The Makkah royal clock tower
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower, also known as the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower, is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world, located in the holy city of Mecca (Makkah), Saudi Arabia. Here are the key highlights about this architectural marvel:
🏙️ Overview:
Official Name: Abraj Al Bait Towers
Famous Part: Makkah Royal Clock Tower
Location: Mecca, just steps away from the Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque that surrounds the Kaaba.
Height: 601 meters (1,972 feet)
Ranking:
One of the tallest buildings in the world
Has the largest clock face in the world
🕰️ The Clock Tower:
The clock is visible from over 25 kilometers away.
Each of the four clock faces is 43 meters in diameter.
The top of the tower features a gold crescent structure, measuring 23 meters high.
Illuminated by 2 million LED lights, it shines brightly, especially during Hajj and Ramadan.
🕌 Purpose & Significance:
Built to accommodate pilgrims visiting Mecca, especially during Hajj.
Part of a government project to modernize and develop the area around the Grand Mosque.
Includes luxury hotels, shopping malls, prayer rooms, and residential spaces.
🏨 Facilities Inside:
Fairmont Hotel Makkah (a 5-star hotel within the tower)
A large prayer hall for thousands of worshippers
Museum of the Clock Tower at the top floors, featuring Islamic history and astronomy
Shopping mall with restaurants, brands, and supermarkets
Housing and services for pilgrims
🌍 Cultural & Religious Importance:
The tower is a symbol of Islamic pride and unity, located near the most sacred site in Islam.
It helps organize and manage millions of pilgrims who come to perform Hajj and Umrah.
🛠️ Construction Facts:
Construction started: 2004
Completed: 2012
Developer: Saudi Binladin Group
Total floors: 120 usable floors
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower is more than just a skyscraper — it is a beacon of faith, time, and hospitality, serving the millions of Muslims who visit the holy city every year.