The Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower, also known as the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, is the largest clock tower in the world. It is located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and is an integral part of the Abraj Al-Bait complex, a government-owned megatall complex of seven skyscraper hotels.
The Design and Construction of the Clock Tower
The Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower was designed by the British architectural firm Dar Al-Handasah and was constructed by the Saudi Binladin Group, one of the largest construction companies in the Middle East. The tower stands at a towering height of 601 meters (1972 feet) making it the fourth tallest building in the world.
The clock tower features four clock faces, each facing one cardinal point, that are 43 meters (141 feet) in diameter and are made of stainless steel. The clock hands are 23 meters (75 feet) long and are also made of stainless steel. The clock tower also features a beacon light that can be seen from a distance of up to 25 miles (40 km).
The Significance of the Clock Tower
The Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower is an important landmark in Mecca as it is located in close proximity to the Masjid al-Haram, the holiest site in Islam. The clock tower serves as a marker for the direction of prayer for Muslims all over the world and also serves as a marker for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage.
The clock tower also serves as a luxury hotel with the Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower, a Fairmont hotel, being one of the seven towers in the complex. The clock tower also serves as a viewing platform for visitors to Mecca with a observation deck on the top of the tower.
The Future of the Clock Tower
The Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower is expected to remain a significant landmark in Mecca for many years to come. The Clock Tower will continue to serve as a marker for the direction of prayer and as a marker for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. The clock tower will also continue to serve as a luxury hotel and as a viewing platform for visitors to Mecca.
