Being the home to vast stretches of desert sands, Saudi Arabia stands out for featuring an array of cultural landmarks which offers an amalgamation of both natural splendors and manmade wonders. One such architectural wonder, a modern chic building perched on the desert of Saudi, is the awe-inspiring Maraya Concert Hall with a cubic and reflective structure that offers you an opportunity to marvel at every angle of the engulfing desert. You will fall in love with its grandeur and magnificence which was inspired by the vastness of the desert. Never forget to visit this landmark in the evening to immerse yourself in its captivating view of the sunset. Capture this surreal moment for a lifetime.
Maraya Concert Hall: Discover the Mirage Amid the Majestic Desert Landscape
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Ashan Valley, AlUla, Maraya Concert Hall will leave your mind in awe with the idyllic blend of natural essence and architectural grandeur. Being considered the world’s largest mirrored building, Maraya Concert Hall holds a position in the Guinness Book of World Records for being completed in two and a half months in 2019. Considered the crown jewel of Saudi Arabia, it has been transformed into a world-class event venue that consists of spacious rooms and grand foyers to host myriad of Saudi’s cultural events for an extraordinary experience. This significant landmark is the perfect symbol of integrity with nature, history, and the future.
Suggested Read: Elephant Rock Saudi Arabia: The Captivating Natural Wonder
Additional Information About Maraya Concert Hall
Location: Al Atheeb 43552, Saudi Arabia
Established in the Year: 2019
Opening Hours: 6 pm to 12 pm (Remains closed on Sunday)
Architectural Style: Contemporary
Architect: Gioforma Architects Designers and Artists, Milano (Florian Boje, Cristiana Picco, Claudio Santucci)
General Engineering: Gap progetti
Project and Creative Management: Black Engineering Dwc-Llc. (Massimo Fogliati, Fabio Pavanetto)
Event Agency: MMG KSA
Main Event Spaces: Maraya Concert Hall, The Great Hall – The Cube, the East Wing, the VVIP – Green Room, several conference rooms, the Maraya Social fine dining restaurant
- Main Hall Capacity: 500
- VIP Seating Capacity: 40
- Media Balcony Capacity: Over 100
- VIP Boxes Capacity: 40
Area Size of the Building: 9740 square meters
Best Time to Visit: During evening hours
Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
Best Attractions: Mirror Reflection, Archaeological Ruins, Maraya’s architecture
Things to Do: Sightseeing, Attend Events, Culinary tours
Top Facilities: Main Auditorium, VIP Boxes, Roof Terrace, Conference Center, Exhibition Space, and a Restaurant
Past Events: Music concerts of Egyptian musician Omar Khairat & Italian Opera singer Andrea Bocelli
Upcoming Events: Ms. Lauryn Hill Music concert (22nd Feb 2024)
Top Performers: Alicia Keys, Lionel Ritchie, John Legend, Usher, OneRepublic, Andrea Bocelli, Seal, Westlife, Omar Khairat, Kadim Al Sahir, Angham, Sherine Abdel Wahab
How to Reach Maraya Concert Hall: Take a flight to AlUla International Airport from Riyadh and you can directly book a cab to reach the Maraya Concert Hall which is 25 kilometers (about 15.53 mi) away from the AlUla city center.
Best Nearby Attractions to Visit: Hegra, AlUla Ancient town, Elephant Rock, Dadan, Tantora, Harrat Uwayrid
Best Nearby Hotels to Stay: Our Habitas AlUla, Season Star Hotel Madina, Viola Furnished Rooms, Alwateen Hotel, Queen Hotel AlUla, Banyan Tree AlUla
Best Nearby Restaurants: Pizza Truck at Caravan by Habitas, Meraki Cafe, Pink Camel Pastry Boutique, Daimumah Restaurant, Daimumah Cafe, Ducasse, SAAS’ AlUla, Ashar Deck, AlNakheel Cafe, Suhail, Tawlat Fayza
Best Nearby Shopping Options: Old Town Market, AlUla Handicraft Centre, Gallery Shops, Souvenir Shops near the attraction
The Thoughtful Idea Behind Maraya Concert Hall
Considered the first project which was developed for the Journey Through Time Masterplan 1, AlUla was aimed to transform into a living museum by sharing Saudi’s rich cultural heritage to the world. This resulted in the grand Maraya Concert Hall, one of the best places to visit in AlUla. In the beginning, the client’s proposal was to build a complex hosting numerous events and concerts by adjoining the cultural values and architectural brilliance to curate something on a different level. Ther main aim was to figure out a particular place to set up a thoughtful wonder to establish the relationship between the nature and manmade treasure in an incredible way. With plenty of brainstorming stages, the dynamic and dedicated team came up with the ideal mirror building, Al Maraya Concert Hall, which can enhance the beauty of the existing landscape to create an eternal relationship between nature, past, and future.
Architecture of Maraya Concert Hall
Discover the backstories and the creative minds whose dreams were turned into reality by setting up this majestic architectural marvel amid the scenic desert landscapes of AlUla which can be added to the list of things to do in AlUla. The Arabic name “Maraya” is meant “Mirror” in English which was commissioned by the Royal Commission for AlUla. With the involvement of a global design team like Giò Forma’s Italian-German group of Florian Boje, Cristiana Picco and Claudio Santucci for architectural design, whereas Massimo Fogliati and Fabio Pavanetto of Black Engineering, the Maraya Concert Hall came into existence, redefining modern architectural style.
Suggested Read: Umrah Guide: Let's Learn Everything About the Holy Pilgrimage
Interesting Facts About Maraya Concert Hall
Since the Maraya Concert Hall is best known for its unique mirrored architectural style, it will leave every tourist speechless for the breathtaking sights it offers. Gaze at the reflection of the setting sun and the glittery night sky to dream a little more at the Maraya Concert Hall location. Let’s have a look at the interesting facts about the Maraya Concert Hall.
- It holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest mirrored building.
- With a total of 9740 mirrored panels, the Maraya Concert Hall is one of the phenomenal landmarks in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
- 3000 pre-tempered panels were made in the local region by Gurdian Glass.
- High quality mirrors with long term durability are used to withstand any kind of adverse climatic conditions.
- It took only 2 and a half months to complete.
- The building looks like a mirage offering captivating views.
- A new copper mirror was developed to construct this building.
- It features an open-air terrace to dine out under the night sky.
- With 9740 square meters of mirrors covering the building's exterior walls, Maraya Concert Hall has inspired world-class artists and architects from Nabataean civilizations.
- It was inaugurated at a special event by the Royal Commission for AlUla during the winter season at Tantora festival.
Travel Tips for Visiting Maraya Concert Hall
Apart from best places to visit in Saudi Arabia, you can also spend a day or two in AlUla to marvel at the majestic archaeological ruins and natural splendors. Before planning your tour to Saudi Arabia, include Maraya Concert Hall to your itinerary to treat your eyes with the ideal blend of nature and architectural excellence. Let’s have a glance at the travel tips for a fulfilled and safe trip.
- It is always suggested to hire a cab to reach the destination
- If you want to attend any event, book your tickets online
- Try to arrive early for optimal seating, to avoid the last-minute rush
- Dress modestly while attending cultural events
- Don’t forget to check the event schedule beforehand
- Go for the unique rooftop dining experience
- Explore the nearby AlUla tourist attractions
- Follow the guidelines whatever the authority instructs
Suggested Read: Historical Places in Makkah (Mecca): Best Ancient Sites to Explore in Saudi Arabia
While visiting Saudi Arabia and being captivated by the unparallel beauty of varied natural splendors, Maraya Concert Hall will double up your joy and ecstasy on a different level. This colossal building, drenched in cultural values and being adorned by modern sophistication will leave your mind in awe with its fascinating artwork. Never forget to visit this magnificent facade to reconsider your perceptions regarding modern art and elegance for an alluring experience. Admire the creative masterminds behind this treasure to fantasize your living through the existence of art. Book your Saudi Arabia tour packages with us to unveil Saudi’s glorious past for a unique cultural experience.
Maraya Concert Hall FAQ’s
Yes, Maraya is the largest mirrored building in the world for which it holds the Guiness World Record. With a total of 9740 mirrored panels to set up this majestic building, Maraya Concert Hall in Alula, Saudi Arabia is the breathtaking architectural marvel that one should never miss in his lifetime.
Since Maraya Concert Hall is in AlUla city and is 25 kilometers (about 15.53 mi) away from the main center, you can directly fly from Riyadh or Jeddah to AlUla International Airport. Moreover, you can directly book a cab from the airport to the Maraya Concert Hall.
Since Maraya Concert Hall is an architectural masterpiece, you can carry out sightseeing activities which should be your top priority. Marvel at the architectural grandeur of the complex. The top activities to do at Maraya Concert Hall are:
- Sightseeing
- Attending Events
- Food tours
- Photography
Maraya Concert Hall is Saudi’s cultural landmark and an event space that hosts multitude of social, cultural, and business events including the musical concerts and performances. With a 500-person capacity in the Maraya auditorium, this concert hall also has a restaurant and multiple halls for catering to serve the guests.
The best time to visit AlUla Saudi Arabia is during the winter months from October to April since the weather is moderate and pleasant to stay. Try to avoid visiting AlUla during summers since it's extremely hot to carry out your travel activities.
The world’s largest glass building is perched on the picturesque Ashar Valley of Alula region, Saudi Arabia. Being on the vast patches of desert sands, Maraya Concert Hall, through its majestic reflection, depicts the innate relationship between nature, past, and future.
An ideal of 2-3 days are required for AlUla, Saudi Arabia to cover the major highlights of the city including the glorious Maraya Concert Hall. You can also extend your duration in AlUla based on your preferences.
AlUla is famous for being the home to historical and cultural sites that throw light on Saudi Arabia’s history. Moreover, AlUla is also best known for the archaeological ruins and the majestic architectural wonders like Maraya Concert Hall.
.jpeg)
