The monumental tower of Mecca: Pilgrims get first glimpse of £500m clock which looms over holy city

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 4:15 AM on 18th November 2010

Thousands of pilgrims got their first glimpse of a colossal clock which has been built in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca.
Towering at almost 2,000ft, the four-faced structure is covered with 98 million pieces of glass mosaics. Each face is face will be inscribed with 'God is greatest' in Arabic and fitted with thousands of coloured lights, making it visible from more than 16 miles.
It runs on Arabia Standard Time, which is three hours ahead of GMT, and bears a striking resemblance to Big Ben. But at 130ft each, its dials are more than five times greater in area.
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Mecca tower

The vast clock tower at the Abraj Al-Bait Towers complex in Mecca: Once complete it will be the second tallest building in the world with a view of the Muslim holy site of the Kaaba

 

Pilgrimage: Millions of Muslims have converged on the Kaaba (pictured) and Mecca at the end of the annual Hajj

Pilgrimage: Millions of Muslims have converged on the Kaaba (pictured) and Mecca at the end of the annual Hajj

The Abraj Al-Bait Towers complex overlooks Mecca's Grand Mosque, which Muslims worldwide face during their five daily prayer.

Millions have been congregating in the holy city of Mecca over the last few days at the culmination of the annual hajj pilgrimage. The Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, sits at the centre of the square below the monumental tower.

Abraj Al-Bait Towers has been built by the Saudi Bin Laden group - which was set up by Osama Bin Laden's father. 
It will eventually be the tallest building in Saudi Arabia and the tallest hotel in the world. It is due for completion in autumn next year.

Mecca tower

Home-from-home: An aerial view shows thousands of Muslim pilgrims performing the annual hajj rituals in the tent city of Mina

 

 




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