Dubai is poised to expand its iconic skyline with the introduction of the Ziggurat Pyramid, a mega-structure that will reach a height of 1,200 meters and cover approximately 0.88 square miles (about 2.3 square kilometers). This ambitious project aims to accommodate one million residents upon its completion.

Originally announced in 2008, the Ziggurat Pyramid is designed to surpass the Great Pyramid of Giza in both scale and grandeur. Its architecture draws inspiration from the classic aesthetics of ancient Egyptian and Mayan pyramids. The project promises to adhere to the highest sustainability standards, similar to other carbon-neutral initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s The Line.

The design of the Ziggurat Pyramid is the work of Timelinks, a consortium based in Dubai comprising urban planners, scientists, and architectural designers. They aim to create a building of unprecedented size that harmonizes with its environment while prioritizing sustainability.

The Ziggurat Pyramid is expected to function as a carbon-neutral building. Renewable energy sources, including solar panels and wind turbines, will power all internal systems, from lighting to appliances. Within the structure, an internal public transport system will facilitate movement both horizontally and vertically, reducing the need for cars and ultimately lessening traffic congestion and pollution.

This extensive project will feature three hundred floors that encompass a diverse range of spaces, including residential units, commercial areas, and recreational facilities. These will range from lush green parks to vibrant marketplaces and tranquil relaxation zones.

Ridas Matonis, managing director of Timelinks, explained to Flashy Dubai that the Ziggurat Pyramid communities could be nearly self-sufficient in terms of energy. He noted that steam power will be integrated into the building, along with wind turbine technology to utilize natural energy resources. Matonis further elaborated that entire cities could be situated within complexes that occupy less than 10 percent of the original land area, incorporating public and private landscaping for leisure or agricultural use. The pyramid may also incorporate facial recognition technology for enhanced security.

In addition to Dubai’s ambitious plans, Saudi Arabia is concurrently executing its own significant project, known as The Line. This initiative aims to create an expansive urban center in the desert, designed to accommodate nine million people and scheduled for completion by 2030. The final structure will be a mirrored skyscraper approximately 105 miles long (170 km) and 656 feet wide (200 meters), with a high-speed rail system intended to transport residents from one end to the other while eliminating roads, traffic, and pollution.