^^ I don`t treat women like shit ! also when I´m in a foreign country
I respect other cultures ! and so on...
but let`s stop this off-topic discussion !

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2294/2280415533_2348f39499_b.jpg

Is the floor of the area immediately before the mosque made of stone or is it a sort of resin? thanks.

Gotta say that, honestly, the green lighting on Abraj Al-Bait's top is quite, erm, chavvish. Too bright, too out of context, it flashes out like a green floodlight. It's a shame, because the clock is quite elegant when the sun is shining.

You have to see the "Makkah Clock Tower" as a "BIG MINARET" with its crescent

for the FUTUR - BIG - WIDE - ENLARGE - CIRCLE - "MASJID AL HARAM"

with this photo ...VISUALIZE IT! :)


http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9957/testxkk.jpg

old render but it give an idea...the tower look smaller

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/2850/meccaprplan.jpg

ppl who never been to makkah are complaining, stop trolling "Pfeuffer"

that render is kinda similar but the dominoes buildings will not look creepy, plus there will be a train station and alot of other details

There are many ways to look at the same issue. That is what makes us human. And causes so much conflict.

Can anyone show some pictures of the construction at the top? Seems like only far away pictures lately.

Like this, only more recent:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=66216279&postcount=6117

all these pictures are recent and were taken in the last 4 days Scrapernab2

Is the floor of the area immediately before the mosque made of stone or is it a sort of resin? thanks.

Gotta say that, honestly, the green lighting on Abraj Al-Bait's top is quite, erm, chavvish. Too bright, too out of context, it flashes out like a green floodlight. It's a shame, because the clock is quite elegant when the sun is shining.

the white floor is white marble. it stays cool even at 50+ degrees in summer.

and as for the green, i think pictures are different from reality when it comes to light. you have to 'see' it to judge it. i guess.

all these pictures are recent and were taken in the last 4 days Scrapernab2

The last picture (the one attached) of the close up of the top of the tower was from October 29. All the pictures in the last 4 days are from far away and you cannot see any construction.

Now we are in the "Hajj season" so maybe the construction will go slowly for this time as it did during ramadan.

For the tower sure it's "BIG" but I think we react as it was when they built those big minarets at the Grand mosque.

I'm sure that ppl have said "OOOh it's tooo high!!" or "What are those, what they are doing?!!!" etc...and now ppl says about the same thing! ^^

http://www.lexpress.fr/medias/442/muslims-pray-around-the-kaaba-inside-the-grand-mosque-during-ramadan-in-mecca_448.jpg

In this old pic, you can see a minaret around the mosque..."smaller" then those one around the mosque today.

In the left corner, there is the old Ajyad Fortress who has been demolish to built the actual Abraj al Bait.

http://www.unexplainedstuff.com/images/geuu_02_img0461.jpg

Old pic of the Grand Mosque with one or 2 minarets

http://www.ustaadkhan.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/makkah-madhabs.jpg

very old pic of Mecca about 100 years ago

http://www.sunna.info/souwar/data/media/2/makkah180.jpg


http://www.islamicwall.tazakhabray.com/images/wallpapers/2140w10x72808.jpeg

Mecca in 60-70's

http://www.islamicwall.tazakhabray.com/images/wallpapers/2100w10x72808.jpeg

Mecca 2010

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C1e4AYX_A0E/TKoFPENTGhI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/LoYCTBeGiOk/s1600/DSC009218-A.jpg

Crescent of the Grand mosque

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3671241849_5b3724bee3.jpg

http://4photos.net/photo/www_4photos_net_11438080362.jpg

Crescent of the Makkah Clock Royal Tower

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/121/hilalrender.jpg

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/9649/north.gif

Wow very cool progression through time, Roukaya.
Does Makkah have a central business district? If so, how far away is it from the Kabaa and grand mosque?

I wonder what Prince Charles would make of this building?
This sort of architecture is what you get when a goat herder strikes oil. The Arab royals are still very simple people who are now very wealthy.

As a Muslim, i just hope that no Filipino maids are abused in that building, especially not in this holy city.

expect tons of work :nuts:

best of luck :lol:

Since the mods are sleeping:bash:, I guess its best if we ignore the bottom half of 312 and upper half of 313.


are you gonna talk or will you post it too? :nuts:

Since I have a job, I'm busy. But I'm free today, so here you go:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/5169384556_02610cba70.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmadz/5169384556/)

Some recent pics. People complain there are no pics up close. I would like to say, its asyiqul huur's department, and there is nothing to see at top, the spire is exactly where its was two or three weeks ago, just a little work:

Clock tower from AlJazair Street near Masjid-al-Kuwaiti, Otaibiah.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5169386544_d528629e10_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmadz/5169386544/)

Left clock STOPPED. You can also see how amazing it looks when the left clock shines.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1350/5169386186_a5505a458c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmadz/5169386186/)

You can see, when sun is on top, Clock tower becomes a silhouette.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5168785815_0078260cfc_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmadz/5168785815/)

Things aren't as big as they seem.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5169385080_b485d31e12_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmadz/5169385080/)

This is yesterday's pic:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1335/5169384154_63e78c7412_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmadz/5169384154/)

And it looks like we finally have LIGHTNING pics :banana::banana::banana::banana:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/5169384556_02610cba70.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmadz/5169384556/)

hmm, it does look better :)

i would travel to Makkah tomorrow inshallah,

my camera is with someone else in Makkah, but i will try to grab some pics inshallah.
but i won't probably have internet until i come back, so can't post it till about more than a week from now.

I wonder what Prince Charles would make of this building?
This sort of architecture is what you get when a goat herder strikes oil. The Arab royals are still very simple people who are now very wealthy.

As a Muslim, i just hope that no Filipino maids are abused in that building, especially not in this holy city.

:weirdo:

:weirdo:

right-o :lol:

Wow very cool progression through time, Roukaya.
Does Makkah have a central business district? If so, how far away is it from the Kabaa and grand mosque?Yes and it's not finish construction still go on!

Sorry can't answer...don't know this part of Mecca.

@Makkawi...Thanks nice pics :)...I wish you a bran new camera 2011 ^^

Thanks Roukaya. I wish for that too :lol: :lol:

Mecca as it appeared 125 years ago

http://www.unexplainedstuff.com/images/geuu_02_img0461.jpg

Last Updated: Nov 13, 2010

In the spirit of Eid al Adha, the photography gallery The Empty Quarter in Dubai is exhibiting historical photographs of Mecca originally published by the Dutch scholar Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje in 1889.

Snouck Hurgonje (1857-1936) is the founder of contemporary Islamic studies in the Netherlands, and believed that racial and religious diversity can go hand in hand with peaceful coexistence. His life was filled with still-relevant ideological controversies and revolutionary statements.

He had an intrinsic curiosity, distinct knowledge of Islam and fluency in Arabic that allowed him, even as a foreigner, to enter the city forbidden to non-Muslims. After Snouck Hurgronje successfully defended his dissertation, Het Mekkaansche Feest (The Meccan Celebration), in 1880 at Leiden University, he wanted to study Islam in its very centre; he arrived on the Arabian Peninsula on August 28, 1884.

He spent his first months in Jeddah, learning the local dialect and preparing to seek approval to enter Mecca. He gathered a circle of influential friends around him, not in the least because of his photographic equipment. At the time, photography was mysterious and new and most likely helped him break down social barriers.

About this time he symbolically took a Muslim name, Abd al Gaffar. There are some who doubt whether he truly converted to Islam, but he does describe a circumcision in remarkable detail, and he received a visit from the qadi of Jeddah, and his travel companion addressed him as "a brother in God".

When Snouck Hurgronje finally set foot in Mecca on the eve of February 22, 1885, he circled the Kaaba, kissed the Black Stone and drank the holy water of Zam Zam.

"I made acquaintance with modern Meccan society at first hand, heard with my own ears what that international population learns and teaches … I have studied the ideal and the reality … in mosque, divan, coffeehouse and living room," Snouck Hurgronje wrote.

He described the "neighbours of Allah" as a heterogeneous society focused on trade. He spoke highly of the freedom enjoyed by women. The book that gained him international recognition, Mecca in the Latter Part of the 19th Century, is an important historical source and deals with social and family life, funeral customs and marriage.

During his intense five months in Mecca, he struck a friendship with a doctor who coincidentally shared the same Arabic name, Abd al Gaffar, and his fascination for photography. Together they struggled with the heavy camera and hand-retouched negatives in a portable darkroom. Until 30 years ago, it was assumed the photographs in the album Photographs of Mecca were the sole work of Snouck Hurgronje, but scientific research has recognised Dr al Gaffar as the first Meccan photographer.

Snouck Hurgronje's "medieval dream" ended abruptly in August that year, after French media falsely accused him of wanting to steal a historical artefact. He left the city under armed escort, leaving his pregnant Ethiopian slave wife and photo equipment behind. He never returned.

Mecca: A Dangerous Adventure – Snouck Hurgronje's early photographs 1885: The Platinum Series runs until December 6 in The Empty Quarter, Gate Village Building 2, Dubai. For more information, see www.theemptyquarter.com

To see more pictures from the exhibition, click below

http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/mecca-as-it-appeared-125-years-ago

Enjoy old pics of Mecca! :)

You do understand this is a forum about the Abraj Al-Bait construction only?

^^
Enjoyed and shared

You do understand this is a forum about the Abraj Al-Bait construction only?

i'm not complaining... :)

ppl don't know much about makkah, the religion and other things,, we will stop posting irrelevant things if ppl stop asking irrelevant questions. we can't ignore these question since they are usually very sensitive.

You do understand this is a forum about the Abraj Al-Bait construction only?yes I know but everybody talk about the clock tower, the clock and all the pics are about it. And the clock is related to the G mosque. They show the clock at Makkahwebcam at each prayer...so it became a part of the mosque. And ppl complain on this building like a shadow to the Grand Mosque...and so one...

I would like to know if the tunnel of Abraj al Bait is working well, and have pics on it...but no body seem interested to bring pics about it :(

So any news and pics about this tunnel?

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/6375/abrajalbaittowers.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs919.snc4/73252_165237923507439_116308655067033_374245_7928838_n.jpg

DAY 1 : HAJJ

http://s.alriyadh.com/2010/11/12/img/392499605775.jpg
http://s.alriyadh.com/2010/11/12/img/103051292389.jpg
^^ clock true colors as seen with the naked eye (its not as bright as it seems in other pics)

yes I know but everybody talk about the clock tower, the clock and all the pics are about it. And the clock is related to the G mosque. They show the clock at Makkahwebcam at each prayer...so it became a part of the mosque. And ppl complain on this building like a shadow to the Grand Mosque...and so one...

I would like to know if the tunnel of Abraj al Bait is working well, and have pics on it...but no body seem interested to bring pics about it :(

So any news and pics about this tunnel?

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/6375/abrajalbaittowers.jpg

Still not in operation. It is supposed to be completed and work after 6 months.

They build the towers and then dig the tunnel? Wouldn't have it been better if they did the opposite?

^^ the tunnel is there matthieu, just not operational

Oh ok.

Still not in operation. It is supposed to be completed and work after 6 months.Thanks...but why still incomplete and not operational? ...Are they working on it?...no news,no pics?

I like this tower - actually it looks very cool!
And the size of the whole project is just mind-blowing...

I don't know if this question has already been asked - but why is the construction of the spire so slow? It looks like the spire didn't change since 2 or 3 weeks...

in all supertalls, the spear is the complicated part.

and i have never seen a spear as complicated as this one.. there is an observation deck on this spear !

in all supertalls, the spear is the complicated part.

and i have never seen a spear as complicated as this one.. there is an observation deck on this spear !


There's an observation deck in that spire?!.. :popcorn: Wow!... I must visit this building someday. I'm not Muslim but I speak a bit of Arabic... Ana be7ki shooway 3arabi!... Maybe I can pretend that I'm Muslim so I can get into that city and see this building!... :colgate:

In my opinion, this is one of the most amazing buildings ever constructed.. its beautiful and on such a massive scale. :cheers:

Maybe I can pretend that I'm Muslim so I can get into that city and see this building!... :colgate:

To be honest, I'm not certain that's the greatest idea someone can have.

the white floor is white marble. it stays cool even at 50+ degrees in summer.

and as for the green, i think pictures are different from reality when it comes to light. you have to 'see' it to judge it. i guess.

Thank you Abumuhannadh. I wasn't sure whether the white floor was marble or not since the dimensions of each slab are, well, enormous. About the clock, by looking at the pictures of GulfArabia I see what you mean, it isn't as bright as it appears to be on a camera, must have been the LED diods.

Thanks to Raedi Allehyani :)

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/9767/raeidallehyani.jpg

Stunning picture :) I really like the green colour of the LED's

Thanks to Naja Helal :) (for those who want details)

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4347/najal.jpg


http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9080/najahelal.jpg


http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9080/najahelal.jpg


http://img574.imageshack.us/img574/4391/najahelal1.jpg

WOW!!! Great detail.
Thanks ibib for those pictures.

love the close ups of the clock face,not too sure about the dodgy scaffolding, ha.

I really liked this way they're using to cool down Makkah streets that lead to the grand mosque :

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/1778/snapshot20101111154141.jpg

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/948/snapshot20101111154154.jpg

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/3114/snapshot20101111154213.jpg

^^ They do that under the Eiffel Tower during the hot summers!

Great building!

Aowsme pictures ibib !

I really liked this way they're using to cool down Makkah streets that lead to the grand mosque :

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/1778/snapshot20101111154141.jpg

^^So that what it was! :lol: I saw it in some pics in front of Abraj Albait and I was wondering why they put it in front of the building's main entrance.

Pca86mjjZKc

From Aljazeera Arabic Channel

4RjbhTpQiHo

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/7123/6548812894981548220.jpg

nice !!!!

Masha'Allah :)

Sweet aerial shot! I love it. This is one incredible building.

I like the forest of cranes on the left.

hajj season!

I expect we will have some really nice photos within the next few days.

It is reported by SPA that they are working on the last clock now.

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/4213/751469338522.jpg

happy eid everybody :)

Someone know (guess or bet) an expected date of topping out??? I guess it will be soon....

I read something about a mid december completion date.............? Or maybe that was just to be topped out.

^^ the 31st of December

the last clock is defiantly will be done this year. (this is confirmed) as for the rest of the tower, they are aiming for the 31st of December

^^
I though it was 27 december

Oh and very very nice pics

Thanks to -yaser- :)
Can't believe all this area below is gonna be demolished for the West Gate:nuts:
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/8522/5175288206e5c91ba41ab.jpg

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/2477/5175287616514d9f88f2b.jpg

It's amazing in that shot how sparsely populated the city looks in some areas! Another few years with more developments it's going to look mind-blowing! :D

Is Mecca a fast growing city in terms of population? Or is it pretty stagnant?

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5088648895_2a14b392ae_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5088649085_39b1e3d1ba_b.jpg

Does the building actually have date renders on its posters IN its building?! Bit of a fail...

0Dxjx9qXlg0

Is Mecca a fast growing city in terms of population? Or is it pretty stagnant?

its the oldest city in the world,, alot of pilgrims from poor areas stay illegally in makkah after hajj season... they end up living the same style they come from,,, which bothering because thier buildings are disorganised.. but all of this is changing.. unlike before, they are all sent back home...

^^ what does dubai has to do with this thread ?

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/7123/6548812894981548220.jpg

What's gonna be built on the left side where the cranes are on the picture?

^^ Major Masjid expansion :D

Thanx. I found some renderings already :D
So it's an insanely fast building site. Had no idea about it...

Mecca sure has a landscape unlike any other skyscraper city. Looks great with the buildings dotted all around the mountains, and one huge clock tower in the middle.

i can spot int hat picture 8 separate tunnels :)
i can see that the new minarets int he expansion are much larger than the old ones, can't wait to see the whole thing come together, with Jabal Omar mega project ( twin towers, down bellow the picture) and Rawabi abraj al bait (19 skyscrapers + 4 supertalls behind abraj al bait) plus the makkah metro and the madina-makkah train + other cities

last picture its amazing, the tower its very contrast with surround area...

its the oldest city in the world,,

Ummmm.......Jericho?

What's gonna be built on the left side where the cranes are on the picture?

http://sites.google.com/site/royalsaudiairforces/HolyMasjidKingAbdullahExpansion.jpg

^^ no not that

this:
http://www.emirates247.com/polopoly_fs/1.278504.1281692187!/image/3848826485.jpg


OLD LOOK

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/3882/haram1.jpg

the surcle will be completed in the future, it will make abraj al bait towers part of the mosque as a minaret

http://www.emirates247.com/news/region/saudi-holds-contest-for-makkah-beautification-2010-08-13-1.278503
http://www.emirates247.com/polopoly_fs/7.110.1288591047!/en_GB_image/1106130825.png_gen/derivatives/default/1106130825.png
Saudi holds contest for Makkah beautification
More than 300 contestants shorlisted to pick the best design

http://www.emirates247.com/polopoly_fs/1.278504.1281692187!/image/3848826485.jpg
This is a computer generated rendering of the four-faced clock, atop the Abraj Al-Bait Towers, in Makkah. (AP)

Saudi Arabia has invited hundreds of Islamic intellects and artists from around the world to present their thoughts on how to make Makkah the most beautiful city in a rare contest for the development of Islam’s holiest shrine.

More than 300 participants from most Arab countries and as far as China, Malaysia, Pakistan, the United States and Turkey have been shortlisted for the competition which involves artistic works on how to beautify Makkah and turn it into a museum-like city attracting not only pilgrims but millions of Muslims who are interested in ancient Islamic culture and arts.

The contest is part of a long-term development strategy for the birthplace of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) ordered by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz to turn Makkah in to the world’s most beautiful city and make life for the pilgrims easier.

Officials said 442 artists and Islamic intellects from 22 countries had applied for the two-month contest but 306 of them have been shortlisted.

The competition is entitled “In love with Makkah, we meet” and is patronised by the Emir of Makkah, Prince Klaled al Faisal, a Saudi royal family member.

“The main purpose of this significant contest is to spread the Islamic art and culture through works that will tell the story of Islamic heritage for the Makkah, the capital of the Islamic culture and the most beloved to our hours,” said Osama bin Fadl al Bar, Mayor of the Holy city.

“It will bring together hundreds of Moslem artists from 22 countries….all of them have been asked to present their thoughts in individual works that will allow us to turn it into the most beautiful city and into a real Islamic arts museum that will be open for all,” al Bar told local reporters this week.

In comments last week, Prince Al Faisal said the Gulf Kingdom, which controls over a fifth of the world’s proven oil reserves, aims to turn Makkah into the most beautiful city in its 20-year development plan, which started two years ago.

“The development strategy for Makkah has been at the heart of the Kingdom’s Five-Year Development Plans….if Makkah had not been here, this region would not have attained such an important cultural and political position in the world.”

He said all development proposals and initiatives for Makkah’s development came from the vicinity of the Holy Kaaba.

“We are honored to serve the House of God and we have a responsibility to develop Makkah and ensure that peace and security prevail there for the welfare of pilgrims who come from different parts of the world,” he said.

He commended the efforts of artists, intellects and businessmen and who have taken the initiative for the beautification of Makkah.

Al-Bar said the preparation for the Islamic competition for the beautification of Makkah had taken two years to make a plan, taking into account Makkah’s preeminent position in the Islamic world.

He said the Makkah municipality intended to ensure the participation of a large number of artists from Arab and Islamic countries in the competition, adding that it would be publicized in the international media.

Al Bar said the competition, which has attracted prominent Islamic cultural experts from several countries for judging the work, also aims at spreading genuine art by depicting Makkah’s heritage in artworks.

Prizes worth around $300,000 will be given to the winners and the art works will be displayed at 12 locations in the city after the deadline on September 27.

“We will be answerable to God the Almighty if we do not work to turn the holy city of Makkah into the world’s most beautiful city,” Prince Al Faisal said.

“We can do so because the present conditions are helpful, especially the full support from our leadership and the financial boom enjoyed by the kingdom.”

Faisal said Saudi Arabia, the world’s dominant oil exporter, is pushing ahead with a 20-year strategy launched two years ago to develop Makkah, the destination of millions of Muslims who come for the annual pilgrimage.

He said the strategy includes a comprehensive road and construction blueprint designed to beautify the city and surrounding areas and facilitate the movement of passengers, mainly during the peak pilgrimage season.

“We should have the best road and transport network that suits the most sacred spot on earth… because it is the most sacred place, we should work hard to make it the most beautiful city in the world,” Faisal said

The plan has already resulted in the construction of the world’s largest clock, which was successfully tested on the first day of the holy Ramadan.

The clock boasts four glimmering 46 metre faces of high-tech composite tiles, some laced with gold, sitting more than 400 metres over the Holy Haram (Mosque) compound. The tower’s height will reach 601 metres.

Premiere Composite, which is responsible for cladding the top section, including a shimmering spire topped by a golden crescent moon, puts the planned height at 590 metres.

That would make it the world’s second tallest building — ahead of Taiwan’s 509 metre Taipei 101, but well behind the Burj Khalifa, the 828 metre skyscraper inaugurated in Dubai in January. Some 250 “highly qualified Muslim workers” were completing welding work on the clock’s frame, according to Saudi officials.

By Nadim Kawach
Published Friday, August 13, 2010

Mashallah Beautiful Makkah :)


"In Love of Makkah We Meet"
" بحب مكة نلتقي "

competition website

http://mbp.org.sa/


***

Big Update

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/5147993143_a3164d730d_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1328/5147993913_f98b8578ba_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1402/5147987851_400bb655a4_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5155978516_14ec19c678_b.jpg

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http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5155372009_ca5d348113_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5137607666_7ef74b12e3_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/5155982530_c8e5b5c29b_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/5137608438_a9581561eb_b.jpg

That's madness.

Very good shots.

its the oldest city in the world

No offense, but nearly all credible scholars and archeologists agree that Damascus and Jericho are the two oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Mecca is pretty close though.

Thanks to -yaser- :)
Can't believe all this area below is gonna be demolished for the West Gate:nuts:


When do they start with that? And is there a thread for it?

^^^^
Thanks to -yaser- :)
Can't believe all this area below is gonna be demolished for the West Gate:nuts:

West Gate: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=523938

Eid Mubarak

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5181152723_93ecb11e35_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmadz/5181152723/)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1424/5181752582_d6758804be_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmadz/5181752582/)
:banana::banana::banana:

^^^^


West Gate: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=523938

after seeing mekkah in tv in its peak time where millions of people are visiting the city, i think this improved infrastructure is needed. maybe it will even allow the city to handle more visitors, i think it is limited to 2 million or something similar

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/hajj2010_11_15/h34_25889361.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/hajj2010_11_15/h02_25932377.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/hajj2010_11_15/h26_25889911.jpg
The Grand Mosque and the four-faced clock, atop the Abraj Al-Bait Towers are seen from the top of al-Noor mountain in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Nov. 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/hajj2010_11_15/h27_25873225.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/hajj2010_11_15/h28_25891675.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/hajj2010_11_15/h31_25903943.jpg
In shadows and sunlight, thousands of Muslim pilgrims pray inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Friday, Nov. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)


for more : http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/11/hajj_2010.html

after seeing mekkah in tv in its peak time where millions of people are visiting the city, i think this improved infrastructure is needed. maybe it will even allow the city to handle more visitors, i think it is limited to 2 million or something similar

i think this yr there were 3 million +

wwoooaaa awesome

fantastic photos, wish i was there.
next year inshallah

Amazing sight.

by Suzan Iskander photographer


http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs941.snc4/73484_1691715620719_1472636923_31785639_3031928_n.jpg


http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs921.snc4/73484_1691715780723_1472636923_31785643_5377582_n.jpg

Does the building actually have date renders on its posters IN its building?! Bit of a fail...

I guess they didn't want to reveal the real renders, besides this mall was open a loooong time ago.

the transformation of this city is amazing :D

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs921.snc4/73484_1691715780723_1472636923_31785643_5377582_n.jpg

From this side the shape looks accidental a bit like a church.

^^ the pic is squashed

Its raining again, hopefully this time we'll have more pics of abraj in rain

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/hajj2010_11_15/h31_25903943.jpg
In shadows and sunlight, thousands of Muslim pilgrims pray inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Friday, Nov. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)


AMAZING! pic of the month :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

I guess they didn't want to reveal the real renders, besides this mall was open a loooong time ago.

Makes sense. Perhaps that's just an older picture too.

from Aljazeera flickr account :

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1022/5185658322_759d84d0df_b.jpg

Man, this expansion they are building is HUGE! I understand that there used to be buildings and streets in grey area to the left of the Holy Mosque?

looking at recent photos by hi gazzazz, new height now 523m, the 300ft spire has started!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1010/5185864720_fc1061860f_o.png

from Aljazeera flickr account :

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1022/5185658322_759d84d0df_b.jpg
What is the name of the expansion behind the clock tower (right side of the picture). Is there a thread in SKC?

^^What is the name of the expansion behind the clock tower (right side of the picture). Is there a thread in SKC?
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/5839/19064274.jpg
^^http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=542438

Thanks! this is a very beautiful view of Mecca ...really a good pic from Aljazeera :)


to see "original size" ...wow!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aljazeeraenglish/5185658322/sizes/o/in/photostream/



--

What's the sea of cranes next to the Mosque? A link would be nice (don't want to look through a million posts)

What's the sea of cranes next to the Mosque? A link would be nice (don't want to look through a million posts)
This is Holy Mosque expansion:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=65851737&postcount=622

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=65273473&postcount=602

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=65275343&postcount=603

Thanks!

Al jazeera flyover footage over Mecca :

k_PdcVHvV4A
Abraj Al-Bait @ 1:40

Thanks! jh1 ...it's a good work from aljazeera :)

The design of the Holy Mosque Expansion looks good, I like it. But the design of these buildings behind the clock tower is just awful! This will destory the whole aesthetic of the clock tower!

The design of the Holy Mosque Expansion looks good, I like it. But the design of these buildings behind the clock tower is just awful! This will destory the whole aesthetic of the clock tower!

I'm afraid that this is true. :ohno::ohno::bash:

The design of the Holy Mosque Expansion looks good, I like it. But the design of these buildings behind the clock tower is just awful! This will destory the whole aesthetic of the clock tower!

i like it. it looks so massive with the buildings behind it. simply amazing i think

By Ahmad Alharthi:)
http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/3637/518745664242fdbc7e8cb.jpg

By Ahmad Alharthi:)
http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/3637/518745664242fdbc7e8cb.jpg

FINALLY, they've started preparation for the back clock :banana:

i like it. it looks so massive with the buildings behind it. simply amazing i think

Amazing yes, Abraj Al-Bait is the largest building in the world, but it will loose that title to the project behind it. :nuts:

The project behind it has the same name (it's all one project) :)

^ isn't it called Rawabi Abraj Al-Bait or something ?

^^ yeah .. but its also abraj al bait :) its like phase 2

k_PdcVHvV4A
Abraj Al-Bait @ 1:40

The fact that i see a train in the video suprised me the most. Does Mecca has a metro?

yes, the metro was used for the first time 2 weeks ago for hajj, and it was only 35% capacity, it will be finished for next year's hajj, and it will be connected with the rest of the metro which will run all round the city (the current one is just for hajj), and there will be a high speed one which will connect makkah with the rest of cities in saudi and other countries in the gulf. (ALL UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

The fact that i see a train in the video suprised me the most. Does Mecca has a metro?

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=722754&page=33

Thanks to hasanhatrash

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5392/51884025703e85925c34b.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5703/51884100320c98444a2fb.jpg

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/9634/518841085879c5df171bb.jpg

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/2007/5188411898655681129cb.jpg

By Nora Al-ali

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/694/518906520730def6286cb.jpg

"mashallah" is the only word I can think of ,looking at this great images!

Thanks to hasanhatrash

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5703/51884100320c98444a2fb.jpg


Magnificent !

dont recall seeing any distabce shots of this structure....would be interesting...bring em o pls.

dont recall seeing any distabce shots of this structure....would be interesting...bring em o pls.

Check my previous posts. They're not good quality but they still are pictures from distance, there are so many places in Makkah where you can capture abraj-ul-bait with the surroundings so beautifully but I don't have a camera ....... or a car :D

Here's another one:

I think this the best picture I have ever taken, so I'm calling it-A Makkah Morning-All rights reserved :lol::lol::lol:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5193261506_8797f30478_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmadz/5193261506/)

A close-up:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5193260458_5c5cb8e6df_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmadz/5193260458/)

from Aljazeera flickr account :

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1022/5185658322_759d84d0df_b.jpg

Wow...amazing view!!! :O

from Marwan al Marzugy ( flickr )

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5194700440_fa95fa91ab_b.jpg

movie from a week ago

http://zideo.nl/index.php?zideo=6c5947556e6c633d&playzideo=6b3469616f563578

By m.alsaadi
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/6185/51932333346885581c0cb.jpg

By Faisal Alzeer
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1144/captureed.jpg

Lovely view..

It is sad Hajj is for rich people only now :(

^^ :weird:

lol then why do we estimate the number of pilgrims to increase from 4 million to 10 million in 10 years ? don't troll its a skyscraper forum

Great pictures there.
Whilst you can't deny the enormity and wow-factor of this thing, there's something about it that I don't like that I can't quite put my finger on. I realise there has been a lot of attention to detail, and that the materials are of very good quality such as gold.......

...but it still looks kinda tacky in some respects. Like it's not real. Like a plastic toy. I think it might be the way the clock segment is 'stuck' on top of the main tower portion. Just looks.......wrong.

luw8YeQE5yE
^^ Abraj Al-Bait @ 1:00

i am back from Hajj. and this thing is REALLY massive. remember some people worrying here about it getting more attention then the Kaaba. so i was observing while making Tawaf, and it doesn't. there is occasional looking to it but only few i caught starring at it.

i have some pics, but i guess because it is Hajj season, pictures have been pouring in here, and wonderful too. still, i will contribute my part too. inshallah. keep looking. :)

That's madness.

Very good shots.
No, that's Sparta.

from Aljazeera flickr account :

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1022/5185658322_759d84d0df_b.jpg
It's unbelievable how much of the city they've cleared out. I wonder how long before they decide to level out all those rocky hills to make more room?

^^
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/5839/19064274.jpg
^^http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=542438
God... they might as well go all the way and build an arcology in Mecca. It starts to resemble one already in that picture.

^^ Abraj Al-Bait @ 1:00

^^ tallest in what WORLD ?? it appears that reporters from Al Jazeera are not well informed

New stamp with Makkah metro and tower
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/6835/capturerrg.jpg

^^ just 2 riyals for a ride :)

^^ tallest in what WORLD ?? it appears that reporters from Al Jazeera are not well informed

yes they say the tallest CLOCK tower in the world, not the tallest tower.

here is my contribution, not as good as some pictures here.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5198738885_1187f00ec2_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5198738113_614bb989c5_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5198738525_4eb84ea039_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5199332728_8f37e5c099_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5042/5198736347_a5c1795b68_b.jpg

more coming>>>>

^^ Thanks for the update, that third shot is amazing :)

continued>>>

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5199331104_f9c548ebd4_b.jpg



back clock progress......


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5198735495_950f71e6fa_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5199330148_7437f15962_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5198734647_4de02a811b_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5198734371_0ce673d2f7_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5199328830_8ba964c769_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5198733275_4ceb8a890d_b.jpg





still more coming>>>>>

>> continued>>>

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5199327966_ea7b045c15_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5199327662_c33d64dd90_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5199276878_a42e3100c7_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5198681873_8cd1a14583_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5199276042_4b8d3a57ea_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5198681271_6befac769f_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5198680857_38c8ecd2d0_b.jpg

still more coming>>>>

continued>>>

the tower on the left (what's the name??)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5199275158_670ebfbc01_b.jpg



and here is the one on the right (what's the name??)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5198680267_a183fefb4d_b.jpg


claddings..

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5198679841_b2fffd5d48_b.jpg



http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5198678789_bd90191834_b.jpg



expansion works....
the two columns are the minarets.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5198678351_8b1467378f_b.jpg

the "Annoying Building" has about one third of it removed so far....

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5198677883_86f3dafa12_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5198677317_32f51513f0_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5199271844_eb3139d843_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5198676765_c0a3081ee0_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5198670657_7439ced7c1_b.jpg




thats all.... hope you like it :)

Thanks! ...for your amazing pics! :okay::okay::okay:

[SIZE="3"]here is my contribution, not as good as some pictures here

What are you TALKING about???? you defeated ALL the photographers on this thread, EVEN asyiqul^huur!!:righton::nocrook::okay::applause: I've ran out of emoticons :)

Yeah thank you very much for this Imre scale update ;)

appreciated efforts abumuhannadh, Thanks A LOT :) .

Manshallah very biutiful!

What are you TALKING about???? you defeated ALL the photographers on this thread, EVEN asyiqul^huur!!:righton::nocrook::okay::applause: I've ran out of emoticons :)

^^Will you buy a cam and try to defeat both of them since you already live there:)

Great pics.....:okay:

thanks abum! really good update. what an amazing building.

FINALLY clear and straight shots from the rear and the fourth clock! Thanks abumuhannadh!

^^Will you buy a cam and try to defeat both of them since you already live there:)

Will you let me collect money? I've already said its not likely that I'd buy one before it has topped out. But when I do, Insha Allah I'll try to defeat'em all :)

hmm they are destroying mecca. this is a very old city why are they destroying this religious place? wasnt the islam against the "western presumption" ? so why are they using it for themselves? mecca doesnt need an impressive building which diverts from the religion...

^^ As said many times before this building is not to impress everyone, its to provide muslims a place to live/stay....

the religion comes from the quran not from buildings ^^

The clock looks beautiful in those night shots. :)

hmm they are destroying mecca. this is a very old city why are they destroying this religious place? wasnt the islam against the "western presumption" ? so why are they using it for themselves? mecca doesnt need an impressive building which diverts from the religion...

OK does anyone understand what he's trying to say??? WHAT relegious sights have been destroyed????
You need some research :bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash:

OK does anyone understand what he's trying to say??? WHAT relegious sights have been destroyed????

i talked about this project with a lot of muslims. all of them had the same opinion:" why are they doing this???"! a building which would be comparable to the other buildings in mecca was undesired. every building has its own purpose...please say me what purpose this building has... but do not say:" As said many times before this building is not to impress everyone, its to provide muslims a place to live/stay....", because if this is the point why should it be 600 meters high?? sure it is/has a nice structure but for what reason? why is its position next to this important religious place? - to give rich people a perfect view over this place! - ...

Why shouldn't it be 601 meters high? What does the height have to do with religion?

The correct way to look at it IS that they need an extremely large building for the people coming to the city! How much land area would be taken if you built a 10 story building 601 meters long? Not very efficient in a city that needs ROOM.

AND in my own opinion, no place on Earth is any more 'religious' than any other. It is all just rocks and sand and dirt and all of it was created by God, so why humans pick one place or another and say "this SPOT!!!! is holier than THAT spot." God created the North Pole too.

OK does anyone understand what he's trying to say??? WHAT relegious sights have been destroyed????

i talked about this project with a lot of muslims. all of them had the same opinion:" why are they doing this???"! a building which would be comparable to the other buildings in mecca was undesired. every building has its own purpose...please say me what purpose this building has... but do not say:" As said many times before this building is not to impress everyone, its to provide muslims a place to live/stay....", because if this is the point why should it be 600 meters high?? sure it is/has a nice structure but for what reason? why is its position next to this important religious place? - to give rich people a perfect view over this place! - ...

OK, again you're making no sense.Its like there is no other hotel around Haram which is NOT taller than Kaa'ba. The purpose of this building is to acommodate the ever-increasing piligrims. There's a CNN report regarding that (even though I hate CNN), look it up. Secondly,WHY NOT 600 metres?? Do you have a problem. People who come once in a lifetime to Masjid-al-Haraam, their first and last wish is to have just a glance at Ka'ba, not to see the international hotels around the masjid. And FYI, most of the money coming from this project will be going to the Harmain development funds. And "to give rich people view over this place" what's that supposed to mean? Every hotel around the masjid makes use of this "bonus". If 30% Muslims don't like it, the 70% else do. And have you ever heard about Makkah Clock? telling time to almost the whole metropolitan, announcing prayer time five times a day, as far as I see, thats a big service for the piligrims. Again, and this time I'm begging you, do some research.

CNN report on Makkah

"Construction Boom in Makkah"

CNN's Nima Elbagir reports the increasing number of pilgrims
to Mecca is causing a billion-dollar construction boom.

wl2MF-tqbgU

CNN report on Makkah

"Construction Boom in Makkah"

CNN's Nima Elbagir reports the increasing number of pilgrims
to Mecca is causing a billion-dollar construction boom.

wl2MF-tqbgU

Thanks :)

there are NO relegious sights Destroyed, just a sand castle and a number of shitty hotels built in the 80's & 70s.

truelord needs to be banned from thread if he post crap agian. enough is enough.

truelord needs to be banned from thread if he post crap agian. enough is enough.

U said it bro :)

Is there going to be a clock on each side of the building? I really like this one :D

^^ there will be one on each side. in fact three clocks are finished and only one left. and they are working on it.

del

any news about the height now,guys?

^^need to wait for CULWULLA new diagram.

I think that it is obvious why the tower is so tall...
1...because they can...lol
no, really, so each person can see the clock, and
can easily know the direction of the Ka'ba.

I think that it is obvious why the tower is so tall...
1...because they can...lol
no, really, so each person can see the clock, and
can easily know the direction of the Ka'ba.

Yeah thats a bonus too :)

"Asyiqul Huur" is BACK! He has certainly heard the people who said that we neede more pics from distance. I'm only sharing this one because I wanted to take a pic of Abraj from the ring road because it was my previous route to my work place. This picture says so much:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5208764295_49da96cd3a_b.jpg[/url]

the surrounding looks like a brasilian favela ! :ohno:

^^ all these old buildings will disappear soon :)

what is going to replace them? why are those people getting moved? why are the saudis just trying to cash in on a religious holiday...i feel like someone in Mecca just wants to make a lot of money

MAKKAH CLOCK ROYAL TOWER
Mega Big Ben in the desert

As one of the pillars of Islamic faith, the spiritual journey of Hajj must be carried out once in their lifetime by any Muslim who has the ability to do so to visit the Holy City of Makkah, which lies inland 73 kilometers east of Jeddah.

For wealthy pilgrims, there is a new unreavealed luxury. Mecca has a brand new landmark. Next to the holiest place in all of Islam and a few steps away from the Mashid Al Haaram Mosque and the Holy Ka’aba, Islam’s most sacred site, the Makkah Clock Royal Tower was opened just before Hajj. It is a 40-meter clock tower whose four facades are visible from 17 kilometers away and is five times larger than Big Ben in London. This new clock tower will announce daily prayers to the Muslim World through amplifiers, reaching a radius of 7 kilometers.

The Makkah Clock Royal Tower, and a Fairmont Hotel, is the tallest concrete building in the world, with 76 storys reaching 577 meters and housing 857 rooms and suites and is also the very first hotel in Holy Mecca with a spa and beauty salon.

Within the hotel, two prayer rooms can hold nearly 5,000 worshippers and dozens of elevators are ready to whisk them through to the Al Masjid al Haram Mosques for prayers. But there is more: a Lunar Observatory Center and an Islamic Museum.

Mr. Mohammad Arcobi, Vice President & Managing Director, FRHI MAKKAH, expressed his joy and pride in opening the hotel in Makkah and commented: “This event is a[n] enormous opportunity to provide a new amenity to Muslim pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. We are honored to offer execeptional services to Holy Land pilgrims.”

The hotel is a center of the prominent Abraj Al Bait Complex developed by Saudi BinLadin Corporation in the development of King Abdal Aziz Empowerment, with an outdoor dinning terrace ovrelooking the mosque, Al Hasjid Al Haram. Chris Cahill, president of Fairmont Hotels, said in a press conference that the hotel underlines the importance of the strategic location of the Middle East.

In London - famous as Europe's capital of 5-star hotel openings - the legendary Hotel Savoy, which has been undergoing one of the most ambitious restorations in British history, reopened last month after a 220-million British pounds refurbishment that took nearly three years. In the presence of Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdoul Aziz; Kingdom Holding Company; his wife, Princess Ameerah; Prince Charles, and whole bunch of the rich and famous, the hotel was opened.

We found it difficult to book a table in the Waterfront Restaurant prior to January 2011. It was here where famous hospitality masters - Manager Cesar Ritz and Chef Escoffier - wrote history. An opulent Arabic touch has been added to London's iconic hotel, putting back the glamour under the Fairmont umbrella. The 1889 Edwardian building that stands on the Strand next to the Savoy Theatre, has a new art-deco-styled block with river views and is connected by a bridge called the Savoy Way, and the new Beaufort Bar which has 40,000 GBP worth of golden leafing in its niches is simply stunning.

But there other Fairmont hotels in Europe with a less expensive and less extensive facelift - take, for instance, the 45-million euro refurbishment of the Monte Carlo, with spectacular 360-degree views of the principality of Monaco.

It was 1975 when Princess Grace inaugurated the opening of this new hotel, calling it at the time, the Loews Monte Carlo. The completion of this convention resort gave a new dimension to tourism in Monaco. That was a long time ago, but still just within the last century. After many changes, the former Monte Carlo Grand Hotel was then bought in 2004 by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and its partners the Halifax Bank of Scotland and Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud (Kingdom Hotel Investments) as an investment in the key luxury hotel market. The purchase of this hotel became their first establishment in Europe.

The hotel is in a prime location overlooking the Mediterranean, with 602 rooms, suites, and residences on one the most privileged places on the French Riviera, partially sitting on 15-meter pillars that soar above the Mediterranean Sea.

After a spectacular renovation costing 46 million euros, the former Grand Hotel Monte Carlo is located on the most famous hairpin turn of the Grand Prix circuit. Due to its vicinity to Italy, it is located in one of the key markets for leisure travel. ”Italians love [to] come here in their Ferraris," said Claudia Batthyany, Director of Communication, and business travelers mainly coming from UK – one of the strongest markets.

ANOTHER BEAUTY IS ON LAKE GENEVA IN SWITZERLAND

The Montreux Palace Hotel - rebranded to Fairmont Le Montreux Palace - joined the collection of landmark hotels owned by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Group.
Raffles Amrita Wellness has a new identity and is rebranded to Willow Stream Spa, a Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Spa.

The multi-million renovation included public areas, 3 conference rooms, the brasserie, and over 100 guestrooms and suites. In the newly-refurbished guestrooms and suites, classical architectural details have been restored and an emphasis has been placed on the space and light afforded by uninterrupted views of Lake Geneva.

MULTI MILLIONS SPENT IN HAMBURG

After a two-year renovation, Hamburg's glittering Fairmont Vierjahreszeiten is ready for the Christmas season with the lighting of the traditional huge Christmas tree on November 26 in the middle of Hamburg's inner Alster Lake, in front of the hotel. The event will be similar to the tree lighting at Rockefeller Centre in New York, only this tree lighting will take place in northern Germany.

All 156 rooms and suites have been renovated and present themselves in an incredibly young design with attention to detail. The cuisine is spectacular. Haerlin Restaurant is one of the leading gourmet restaurants in Germany with 17 points Gault Millau and one Michelin star. Guests may enjoy the unique view over Hamburg's inner Alster Lake while they dine. “But it would be nice to have more guests from oversas," said Judith Fuchs-Eckhoff, Director of Sales and Marketing, “Right now the overseas guests make up 20% percent of occupancy.”

FAIRMONT FOR GOLFERS

Golfers can enjoy the privilege of staying at the Fairmont St. Andrews, beloved by kings and queens. St. Andrews is the home of golf and the beginning of a long royal affair with a happy ending wedding next year. But no golf destination can offer the storied past of the St. Andrews, which has beckoned golfers for over 600 years.

The refurbishment of the breathtaking coastal estate cost less than in other places: 17 Mio British pounds – which seems like a bargain – but then it is Scotland. Golfers can tee-off at the new 18-hole championship Torrance course. This course was designed by Ryder Cup Captain, Sam Torrance. Nearby St. Andrews Links Golf Academy offers state-of-art and internationally-recognized tuition for beginners and scratch players alike.

ABOUT THE FAIRMONT

The rebranding from the former Raffles Hotel into the Fairmont took place in 2006 when Kingdom Hotels International and Colony Capital created a global force in the hotel industry by buying the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts chain. The portfolios of the Fairmont and Raffles are grouped together, retaining their head office in Toronto. The new company now includes 120 hotels in 23 countries, brought together under 4 banners: Fairmont, Raffles, Swissôtel, and Delta.

Since 2007, the concession was acquired by the company, London & Regional, leaving the management of the hotel to the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts group.

http://www.eturbonews.com/19754/mega-big-ben-desert

date of completion: mid-2011

the 601 metre (1,972 feet) Abraj Al-Bait Towers opens in Mecca mid-2011

source : http://www.ausbt.com.au/hong-kong-to-get-world-s-tallest-hotel-in-march

what is going to replace them? why are those people getting moved? why are the saudis just trying to cash in on a religious holiday...i feel like someone in Mecca just wants to make a lot of money

And I feel .....
I feel that the mods aren't doing their job.
I feel that the idiots who don't know s*** about KSA should shut up.
I feel someone should put an end to this idiots-coming-and-barking-whatever-they-want.
I wish this emoticon was real : :bash:
GROW UP AND GET A LIFE

^^ lol

putting ENDOWMENT is the title did work a little, i would say.
those shouting "money money" is reduced from almost every page to once every ten pages. lol

^^ Hi guys, amazing pics for 'asyiqul^huur's :)

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what is going to replace them? why are those people getting moved? why are the saudis just trying to cash in on a religious holiday...i feel like someone in Mecca just wants to make a lot of money

Please: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=15
:bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash:

It looks amazing seen from a great distance...those watches :drool:

^^ did you mean clocks? :lol:

^^ you would need a really giant hand for a watch that big. :)

of course he meant clock, for most of us English is not the first language.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1203/5169252387_080e12494a_o.jpg

By: Raeid Allehyani

Some amazing photos there.

I've never been a great fan of this building but these pictures make me realise how the tower will dominate the landscape for miles around. There must be a large number of places where the city is out of sight but the tower will loom up out of the hills - very gothic.

date of completion: mid-2011

the 601 metre (1,972 feet) Abraj Al-Bait Towers opens in Mecca mid-2011

source : http://www.ausbt.com.au/hong-kong-to-get-world-s-tallest-hotel-in-march

Its 27 december 2010, they don't need 6 months to top out and finish the clock-face.

^^ do you think they can do it in just one month? i have doubts.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1203/5169252387_080e12494a_o.jpg

By: Raeid Allehyani

Mesmerizing! I literally can't wait to see a picture of the same location after the complex is completed.

Maintaining concentration in Salat requires continual effort and is a struggle for Muslims without having to contend with this thing in their peripheral vision.

With the 'Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' like this, who needs enemies.
:puke:
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^^ it is forbidden to look upwards in Salat, and the sunnah is to look on the place you prostrate, how is this thing gonna come into vision even peripheral, if someone prays as he should? if someone's Salat is weak he does not need Abraj al Bait to distract him, he will not get much of his Salat anyways.

^^ don't waste your time arguing with him, some people are just blinded by hatred to all things saudi.

View Abraj al Bait from above

on video go at 1:00
(It's a video about pilgrimage "Hajj" sites)

luw8YeQE5yE&feature=player_embedded

Its 27 december 2010, they don't need 6 months to top out and finish the clock-face.

and what is your source? :bash:

and what is your source? :bash:

Hey, hey, OUCH
I don't remember

^^ don't waste your time arguing with him, some people are just blinded by hatred to all things saudi.

Yeah, like people with taste.

Yeah, like people with taste.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
:nuts:

wow mecca develop so fast

According to Wikileaks, the so-called Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has just called for the bombing of another Muslim country: Iran.

Tragic :(

This is not the place for politics.

When the hotel is finished, how many people will work there?

Mecca development promises pilgrims better hajj

http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/midres/web-267910.jpg

This aerial image made from a helicopter taken on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010, shows Muslim pilgrims moving around the Kaaba, the black cube seen at center, inside the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The skyscrapers, sporting towering glass facades and luxury shopping malls with international brands, have sprouted up in recent years around the esplanade in front of the sprawling, multi-level Haram Mosque. The mosque surrounds the Kaaba, the cube-shaped shrine that Muslims around the world face during prayers and pilgrims circle seven times during the hajj rites.


(AP) – Nov 19, 2010

MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — A dozen glittering skyscrapers tower over Islam's holiest shrine, the Kaaba, boasting hotel rooms with 24-hour butler service and luxury marble bathrooms. Below, throngs of Muslims perform the annual hajj pilgrimage, many of them impoverished, sleeping in the streets.

Saudi authorities have transformed the look of Mecca, Islam's most sacred city, and are planning even more dramatic change in years to come. But much of the change has catered to high-end pilgrims, and critics say what is supposed to be an austere spiritual ritual bringing Muslims closer to God has turned into a luxury expedition for some.

Samir Barqah, a guide who runs tours of the historic city in Mecca, says luxury towers are turning Mecca into Manhattan.

"The fast urban development managed to remove all the character from Mecca," Barqah said. "Mecca as our parents and grandfathers knew it no longer exists ... Mecca is now becoming a layer of glass and cement sheets."

The skyscrapers, sporting towering glass facades and luxury shopping malls, have sprouted up around the esplanade in front of the sprawling, multilevel Grand Mosque. The mosque surrounds the Kaaba, the cube-shaped shrine that Muslims around the world face during prayers and pilgrims circle seven times during the hajj rites.

Until recently, Mecca, the homeland of Islam's seventh century Prophet Muhammad, was a rather ramshackle city, built up with little planning over several desert hills with low, often dilapidated buildings. It could barely handle the burden when the numbers of pilgrims descending on it every year were only in the hundreds of thousands.

Now those numbers are in the millions, making the hajj one of the biggest annual events in the word. And it's only growing — officially nearly 3 million participated n this year's pilgrimage, which was ending Friday, not counting hundreds of thousands of "unofficial" pilgrims who sneak into Mecca without hajj permits required by Saudi authorities.

So Saudi Arabia is launching a massive project to upgrade Mecca and nearby shrines over the next 10 years. The goal is to accommodate five times the current number of pilgrims.

"Don't be surprised by anything in the next decade," the governor of Mecca province, Prince Khaled al-Faisal told journalists Thursday, promising the most advanced technology to "make things comfortable for the pilgrims." He wouldn't give the cost, but said it was "unimaginable."

The plan includes removing slums and old buildings around Mecca and replacing them with a new generation of housing and hotels. Authorities also plan to build new hospitals and improve transportation and communication infrastructure, said the governor's deputy, Abdulaziz al-Khedheiri.

The housing will have a "a diversity of levels, from one-star to seven star hotels," he said. For this hajj, Saudi authorities unveiled a train line that carried pilgrims to one of the ritual sites in the deserts outside Mecca although that was reserved for Saudis and citizens of other Gulf nations until it becomes fully operational next year.

Already, buildings are being removed from hills on the northern side of the Grand Mosque to allow an expansion adding room for 1 million more people to pray. So far the expansion has cost $10 billion, al-Khedheiri said.

Management of the hajj is a major way for Saudi Arabia's ruling family to tout the Islamic credentials central to its legitimacy. Saudi King Abdullah includes among his titles "the guardian of the two shrines" — Mecca and the nearby holy city of Medina.

Over the five days of hajj, the pilgrims trek simultaneously between a string of sites, from the Kaaba to Mount Arafat, a desert hill 12 miles (19 kilometers) away in the desert.

The kingdom has been expanding infrastructure in recent years, and some of the changes have doubtlessly saved lives. The rites at Mina, between Mecca and Arafat, often saw deadly stampedes as huge crowds tried to pass three stone walls symbolizing the devil to pelt them with stones. Now a complex resembling a gigantic, multilevel parking garage surrounds the walls, allowing pilgrims to file by them more easily, and no crushes have occurred since 2006.

But the grand scale — and luxury atmosphere — of some changes threaten to overwhelm the religious sites themselves at times. Historic sites, like houses believed to have belonged to the prophet's family or old mosques, have been leveled in past construction.

Hayat Hama, a 47-year-old German pilgrim of Iraqi origin, said she didn't care too much for the skyscrapers crowding the Kaaba. "They were pretty. But when I saw them, I thought they were part of the rituals, something for us to visit," she said. Still, she said, her trip to Mecca was like "visiting heaven."

The towers, which contain hotels and malls, are also a stark contrast to the conditions for other pilgrims. Many cram into rented houses, up to 20 people a room, or tromp between the holy sites with only a small tent to sleep under.

Al-Khedeiri pointed out that the land on which the skyscrapers are built is owned by Islamic authorities, so profits go to maintaining and upgrading the holy sites.

The worry is that the massive development will also favor wealthier hajjis in a pilgrimage that is supposed to be a time for Muslims to appear before God equal and pure and lead a few days of hermetic life.

Official pilgrims come through tour groups, which arrange transportation, hotels and space in the tent cities set up around Arafat and Mina. Just like any tour, the more you pay, the better the amenities. Covering the costs of hajj for the poor is a common charity activity in many Muslim nations. Unofficial pilgrims are often those who can't afford the packages and come to Saudi Arabia long before the hajj season to do it on their own, or residents in Saudi Arabia who can reach Mecca easily.

Some of the luxury towers offer rooms with a view of the Kaaba — a favorite among the better off who don't want to rub shoulders with the masses but want to still pray in sight of the shrine. Moreover, the rooms offer 24-hour butlers and even a so-called 'hajj kit' with designer clothes to be used in rituals, with prices ranging from a whopping $6,000 per night for a royal suite to $1,600 for the regular room. Officials said the hotels were at full capacity this year.

Even the tent cities outside Mecca are cashing in on the high-end. Nicer camps boast BBQs for dinner, juice stands, parasols and plastic chairs for leisure time.

"It is too expensive," said Khaled Abdel-Maksoud, a 50-year old Egyptian civil engineer.

He has performed hajj for the past four years, each time without a permit, because he lives in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Even so, this year, he spent nearly a $1,000 for his and his wife's hajj. For the first days in Mecca, they slept in a rented flat with other families, and for the rest he camped out on the ground.

Along the roads between sites, hotels even rent rooms by the minute to allow pilgrims to pop in, change clothes or shower. They start off at $27 for 10 minutes, but on the last day soared to $267, Abdel-Maksoud said.

Ossama al-Bar, Mecca's mayor, said new projects aimed at low to middle incomes are also on the list.

"We want every sector to find what they want in this holy city."

http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/midres/web-267908.jpg

http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/midres/web-267909.jpg

These aerials images made from a helicopter taken on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010, shows Muslim pilgrims moving around the Kaaba, the black cube seen at center, inside the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The skyscrapers, sporting towering glass facades and luxury shopping malls with international brands, have sprouted up in recent years around the esplanade in front of the sprawling, multi-level Haram Mosque. The mosque surrounds the Kaaba, the cube-shaped shrine that Muslims around the world face during prayers and pilgrims circle seven times during the hajj rites.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iRdIfwTsShaACsytYcU36Cj_O7JA?docId=671875be14b44a74a1ae01465e2de1cf
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700083509/Mecca-development-promises-pilgrims-better-hajj.html

According to Wikileaks, the so-called Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has just called for the bombing of another Muslim country: Iran.

Tragic :(

GET LOST! So you idiots really believe in wikileaks

The Rt. Hon. = troll

Are non muslims allowed inside the main concourse - I keep saying it but this building is amazing - it looks like a giant ornament because of the size of the clock. Would love to fly around it.

Yeah, like people with taste.

According to Wikileaks, the so-called Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has just called for the bombing of another Muslim country: Iran.

Tragic :(


^^What does this have to do with the building:lol:

Are non muslims allowed inside the main concourse - I keep saying it but this building is amazing - it looks like a giant ornament because of the size of the clock. Would love to fly around it.

nah we just aint cool enough to ever see this thing in person

must shoes be worn in al-bait? NO SHIRT NO SHOES NO SERVICE LOL:nuts:

Abraj al Bait

Zamzam tower shopping centre

nt5Yx0Vdo_c&feature=related


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must shoes be worn in al-bait? NO SHIRT NO SHOES NO SERVICE LOL:nuts:

huh ? f you plan to come to makkah don't come naked

^^ yea the hotel is definately required for this area and I can understand places to eat and maybe buy essentials but a full blown shopping mall at the kabba....wtf

^^and whats wrong with that?
Kaaba has been surrounded by markets since pre-islamic times. and big markets that is.

^^
Now I'm really starting to hate the mods

There are about 3.7 million pol there at the same time, u need a mall and it's not "wrong" Makkah is a city like anyother city, there are ppl who live there and need jobs and I think they deserve it (it is not a new thing)

12 August 2010 - Ramadan 1431

kujCNiQp8Vc

6 august 2010
fFVvxuA8CRs&feature=related

The clock is the second project on this video, I think :|

16617645

Dokaae tower! what wrong with this people!!?
abraj albait at night needs improvements in the lights, i can't make my final word till the completion!

very nice find ibib

There are about 3.7 million pol there at the same time, u need a mall and it's not "wrong" Makkah is a city like anyother city, there are ppl who live there and need jobs and I think they deserve it (it is not a new thing)

true i agree with that

By Tab59 :)

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/7444/52211456477234ef5c8bo.jpg

We want pics from the behind side :bash:
and we want to know about the hight now,guys? :)

^^ ibib, you have a 50" monitor?? :/

abraj albait chiller plant

Full Size (http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/19513438.jpg)
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/19513438.jpg

Makkah Royal Clock Tower - Hajj 2010

oeOnRHHMyis

Very far view of Makkah Clock Tower

Y6jxxuexnhI

Very nice pic ibib, but pls resize the image for better view.

By Alsay :)

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/7564/5227778675731f8e28deb.jpg

Saudi Guy is right, they do need better illumination at night.

By Alsay :)

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/7564/5227778675731f8e28deb.jpg

and Alsay is me :nuts: you could as well say Abumuhannadh, hahaha

Best building so far for Las Vegas. This casino looks massive.

Oh wait.

^^
this is getting old

That green is stunning. I'm actually surprised this building got built. In Europe many cathedrals are still the tallest buildings of major cities because building something taller than the cathedral is seen as sacrilegious. It's fascinating how different religions seem to not believe that at all. In my view, the Saudis seem to think this compliments the Masjid al Haram. A 2000ft skyscraper behind St. Peter's Basilica and us Christians would flip out.

^^ old too :lol:

The HVAC plant?

It's a highrise unto itself!

abraj albait chiller plant

Full Size (http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/19513438.jpg)
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/19513438.jpg

I've been seeing this plant for ages and never knew what it was for. Seriously its for Abraj?????

Very far view of Makkah Clock Tower

Y6jxxuexnhI[/CENTER][/QUOTE]

Pakistani :)
View from Alsail Road (Masjid-al-Haraam Road) near Al Hajj street intersection. Viw of clock tower: Left and front

That green is stunning. I'm actually surprised this building got built. In Europe many cathedrals are still the tallest buildings of major cities because building something taller than the cathedral is seen as sacrilegious. It's fascinating how different religions seem to not believe that at all. In my view, the Saudis seem to think this compliments the Masjid al Haram. A 2000ft skyscraper behind St. Peter's Basilica and us Christians would flip out.

I try to get my head round this as well - but comparisons with St Peter's Basilica is probably not valid. The Islamic equivalent of that would probably be something like the Taj Mahal - a building revered for its beauty.

Muslims do not come to Mecca to admire the beauty of the city but to participate in the Hajj, an age old ritual that all Muslims are required to undertake, if possible, at least once in their lives.

I don't think that the Kaaba is in any way important other than being a centre for that ritual. By visiting and praying to the Kaaba, Muslims are forming a connection with every other Muslim on the planet and also with their forefathers and future generations. Looking at it from that viewpoint, it doesn't matter in the slightest what buildings surround the Kaaba except that they function to support the activity of Hajj, which obviously a hotel will.

^^ Very well put. :applause:

as for the Buddhist we are planning a mile high boddhi tree and hoping that it will host the 2026 world cup on the branches