Who does not know about the clock tower in Makkah? I think every Muslim living in Saudi Arabia has visited this royal clock tower as it is adjacent to the Holy Haram. In this article, we shall present some facts about the size, floors and the construction of the royal Makkah clock tower. While traveling to the Makkah by road, the clock tower can be seen even when you are miles away. It has become the second most important landmark for Makkah after Masjid al-Haram.
01. Third Tallest Building in the world
Makah clock tower is also known as Abraj Al-Bait Towers is the third tallest building in the world located few meters from Masjid Al-haram; the world’s largest Mosque. Another fact about the Royal Makkah clock tower is that it has a height of 601 meters (1,972 feet), 120 floors above the ground and 3 floors below the ground and contains 96 elevators in all that provides easy access to and from Masjid Al-Haram. It provides a captivating view of the Holy Kaaba.
02. The second most expensive building
Many people don’t know the fact about Royal Makkah clock tower that it is the second most expensive building in the world. The project also includes 6 other buildings which are constructed for hotels, residential purposes, and shopping malls. It offers 9 restaurants, 24-hour concierge services, and free Wi-Fi in all rooms.
03. The tallest Clock Tower
Another fact about the Royal Makkah clock tower is that it is the tallest tower in the world, the clock is visible from 17 kilometers away. It provides accommodation for devout Muslims and can accommodate up to 2 million worshippers over the course of the event. Designed with comfort in mind, the spacious residences are a perfect home for pilgrims and families who desire to enjoy the serenity of the Holy City from their rooms.
04. Largest Floor Area
Another unknown fact about the royal Makkah clock tower is that it has the largest floor area up to a size of 1,500,000 m2. The floor of the Makkah clock tower is so vast due to the fact that it has around 120 floors.
05. Record Time Construction
For a building of gargantuan proportions, it was constructed in record time. The clock tower project was completed in 6 years.
06. Largest Clock Dial
The size of the giant clock face of Makkah clock tower is 43 meters in size, 23 meters in length and weighs about 21 tons. The huge clock is used for the prayer call to the worshippers in Makah. The clock is 36 times bigger than the big ben. Four colossal clocks are mounted at the top of the towers. 2 million LED lights illuminate clock tower at night. “Allah is the greatest” is written on the north and south sides while Quran is written on the east and west sides.
07. Inside the Crescent of Clock Tower
Most of the people don’t know a fact that there is a prayer room inside the Crescent of Royal Makkah Clock Tower. The skyscraper houses Saudi Arabia’s highest observation deck at 558 meters above ground level.
The complex also provides Islamic museum, lunar observation area and a prayer room with a space of 10,000 people.
08. Mosaic tiles with gold leaves
The Makkah clock tower is adorned with 98 million mosaic tiles with 24 karat gold leaves. The pinnacle of the megastructure is adorned with 26 searchlights capable of shooting 10km into the skies.
Source: Life in Saudi Arabia
