Makkah Clock Tower to be inaugurated

The Makkah Clock Tower

MENA Infrastructure last year reported on the Makkah Clock Tower Royal Hotel that, once it is finished, will be the tallest clock tower in the world. That time is getting closer and closer as it was announced that in the coming weeks, Makkah Clock Tower is to be inaugurated.

The Makkah Clock Tower Royal Hotel is part of the seven tower Abraj Al-Bait Complex, that is being constructed opposite the Grand Mosque of Mecca. When we reported the story last year, there were concerns that the super-luxurious hotel would 'cheapen' the Hajj, considering that the fifth pillar of Islam is meant to be about hardship, struggle and sacrifice.

Once it is finished, the tower will stand 402 metres tall and will be seen from up to seven kilometres away. It will boast the world's largest clock (4.7 times larger than Big Ben) on each side, and will be among the world's second tallest tower. Two of the clocks will be 80 meters tall, 65 meters wide and 39 meters in diameter. The other two clocks will be 65 meters tall, 43 meters wide and 25 meters in diameter.

The entire complex is rumoured to cost USD$3 billion and the hotel is said to feature 24-hour butler service, segregated gyms, beauty parlours, grooming salons, a spa and a chocolate room where chefs will prepare bespoke pralines and truffles.

The hotel will be managed by Fairmont Hotels who are keen to make the hotel the most luxurious hotel in the Hoyl City. Mohammed Arkobi, the hotel's manager, said the hotel will be at the centre of the seven tower complex located opposite the Grand Mosque, the holiest site in Islam, occupying a space equal to 15.6 million square feet. The hotel will have 76 elevators and 1,005 guest rooms and suites. It will have five "Royal" floors and two "Golden floors", the latter referring to Fairmont Gold, the company's exclusive "hotel within a hotel".

On completion the tower will be the second tallest in the world - taller than the Warsaw Palace of Culture and Science in Poland's capital city, London's Big Ben, Rajabai Clock Tower in Mumbai and the Allen-Bradley Clock Tower in Milwaukee, US.

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Timon Singh

Timon Singh is a graduate of Liverpool University where he received a degree in Social and Economic History. He has previously worked for BBC Magazines on BBC Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, the publication for the popular genealogy show.

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