Maraya, which means “mirror” or “reflection” in Arabic, is the name of a mirrored architectural wonder nestled in the heart of AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
Comprising an astounding 9,740 mirrored panels, this monumental structure has earned the prestigious title of being the largest mirrored building on Earth, securing a well-deserved place in the Guinness World Records.
Designed with precision, Maraya seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, mirroring the beauty of the surrounding sand dunes, landscapes, and mountains. But Maraya is not merely an architectural masterpiece; it’s a versatile, fully functional venue that serves as a multi-purpose concert hall and entertainment centre.
Where music and culture meet
Since its grand opening, Maraya has hosted a star-studded lineup of regional and international artists, including the likes of One Republic, Andrea Bocelli, Alicia Keys, Usher, Angham, and Majid Al Mohandis, making it a cultural hub for music enthusiasts.
Spanning four floors, this architectural gem houses a state-of-the-art entertainment venue equipped with event, conference, and dining facilities.
Atop the structure lies the exquisite Maraya Social by Jason Atherton, a fine-dining restaurant offering a delectable fusion of Mediterranean, Arabian, and British cuisine. With its open-air rooftop and mirrored surroundings, the restaurant provides a unique culinary experience amidst the backdrop of AlUla‘s heritage landscapes, now open for reservations.
Within Maraya, the concert hall stands out as a 1,777-square-meter auditorium with the capacity to comfortably accommodate 500 guests. For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP boxes are available, each accommodating up to eight people, complete with a dedicated private butler service during performances.
A remarkable feature within the concert hall is the Royal Suite, exclusively reserved for members of the Royal family, offering a luxurious and private space. Notably, a colossal 26-meter floor-to-ceiling facade within the entertainment venue can be opened to reveal panoramic views of AlUla.
Recently, the AlUla calendar of events was unveiled, promising a diverse array of experiences, from adventure and sports to music, art, wellness, and heritage activities.
Rami Al Mouallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing at The Royal Commission for AlUla, expressed excitement, saying: “Our diverse offerings reinforce AlUla’s standing as a world-class, year-round destination where visitors are captivated by awe-inspiring landscapes, ancient heritage, and a thriving arts and cultural scene.”
One of the highly anticipated events, set to coincide with Saudi National Day on 21 September, is the AZIMUTH festival, a two-day music extravaganza featuring renowned artists like Jorja Smith, Peggy Gou, Saint Levant, Majid, Nomad, and more, promising an unforgettable celebration of music and culture.