Maraya: A Mirrored Concert Hall in an Ancient Desert Valley

For these past few years, Saudi Arabia has been actively developing its country by constructing several ambitious projects. One of which is a mirrored concert hall in the middle of an ancient desert, AlUla in Ashar Valley called Maraya. 

Maraya Concert Hall, Images taken from www.marayaalula.com

As its name implies, Maraya means Mirror in Arabic, this stunning building is covered in 9740 square meters of reflective walls that reflect the 360-degree captivating view of the desert landscape. Maraya is a cubic multi-purpose theatre, entertainment, and conference venue that redefines concert experiences. The visitors will not only be impressed by its reflective skin but also by the unforgettable experience of enjoying various entertainments. 

This mirrored building is situated in an ancient site, AlUla which has witnessed thousands of historical moments of a crossroads of civilizations since 6 BCE. Maraya was designed by Giò Forma Architects and Black Engineering with a great 40m x 15m stage and a giant retractable window of over 800 sqm facing the surrounding desert. 

Maraya Concert Hall, Images taken from www.gioforma.com/progetti/maraya-concert-hall/ 

Maraya Concert Hall, Images taken from www.gioforma.com/progetti/maraya-concert-hall/ 

Its reflective skin turns both indoors and outdoors into a performance stage. Its reflective skin presents an interplay of the ever-changing view of the surroundings, the warm and beautiful blue sky in the midday, and the gloomy stars in the night sky. The interior uses local materials to create an impression of a building carved out of the rock by humans and by the wind. 

Maraya Concert Hall, Images taken from www.gioforma.com/progetti/maraya-concert-hall/ 

Maraya Concert Hall, Images taken from www.visitsaudi.com

After its launch in 2019, Maraya has held numerous concerts and events with visitors from around the world, making it one of the must-visit places at least once in a lifetime. Its massive reflective skin not only becomes a huge attraction but also becomes a masterpiece architectural work. Moreover, Maraya also helps bring Saudi Arabia's name worldwide and attract more people to come and see how truly beautiful and magnificent the country is in Saudi Arabia. 

Maraya Concert Hall, Images taken from www.gioforma.com/progetti/maraya-concert-hall/ 

Source : 

www.visitsaudi.com/en/do/culture/maraya-concert-hall 

www.gioforma.com/progetti/maraya-concert-hall/ 

www.marayaalula.com/