In AlUla, Saudi Arabia, one of the most striking attractions isn’t a building you look at, but rather one that reflects the world around it. Maraya, the world’s largest mirror-clad building, seems to disappear into the desert at certain times of the day.
Maraya, which translates to “mirror” or “reflecting” in Arabic, is a multifunctional space. It serves as a 500-seat concert hall, a community center, and an event venue that has seen performances by renowned artists like Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli, Enrique Iglesias, and John Legend. However, Maraya is more than just a venue; it’s a work of art.
Located just 14 miles from the architectural site at Hegra, Maraya is a product of a collaborative effort between Italian design firm Giò Forma Studio and Black Engineering. The building’s architect, Florian Boje, believes that if a building can’t compete with the landscape, it should enhance it. This philosophy led to the creation of Maraya, a silent mirror cube that reflects the surrounding desert.
The construction of Maraya, which took six months from concept to delivery and just 76 days of actual construction, was completed in 2019. The building’s design had to consider the intense desert heat and sunlight. To address this, Giò Forma Studio partnered with US-based company Guardian Glass to create Guardian UltraMirror, a custom cladding product designed to withstand Saudi Arabia’s sunny climate. The building is clad with 9,740 of these panels.
The location for Maraya was chosen by taking large mirrors out into the desert and selecting the spot that offered the best reflection. The building is part of a growing art scene in and around AlUla, which includes works from renowned artists and architects.
Inside Maraya, visitors can enjoy art shows, including Saudi Arabia’s first-ever exhibition of works by Andy Warhol. The building also houses Maraya Social, a restaurant run by Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton. The restaurant offers a blend of European and Middle Eastern cuisines, all designed for sharing.
The closest accommodation to Maraya is the Banyan Tree resort, inspired by Bedouin culture. The hotel offers suites with outdoor sections under modern tents, outdoor fire pits, private swimming pools, and stargazing areas. Guests can choose to walk the two kilometers across the valley to Maraya or take a car provided by the hotel.
Maraya offers a unique experience that changes with the time of day, from the pink hues of sunset to the twinkling lights of dawn. It’s a place that invites visitors to return, each visit offering a different perspective of the desert’s beauty.