New Murabba Appoints Parsons as Lead Infrastructure Design Consultant

New Murabba Development Company, a wholly owned entity of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has signed a strategic partnership agreement with US-based engineering firm Parsons, appointing it as lead infrastructure design consultant for the first phase of the New Murabba destination in Riyadh.

The agreement establishes the technical and infrastructural framework required to deliver the initial phase of the project, while ensuring scalability and integration for future stages of what is envisioned as Riyadh’s next-generation downtown district.

From Conceptual Vision to Buildable Urban Systems

Under the agreement, Parsons will be responsible for the design and integration of utility systems, mobility networks, and transport infrastructure, translating conceptual masterplans into detailed, implementable engineering solutions.

Drawing on more than 80 years of global engineering experience, as well as advanced digital design and infrastructure management capabilities, the firm will support the delivery of an intelligent, resilient, and interconnected urban environment, aligned with New Murabba’s long-term spatial vision.

Human-Centred Infrastructure and Urban Connectivity

The partnership reflects New Murabba’s commitment to human-centred urban design, positioning infrastructure as a key enabler of connectivity between living, working, and leisure environments, rather than as a purely technical layer.

This approach aligns with contemporary urban design principles, where infrastructure functions as an integrated component of public realm quality, walkability, and social interaction within dense, mixed-use developments.

Building a Resilient Downtown for Riyadh

Commenting on the agreement, Michael Dyke, Chief Executive Officer of New Murabba Development Company, described the collaboration as a critical milestone in the project’s delivery, noting that robust infrastructure is fundamental to the success of any thriving city.

He emphasised that the partnership will ensure systems are designed to the highest standards of efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability, supporting long-term quality of life for future generations.

A New Model for Large-Scale Urban Development

Carey Smith, Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parsons, noted that New Murabba represents an exceptional example of large-scale sustainable urban development, highlighting the firm’s experience in delivering complex urban projects within Saudi Arabia.

She added that Parsons will work closely with the New Murabba team to deliver a world-class, mixed-use destination, meeting rigorous standards of safety, quality, and performance.

Toward Riyadh’s Future Downtown

The collaboration marks a significant step toward realising New Murabba as a future-focused downtown district, where culture, commerce, and innovation are supported by smart, sustainable infrastructure.

As Riyadh continues to evolve, the project positions New Murabba as a benchmark for contemporary city-making, integrating infrastructure, architecture, and public life within a cohesive urban framework.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The partnership between New Murabba Development Company and Parsons situates Riyadh’s emerging downtown within a framework of Contemporary Urbanism, where infrastructure is conceived as an integrated spatial system rather than a hidden technical layer. By prioritizing utility networks, mobility systems, and digital coordination from the outset, the project advances a model of large-scale mixed-use development grounded in connectivity and Functional Resilience. However, while the emphasis on intelligent and scalable infrastructure reflects global best practices, it invites critical reflection on how effectively these engineered systems will translate into lived urban quality and genuine public realm vitality. The challenge lies in ensuring that infrastructure supports human-scale experience and Contextual Relevance, rather than reinforcing monumentality alone. Ultimately, New Murabba signals a strong Architectural Ambition to redefine downtown-making in Riyadh through infrastructure-led city building.

Reviewer

★ ArchUp Technical Analysis

ArchUp: Technical Analysis of the Infrastructure Framework for the “New Square” Project in Riyadh’s Downtown
This article provides a technical analysis of the key infrastructure design partnership for the “New Square” project in Riyadh’s Downtown, serving as a case study in the transition from vision to integrated urban implementation. To enhance archival value, we present the main technical and design framework as follows:

The engineering design is based on a consultancy expertise spanning over 80 years in managing complex infrastructure. The partnership aims to transform conceptual designs into detailed, executable solutions, focusing on the organic integration between physical infrastructure (roads, utilities) and smart systems for data and urban services management.

The urban model is characterized by a human-centric design that interconnects living, working, and recreational spaces within a single fabric. Here, infrastructure is not considered a separate service element but rather a tool to achieve long-term urban sustainability and resilience, and a fundamental enabler of quality of life and social interaction within the built environment.

In terms of future performance and integration, the project places flexibility and adaptability at the core of its design. The infrastructure aims to accommodate future technological and environmental transformations, ensuring the project’s continuity and alignment with the sustainable urban development goals of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The project represents a strategic step towards building a mixed-use urban environment that brings together culture, business, and innovation.

Related link: Please review this article to explore another regulatory framework shaping the built environment in Saudi cities:
Certifications and Compliance: How Regulations Shape the Built Environment in Saudi Cities.