The Makkah Royal Clock Tower, also known as Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower, stands tall and magnificent in the heart of the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. When it comes to iconic landmarks, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower stands tall as a symbol of grandeur and spiritual significance.
In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, exploring its fascinating floors and remarkable superstructure.
History of Makkah Tower
Located in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, this architectural marvel has become an integral part of the city’s skyline and an important landmark for millions of Muslims worldwide.
The Makkah Clock Tower was constructed as a part of the King Abdulaziz Endowment Project, which aimed to modernize the holy city of Makkah.
The construction of the clock tower began in 2004 and was completed in 2012.
It was designed to accommodate the ever-increasing number of pilgrims visiting Makkah for Hajj and Umrah because it is located only 350 feet from Masjid Al-Haram.
Remarkable Features
Standing at an impressive height of 601 meters (1,972 feet), the Makkah Royal Clock Tower is currently the third tallest building in the world.
This architectural masterpiece comprises seven towers, each representing a different Muslim country.
The central tower houses the clock faces, which are the largest in the world, measuring at an astounding 43 meters (141 feet) in diameter.
The clock faces are adorned with LED lights that change color during different prayer times, further enhancing the spiritual ambience of Makkah.
The Makkah tower is also equipped with a sophisticated timekeeping system that accurately determines the five daily prayer times, allowing worshippers to synchronize their prayers with the call to prayer from the Grand Mosque.
Floor Area of Tallest
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower holds the title of being the tallest clock tower in the world owned by the Government of Makkah in Saudi Arabia.
The tower has a massive floor area of over 1.5 million square meters.
It has a structure of 120 floors considered as tallest clock and hotel with 1618 guest rooms and suites in the world.
The Makkah Tower is an impressive skyscraper that soars to a height of 601 meters (1,972 feet).
From luxurious hotel rooms and suites to world-class restaurants and shopping centers, the floors of the Clock Tower cater to the needs and desires of visitors from around the globe.
The lower floors are dedicated to commercial spaces such as Parking for Al Haram, while the upper floors house the five-star Fairmont Hotel, providing unparalleled views of the Holy Kaaba and the surrounding cityscape.
Tower Adoration
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower is adorned with intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship, reflecting the rich Islamic heritage and the cultural significance of Makkah.
The exterior of the tower is adorned with beautiful calligraphy, depicting verses from the Holy Quran and inscriptions of the names of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
The use of traditional Islamic geometric patterns and arabesque designs further enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Clock Tower, making it a true masterpiece of architectural artistry.
Pinnacle of the Megastructure
At the pinnacle of the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, a majestic clock face spans a staggering 43 meters (141 feet) in diameter, making it one of the largest clocks in the world.
This iconic clock is not only a timekeeping device but also serves as a symbol of unity among Muslims, as its hands align with the direction of the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam.
Tower Superstructure
The superstructure of the Makkah Royal Clock Tower is a marvel of engineering.
Its unique design and construction make it both visually striking and structurally sound.
The tower is supported by a reinforced concrete core, which provides stability against high winds and seismic activities.
The superstructure also features a high-performance curtain wall system, consisting of glass panels that allow natural light to flood the interior spaces while offering panoramic views of the holy city.
- Steel structure: 12,000 t steel, 347–607 m above the ground
- Composite material: 43,000 m², 600 glass-fibre-reinforced panels on the clock faces
- Mosaic: 98 million glass mosaic tiles in 6 colours, 46,000 m² mosaic, of which 13,000 m² gold mosaic
- Jewel: 3,000 m² glass, 65 mm thick, withstands wind loads of up 170 kg/m²
- Crescent: 23 m, 1,050 m² gold mosaic
How much Tower Cost of?
The total cost of constructing the Makkah Royal Clock Tower was approximately $15 billion.
It took approximately five years to complete the construction of the Makkah Royal Clock Tower.
Significance
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower holds immense significance for the Muslim community worldwide.
It serves as a visual reminder of the importance of time in Islam and the significance of punctuality in observing the five daily prayers.
The clock tower acts as a beacon of unity, bringing together Muslims from various nationalities and backgrounds in their collective devotion towards Allah.
Furthermore, the Makkah Tower has elevated the infrastructure of Makkah, providing state-of-the-art facilities for pilgrims.
The tower houses luxurious hotels, shopping centers, and conference halls, allowing visitors to experience unparalleled comfort and convenience during their stay in Makkah.
Conclusion
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower is not just an architectural marvel but a symbol of faith, unity, and progress. Its towering presence stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of those involved in its construction. As millions of Muslims around the world gather in Makkah each year, the clock tower serves as a constant reminder of their shared spiritual journey and the timeless devotion to their faith.
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