Each year, millions of pilgrims flock to participate in the Hajj, a mandatory (once-in-a-lifetime) visit to the holiest city of Islam, Mecca.
As there are approximately two billion Muslims worldwide, the Saudi Arabian city had one of the biggest challenges to solve: accommodating all the travelers coming to see the Kaaba, the "House of God." And so they built a complex of seven skyscraper hotels costing $15 billion.
Makkah Clock Royal Tower is the fourth-tallest building in the world, rising to 1,972 feet (601 meters). The tallest tower houses a five-star hotel operated by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. It has 1,618 (!) rooms and suites and a floor area of a mind-blowing 16,145,866 square feet (1,500,000 square meters).
It towers above Islam's holiest site, offering an unprecedented panoramic view of the Masjid al-Haram - the Great Mosque of Mecca. The Lebanon-based architectural group Dar Al-Handasah designed the complex, which features the world's tallest and largest clock.
You better be fast; during the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the rooms are sold years ahead!
The clock tower at the top part of the skyscraper is fully functioning and punctual because an atomic clock operates it. It's so tall that there are four full floors hidden behind it.
Not surprisingly, it's the largest clock face in the world, measuring 141 feet × 141 feet (43 meters × 43 meters. By comparison, Big Ben's four faces are only 23 feet (7 meters) in diameter.
At night, the clocks are illuminated by 2 million LED lights along with the Arabic inscription, "In the name of Allah".
They show the Arabic Standard Time - which is three hours ahead of GMT. The clock is said to be visible from 30 kilometers away.
The top portion of the bell tower was designed by the German architectural firm SL Rasch and also features a 23-foot-tall (7 meters) crescent decorated with gold mosaics.
The 76-story five-star luxury hotel is only 330 feet (100 meters) from the Masjid al-Haram Grand Mosque.
The hotel is part of the Abraj Al Bait complex, where you will find a staggering 4,000 shops. Dining options are plenty too.
Even if you don't set foot outside the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, you can choose from nine top-of-the-class restaurants.
Please be aware that the hotel only hosts Muslim guests, as even to enter the holy city of Mecca; you have to be a follower of the religion.
King Abdul Aziz Rd, Endowment, Ajyad Street, Mecca 24231, Saudi Arabia
