أبراج البيت
Abraj Al-Bait is the massive clock tower complex adjacent to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. Completed in 2012, it stands 601 meters tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world. The complex includes hotels, a shopping mall, prayer halls, and a museum. Its clock face is visible from over 25 kilometers away.
Abraj Al-Bait was constructed between 2004 and 2012 by the Saudi Binladin Group as a government-owned complex. It replaced the Ottoman-era Ajyad Fortress, which was controversially demolished to make way for the development. The project was part of King Abdul Aziz Endowment and includes seven skyscraper towers. The central hotel tower is the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, the tallest building in Saudi Arabia.
While a modern structure, Abraj Al-Bait serves as a major orientation point for pilgrims and provides essential services. Its massive clock helps pilgrims track prayer times from great distances. The endowment behind it supports Hajj services and Islamic scholarship.
Abraj Al-Bait is a major navigational landmark visible from almost anywhere in Makkah. The complex houses the Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower hotel, a large shopping mall with international brands, food courts, and essential pilgrim supplies. The Clock Tower Museum on the upper floors offers exhibits on Islamic history and astronomy. The complex has direct pedestrian access to Masjid al-Haram via underground tunnels and bridges.