أبراج البيت
Abraj Al-Bait is the massive clock tower complex adjacent to مسجد الحرام in مکہ مکرمہ. 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, نماز 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 مکہ مکرمہ Royal Clock Tower, the tallest building in Saudi Arabia.
While a modern structure, Abraj Al-Bait serves as a major orientation point for حجاج and provides essential services. Its massive clock helps حجاج track نماز times from great distances. The endowment behind it supports حج services and Islamic scholarship.
Abraj Al-Bait is a major navigational landmark visible from almost anywhere in مکہ مکرمہ. The complex houses the Fairmont مکہ مکرمہ Clock Royal Tower hotel, a large shopping mall with international brands, food courts, and essential حاجی supplies. The Clock Tower Museum on the upper floors offers exhibits on Islamic history and astronomy. The complex has direct pedestrian access to مسجد الحرام via underground tunnels and bridges.