A $16 billion marvel that dominates Mecca’s skyline
Discover the awe-inspiring engineering behind the Makkah Royal Clock Tower—an iconic fusion of faith, architecture, and record-breaking innovation.
Riyadh: Standing tall at 601 meters, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower has become a global icon of engineering excellence and religious significance, currently ranking as the third tallest building in the world.
The Tower serves as the centrepiece of the Abraj Al Bait Complex, which includes seven luxury hotels, including the Fairmont Hotel.
A collaborative engineering feat
The tower’s construction was an international endeavour involving expertise from firms across more than ten countries.
While a German company, SL Rasch, designed the clock, many engineers and architects faced restrictions due to the site’s location in Mecca, where only Muslims are permitted.
To gain access to the sacred city, several non-Muslim team members, including specialists from Poland and Germany, converted to Islam. Mustafa Rasch, CEO of SL Rasch, explained, “Mecca is like entering another country with strict borders. Some even converted to Islam to gain access to the sacred city.”
A key religious landmark
Positioned just steps away from the Kaaba, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower is central to one of the world’s most important religious sites.
Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Mecca for Hajj and Umrah. The construction of the tower in such a densely populated area posed unique challenges. Rasch noted, “It’s in the most congested area in Saudi Arabia, right near the Holy Mosque.”
Religious tourism in Mecca generates approximately $12 billion annually, making it Saudi Arabia’s second-largest revenue source after oil. With a significant number of hotel rooms in the region, it is no wonder this monumental tower was erected here.
An extraordinary timekeeper
The clock housing is designed in an Islamic style, featuring a visitors’ platform below each of the clock faces. At the pinnacle, a large crescent made from glass and carbon fiber culminates the tower, decorated with 98 million mosaic pieces adorned with 24-karat gold leaf and illuminated by 2 million LEDs.
This crescent, known as the Hilal, is not only a symbol of the Prophet but also the crowning feature of the Clock Tower. Moreover, it houses the world’s highest prayer room at 592 meters, providing a unique spiritual space for visitors.
This iconic clock surpasses other notable clocks, such as the 32-meter clock in Istanbul and the 24.25-meter clock in India, reinforcing its status as the largest in the world.