Abraj Al Bait Towers

Innovative, original and distinctive, these soaring structures overshadow the Ka'aba, the root of Islam, and is inspirational and means a lot to the Arabic people; it's iconic clock face can be identified all over Mecca. Here's what we have to say about it:

1. To make way for the buildings, the Ajyad Fortress - a 18th century Ottoman citadel - was demolished. A lot of people around the world were very upset about this: Turkey's government proposed a boycott on travel to Saudi Arabia.

2. The tallest in the complex is Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel, standing at a whopping 601 m and just scraping 'megatall' status. This was part of a project to modernize the city of Mecca and cater for pilgrims.

3. The 5 towers in the complex are the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Maqam Tower, Qiblah Tower, ZamZam Tower and Hajar Tower.

4. In it's illustrious and grand opening ceremony in 2012, the glass mosaic in which the front is decorated with lit up bright green (colour of the Saudi Arabian flag) and the Takbir (a script which translated into English says 'God is the greatest'' was visible all the city.

5. It has not only the highest, but the largest clock in the world. 400 m high, the titanic timekeeper's diameter is 43 metres.

6. One of it's many attractions includes a Lunar Observatory.

  Stat Attack!!!

Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel/Abraj Al Bait Towers

Official Name: Abraj Al Bait Towers

Alternative Names (see fact 3), Makkah Clock Royal Tower, Makkah Clock Royal Hotel Tower

Country: Saudi Arabia

City: Mecca

Street Address: Oum Al Qara Street

Construction Started: 2004

Completed: 2012

Global Ranking: #3 in the world

Continental Ranking: #2 in the Middle East

National Ranking: #1 in Saudi Arabia

Architect: Dar-al-Handasah Shair and Partners

Height (main tower): 601 m (1,972 ft.)