Nestled in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s ancient AlUla site, stretches a land where sandstone cliffs, shaped over centuries, silently echo an enduring historic testament to an immemorial past. It is in this mystical landscape that Maraya rises, an architectural marvel that seems to emerge from a dream. Meaning “mirrors” in Arabic, Maraya has swiftly become an architectural renown icon as the world’s largest mirrored building, with 9,740 reflective panels shimmering across its façade. This spectacular structure does not stand apart from its surroundings of the Ashar Valley; it merges with it, disappearing and reappearing in the desert light like an ethereal mirage.
Maraya’s design transcends mere aesthetics: it simultaneously narrates the architectural heritage of traditional Arabian and ancient Byzantine civilizations, offering a silhouette blending modernity and luxury. The building’s mirrored shell gives it a futuristic, almost otherworldly presence, while its minimalist purity pays homage to AlUla’s timeless natural landscape.
Maraya incarne l’ambitieuse volonté de l’Arabie Saoudite de conjuguer patrimoine culturel et innovation de pointe, établissant AlUla comme une destination mondiale unique en son genre. Bien plus qu’un simple édifice, c’est une création vivante où un design visionnaire se fond dans la beauté brute du désert pour offrir une expérience à la fois immersive et spectaculaire. À ceux en quête d’inspiration, d’émerveillement ou d’un lieu hors du temps, Maraya tend les bras, une merveille miroir qui reflète l’esprit d’un paysage éternel.
As the sun arcs overhead, Maraya captures every nuance of the surrounding sandstone canyons, reflecting a hypnotic dance of light and shadow that must be seen to be believed. Inside, a breathtaking 26-meter floor-to-ceiling window reveals panoramic views of Ashar Valley, forging a powerful connection between the venue and the stunning scenery outside. This view offers an elevated luxurious experience in the desert oasis, where visitors can bask in the serene beauty of desert sunsets casting golden light on the timeless cliffs of the ancient city.
Adjacent to this architectural marvel lies the ancient site of Hegra, the first Saudi site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, that testifies to AlUla’s historical and cultural significance to the borderless heritage of the region. Hegra is an ancient city that was once a thriving center of the Nabataean Kingdom, the same civilization that built the ancient city of Petra, known as the “city of wonders” in Jordan. Beyond its magical landscape, Hegra also houses over a hundred monumental tombs carved into the rose-colored sandstone cliffs dating back to the 1st century BCE. Meanwhile, the old city of AlUla, was for centuries a prosperous commercial and cultural crossroads during that era. Today, this rich heritage is being reborn with a new ambition: to make AlUla a global cultural hub, with Maraya as its flagship.
Today, Maraya is a world-class multipurpose venue, a place where cultural milestones and unforgettable events unfold. It offers spacious, inspiring event spaces perfect for concerts, conferences, and lavish celebrations, supported by two elevated fusion kitchens capable of delivering everything from elegant gala dinners to refined coffee breaks. For a culinary experience befitting its surroundings, Maraya Social, led by acclaimed chef Jason Atherton, welcomes visitors with a menu of seasonal sharing plates blending Mediterranean, Arabian, and British influences. Guests can savor fine cuisine and quality refreshments while basking in the reflections of Ashar Valley’s majestic rock formations.
Maraya embodies Saudi Arabia’s bold ambition to blend cultural heritage with cutting-edge innovation, establishing AlUla as a global destination unlike any other. More than a building, it is a living expression of art and ecology where visionary design merges with the raw beauty of the desert to create a truly immersive and sublime experience. For those seeking inspiration or a setting that transcends time, Maraya awaits. A harmonious symphony of contemporary design and ancient heritage, this mirrored masterpiece reflects the soul of AlUla, a landscape that is both timeless and profound.
