Makkah Royal Clock Tower (also known as Abraj Al-Bait) is a 612-meter tall and 120-story building complex in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The center of this marvelous piece of architecture is the five-story high lobby made up of seven glass walls. It also includes gardens, fountains, and a mosque that can accommodate over 10,000 worshippers at one time. The development was undertaken by the Binladin Group.
Facts about Makkah royal clock tower
1. Constructing in a Record Time
It was made in record time for construction of such magnitude. This building took six years to construct and ended up being completed ahead of schedule.
2. The clock tower Makkah with the Highest Elevation
One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of the clock tower Makkah is that it holds the distinction of being the world’s tallest building, with its time visible from up to 17 kilometers away. Furthermore, it has enough room to accommodate 2 million people who visit during the Hajj season and provide housing for those seeking refuge during their journey.
3. The World’s Biggest Clock Dial
The Mamka clock tower measures 43 meters in diameter and has weights that average around 21 tonnes. The Big Clock is often used to call out prayers for those who need it during prayer times. At the top of this building you will find four giant clocks which light up when the dark comes to show people what time it is, as well as 2 million LED lights illuminating the tower at night. On both its northern and southern sides there are words from Allah imprinted – Allah is Great with Quran written on its Eastern and Western edges – reminding us why we do this.
4. Largest Surface Area
What many people don’t know about the regal Makkah main building is that it has the world’s largest floor area, at 1,500,000 square meters. With its whopping 120 floors, this means that the ground level is huge!
5. The world’s 3rd highest peak structure
The third tallest building in the world, Makkah Clock Tower – often called Abraj Al-Bait Towers – is within walking distance of Masjid Al-haram, the largest mosque. Some other fascinating facts about this royal tower are that it stands at 601 meters tall with 120 floors above ground and 3 stories underground; there are 96 elevators which make getting to and from Masjid Al-Haram very convenient. Furthermore, the splendid view of Holy Kaaba provides an astonishing experience for those who visit.
6. The second most costly structure
Numerous people are unaware that it is the world’s second most expensive structure. Though there are six other structures used as hotels, residences, or shopping complexes involved in this project, the complex will also feature nine restaurants – including 24/7 room service and complimentary Wi-Fi for guests staying at one of the suites for long periods of time.
7. The inside of the Clock Tower Crescent
Most people are not aware that there is still a prayer room hidden inside the tallest clock tower within the Royal Makkah Clock Tower Complex in Saudi Arabia. Standing at 558 feet above ground level, it is also home to some very beautiful attractions including a full 360 degree view of everything around you; an Islamic Museum; and lastly a giant ten thousand person space for prayer.
8. Gold leaves adorn mosaic tiles.
98 million mosaic tiles containing 24-karat gold leaves decorate the Makkah Clock Tower. The apex is studded with 26 spotlights designed to fire 10 kilometers into the sky, and it has a 23-meter crescent topped off in an exquisite golden design made up of 98 million mosaic tiles – each tile has its own individual piece of 24-carat gold leaf.
9. Beautiful and magnificent clock dial
This colossal giant’s clock face is 3,500 times greater than the famed Big Ben. A total of 2 million LED lights illuminate each side, adorning an impressive four clock faces. In fact, the most enormous clock face can be found on all four sides – it would be considered one dial encompassing one whole gigantic timepiece!
10. The total cost of the project
The price for the Mecca Clock Tower is set around 15 billion dollars. There are six different towers currently undergoing construction, which also contains commercial stores and houses luxury hotels and apartments on top of them.
Frequently asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Makkah Royal Tower?
The tower is comprised of residential apartment towers, hotels and an enormous Abraj Al Bait Shopping Mall. It also has over 1,000 parking spots for cars.
What is the location of the world’s most giant clock tower?
Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Makkah Royal Clock Tower. It should come as no surprise then that the Mecca clock tower – part of the Abraj Al-Bait complex in Makkah – has world’s largest clock face at 12 meters or 39 feet wide.
Who constructed the Makkah Clock Tower?
The building was built by Saudi Binladin Group, which is the nation’s largest construction company. Furthermore, they were responsible for developing the tallest tower in this complex which had been developed by German interior designer Mahmoud Bodo Rasch.
How many rooms does the clock tower in Makkah have?
This hotel has 1275 high-quality guest rooms – many of which come with LCD or plasma TVs, mattress covers, mirrors and towels, as well as a closet to keep your clothes safe.
