Makkah Clock Royal Tower

10 Dec 2010 - Pilgrims to the recent Haj must have marvelled at the stupendous sight of the newly completed and partially opened Makkah Clock Royal Tower, which towers over the holy site of Kaaba and totally dominates the landscape. The building is already regarded a new icon of Islam due to its location, spectacular size and Islamic elements. At 577 m it is the world's second tallest building, playing bridesmaid to Dubai's 828m tall Burj Khalifa, but it does lay claim to the world's tallest concrete building, besides housing the world's tallest hotel. Witjh Mecca being a city of low-rise building, the tower stands out with its mind-boggling dimensions. At full capacity the Royal Tower will accommodate 100,000 people in 3,000 rooms. Its prayer hall alone can fit 10,000 worshippers. The clock, said to cost USD 750 mio., can be seen from 18 km away. It announces daily prayers to the Muslim world through amplifiers that can reach 7 km. in distance.