaces effectively while enhancing the quality of life for the high-density population you expect?

GD: Smart city technology is advancing rapidly, and we know the tech available today will likely be different in six years when we open. To future-proof New Murabba, we’re creating dedicated corridors for infrastructure and data management, allowing us to adapt to new technological advancements easily. We’re also designing the space to accommodate data racks and other necessary equipment to maintain a secure and efficient smart city environment.

Our approach to smart city technology extends to apps and platforms that enhance visitor experiences—from online trip planning to real-time experiences onsite and memorable moments after they leave. We envision a fully integrated experience where visitors can immerse themselves in New Murabba’s technology-driven ecosystem and, after returning home, feel compelled to book a return visit. Our hope is that New Murabba will be a destination people are excited to return to, again and again.

TSCJ: It’s inspiring to see such a visionary project coming to life. Thank you for sharing your insights, Michael. We look forward to seeing New Murabba’s impact on urban living and technology in the years to come.