So NYT are accurate and ppl of makkah arnet ? lol,
Do you profess to know the opinions of Makka's residents better than this journalist that spent lots of time researching them?

:ohno:

:ohno:

this is The course of storm water drainage, so why this "oh no" face?!!:lol:

This thing gets more and more grotesque with each passing day, and at night it looks like a cheap convenience store with the green lights.

if i were muslim, i'd be pissed to see this monstrosity rising so close to my religion's holiest site...imagine a tower like this beside saint peter's or to potala...

This thing gets more and more grotesque with each passing day, and at night it looks like a cheap convenience store with the green lights.

Agreed.

if i were muslim, i'd be pissed to see this monstrosity rising so close to my religion's holiest site...imagine a tower like this beside saint peter's or to potala...

Absolutely.

I actually took this up with UNESCO who unfortunately informed that the Sauds have refused to submit their premier sites of Islamic and world heritage within their geographic boundaries to the global list of world heritage. Their statement was that as the country itself is not making any efforts to preserve - and in fact is making major efforts to destroy such as to maximize profit - UNESCO cannot do anything.

if i were muslim, i'd be pissed to see this monstrosity rising so close to my religion's holiest site...imagine a tower like this beside saint peter's or to potala...
^^ why don't you convert and complain :lol: :nuts:

This failure of Saudi Arabia might be an outcome of its backward education system. Here are excerpts of an article written by a Saudi who found his way to better education abroad ...

http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2010/2/12/saudi-education-students-school/
But more regrettable is the academic approach promoted at these Saudi schools; teachers encourage a system of ineffective memorization and a superficial understanding of facts for the sole purpose of passing a test. This type of education extends far beyond high school to the college and university levels. Students are continuously taught of ways to pass an exam rather than the proper approaches to learning.
<snip>
However, to criticize a teacher’s arguments in a Saudi school is unimaginable. It is not uncommon in Saudi Arabia for students to be completely silenced if they question the validity of a professor’s argument. I personally have been dismissed from the classroom countless times during high school for simply challenging the teacher’s line of reasoning.
<snip>
Critical thinking is essential to a healthy and progressive education. Unfortunately, this type of instruction is not employed within the borders of Saudi Arabia at the high school or college level. Saudi schools do not emphasize the importance of independent thinking, opting instead to conveniently spoon-feed students information that does not test their mental capabilities.

OMG! :omg:

Are they trying to make Mecca look like a modern Vatican City with all those modern beauty and design? Vatican City did this in the Renaissance Age and they have the ALL TIME Best Architects and Artists to do the job like Leonardo da Vinci, Michealangelo, Raphael, Bernini and many other legendary artists do the work for them. I wonder what Mecca got? I'm pretty sure SOM, Zaha Hadid and Foster can do something but they are not comparable to those Italian artists.

(Vatican was so powerful and rich back then that they can do anything to beautify their city).

OMG! :omg:

Are they trying to make Mecca look like a modern Vatican City with all those modern beauty and design? Vatican City did this in the Renaissance Age and they have the ALL TIME Best Architects and Artists to do the job like Leonardo da Vinci, Michealangelo, Raphael, Bernini and many other legendary artists do the work for them. I wonder what Mecca got? I'm pretty sure SOM, Zaha Hadid and Foster can do something but they are not comparable to those Italian artists.

(Vatican was so powerful and rich back then that they can do anything to beautify their city).


They wish, I think they are trying to create a Holy Las Vegas although bigger and tackier.

trolls never tire :nuts:

^^ Yeah no kidding!!

That NYT article is completely BS. It is criticism for the sake of criticism and it is completely biased. Where in the article does the writer bring up the argument for these developments? There is no opposing view at all. Where is the balance? I am disappointed with the NY Times. Where is the mention of the condition of the old/crumbling buildings that surrounded the Grand Mosque and have been torn down and are being replaced? Where is the mention of the living conditions in them? Where is the mention of how congested Makkah really is and how there is so little space to build because of the mountains? And the writer even criticizes trains?? What the hell??

I wish we could take all these people trolling and show them how things were before and how much better hopefully things will be once these projects are completed. It's sickening to hear non-muslims yaking on and on about preserving Makkah and not expanding the Mosque. Why? Are you going to visit those sites? Are you going to suffer when the Mosque cannot handle the millions more that are expected in the future as pilgrims? No!!

And, also as a muslim and as a muslim that has been to Makkah tens (if not hundreds) of times, NO I AM NOT OFFENDED by these developments. For me these cannot happen soon enough so people that come from really far away places, people that are old and feeble can come for pilgrimage and live in comfort. So that people actually find space inside the Mosque that they came from so far away to visit. The muslim population of the world is growing rapidly and so is the number of pilgrims. I am sorry people are crying over some ottoman fort and whatever historical treasure they can see without ever visiting the city but ultimately Makkah is for worship and worshippers and that is what it needs to be designed and prepared for.

Guys enough already with all this negativity, JEEZ ! Its a great building PERIOD.

الي ما يطول العنب, حامض عنه يقول.

Envy at its worst.

So NYT are accurate and ppl of makkah arnet ? lol,
Sami Angawi is Makkawi.

The article is spot on. Sultan bin Salman's quote tells you all you need to know about their attitudes towards the Hijaz's cultural heritage.

^^ how can the article be spot on, when the writer brings only the view of the side HE is on. thats not called good journalism. if you were a good journalist, you would bring both sides. do you think every one in Makkah has the view of the one or two he quoted?
it only shows his hatred towards Saudi Arabia.

^^ Yeah no kidding!!

That NYT article is completely BS. It is criticism for the sake of criticism and it is completely biased. Where in the article does the writer bring up the argument for these developments? There is no opposing view at all. Where is the balance? I am disappointed with the NY Times. Where is the mention of the condition of the old/crumbling buildings that surrounded the Grand Mosque and have been torn down and are being replaced? Where is the mention of the living conditions in them? Where is the mention of how congested Makkah really is and how there is so little space to build because of the mountains? And the writer even criticizes trains?? What the hell??

I wish we could take all these people trolling and show them how things were before and how much better hopefully things will be once these projects are completed. It's sickening to hear non-muslims yaking on and on about preserving Makkah and not expanding the Mosque. Why? Are you going to visit those sites? Are you going to suffer when the Mosque cannot handle the millions more that are expected in the future as pilgrims? No!!

And, also as a muslim and as a muslim that has been to Makkah tens (if not hundreds) of times, NO I AM NOT OFFENDED by these developments. For me these cannot happen soon enough so people that come from really far away places, people that are old and feeble can come for pilgrimage and live in comfort. So that people actually find space inside the Mosque that they came from so far away to visit. The muslim population of the world is growing rapidly and so is the number of pilgrims. I am sorry people are crying over some ottoman fort and whatever historical treasure they can see without ever visiting the city but ultimately Makkah is for worship and worshippers and that is what it needs to be designed and prepared for.

+1

it is completely biased. Where in the article does the writer bring up the argument for these developments? There is no opposing view at all. Where is the balance?

Nicolai Ouroussoff is the NY Times architecture critic, and this was a critique, which is a type of opinion piece where someone with an education on the topic (in this case architecture) presents his opinion. It doesn't have to be balanced. It just has to present an argument, and give reasons why he came to that conclusion. In this case, he's making to arguments: First, that this building is inferior architecturally to other buildings in Saudi Arabia. Not only that, but taken by itself, it is a very poor design not well suited to a building of such size.

The second argument is that very little thought is being given to what's being destroyed to make way for these, and other buildings. They're destroying historic structures, views, livelihood, and the character of the city itself. Ouroussoff doesn't explicitly say this is the wrong thing to do, he's presenting the minority opinion, and stating the consequences of the will of the majority. You and I are left to balance that with what we already know about Mecca and decide for ourselves whether or not it is a good thing.

I don't really care either way, I have no intention of setting foot inside Saudi Arabia ever, never mind Mecca itself. What that Saudis do with their cities is their right and is of no consequence to me. However, the Clock Tower still a fugly, kitschy building.

thats not called good journalism.

It's not journalism. It's criticism. He's judging the building and it's architectural merit and impact on its surroundings. Surely, your local news have editorials and critiques by experts of their respective topics, do they not? Sometimes, it's a positive review. In this case, he "panned" it.

it only shows his hatred towards Saudi Arabia.

Quite the opposite. He demonstrates considerable concern for the locals who have lived in Mecca, but must move to make way for these buildings.

Herewegoagain, the Nejdi Sauds are trying to distort "Hejaz's cultural heritage". LOL. Yeah, it's been a while..

Relax guys, this building sucks as many other buildings, but, since it's bigger, it's like if it's shouting out loud how ugly it is.
Serious architects and critics laugh when they look at it and it will never make into a decent architecture book, unless to make fun of it...

Relax guys, this building sucks as many other buildings, but, since it's bigger, it's like if it's shouting out loud how ugly it is.
Serious architects and critics laugh when they look at it and it will never make into a decent architecture book, unless to make fun of it...

It could make the cover of the world's worst architecture though.

They wish, I think they are trying to create a Holy Las Vegas although bigger and tackier.

Yeah - I hear they are bringing in an Elvis impersonator.

30 posts and your trolling already

It could make the cover of the world's worst architecture though.



Yeah - I hear they are bringing in an Elvis impersonator.

:blahblah:

30 posts and your trolling already

i was thinking the same thing wallaahi:ohno:

I suspect that the majority of people who visit this thread are interested in seeing photos and information to let us know how the project is progressing. I realize that everyone is entitled to their opinion regarding the design and architecture that is taking shape and there's nothing wrong with expressing dislike for it but I don't understand why anyone would keep whining about it to such an extent that it riles up everyone who likes it as I do and we all end up wasting our time reading many worthless posts instead of being updated on the latest progress. If you don't like it, that's fine, but why don't you follow the projects that you do like instead of complaining about this one?

I suspect that the majority of people who visit this thread are interested in seeing photos and information to let us know how the project is progressing. I realize that everyone is entitled to their opinion regarding the design and architecture that is taking shape and there's nothing wrong with expressing dislike for it but I don't understand why anyone would keep whining about it to such an extent that it riles up everyone who likes it as I do and we all end up wasting our time reading many worthless posts instead of being updated on the latest progress. If you don't like it, that's fine, but why don't you follow the projects that you do like instead of complaining about this one?

+1000000000
Very very well articulated. :applause:

Herewegoagain, the Nejdi Sauds are trying to distort "Hejaz's cultural heritage". LOL. Yeah, it's been a while..

Don't forget the Nejdi Bin Ladins. :lol:

Agreed.



Absolutely.

I actually took this up with UNESCO who unfortunately informed that the Sauds have refused to submit their premier sites of Islamic and world heritage within their geographic boundaries to the global list of world heritage. Their statement was that as the country itself is not making any efforts to preserve - and in fact is making major efforts to destroy such as to maximize profit - UNESCO cannot do anything.

This isn't true; they've already submitted three sites.

Sami Angawi is Makkawi.

The article is spot on. Sultan bin Salman's quote tells you all you need to know about their attitudes towards the Hijaz's cultural heritage.

I recently visited. Once you're nearby, the building is not quite as imposing or distracting as I thought it'd be. Once I started going around the Kaaba, I didn't take much notice of it. Nobody else seemed to be paying much attention to it either. I think that's what Prince Sultan was trying to say. Muslims are very ritualistic. As long as they do/say everything in their little "How to do Umra" pamphlet, they're happy. I don't think much has changed inside the Mosque since the tower was erected. The article also seemed to miss the point that even rich people who own condos in these high rises will still have to go down and mingle in their ihrams with everyone else around the Kaaba and in the Masaa. How this bears on his attitude to "Hijazi culture" is beyond me. He just submitted Old Jeddah to UNESCO. That's unfortunately more than can be said for Old Riyadh or Old Ha'il, which no longer exist. The biggest threat to Old Jeddah has been certain Jeddah natives themselves who would have loved to tear everything down and start making some moolah.

Anyway, I don't like this building. It's ugly, it's tacky, it's disrespectful and sends a wrong message. They should have built this sort of thing in Jeddah instead. I have it on good authority that the King himself is ambivalent about these high rises, but there are stronger interests at work here. But let's not pretend that there was some sort of charming medieval "old city" standing in its place. The original Mecca was destroyed a long, long time ago. The buildings being cleared to make way for the latest expansions are not much older than the ones now being built. It was inevitable in order to expand the mosque. Expansion of the Two Mosques is not a new concept, and it didn't even start with Al Saud, as I'm sure you know, and it would probably have occurred without them.

Clock Tower in Mecca draws criticism

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5155978516_14ec19c678_z.jpg

By IBTimes Staff Reporter | December 31, 2010 2:31 AM EST

The recent architectural developments surrounding the Grand Mosque in Mecca, regarded as the holiest site of the Muslim world, particularly in connection with the recently developed Royal Mecca Clock Tower have sparked off heated debates.

Some regard them as "architectural absurdity", some as a sham to the age-old local customs and traditions of the Islam community - new architectural developments in and around the city have been drawing the attention of the world and raising speculations on the motive behind the constructions.

Officials of the Saudi government however maintain that the constructional changes are essential to accommodate the ever-increasing pilgrims that come to visit the Holy place.

But the high prices that people have to pay for the exclusive towers make prompted questions if officials were really working towards promoting the Hajj pilgrimage or whether it is all about commercialization.

The Royal Mecca Clock Tower is just one of the many construction projects in the city, states the New York Times. From high-end luxury hotels to train lines; government officials are working on major expansion around the Grand Mosque.

The tower houses an enormous shopping mall, a prayer hall that can accommodate thousands of people and 800 luxury rooms. The entire structure has been designed to resemble the famed four-faced chiming clock, Big Ben, located at the Palace of Westminster in London. Arabic inscriptions and a crescent-shaped spire adorn the top of the tower.

A number of high rises and luxury towers are also being constructed adjoining the tower, all designed to give a contemporary feel.

A direct impact of the architectural developments is that a clear line of demarcation has been established wherein the wealthy can pay homage to the Holy land by merely looking through their windows while the other pilgrims continue with the usual custom of following the crowd.

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/96514/20101231/royal-mecca-clock-tower-saudi-arabia-criticism-grand-mosque-big-ben.htm

Roukaya19, we don't need more criticism from western news outlets, i think we had enough....

^^ Yeah no kidding!!

That NYT article is completely BS. It is criticism for the sake of criticism and it is completely biased. Where in the article does the writer bring up the argument for these developments? There is no opposing view at all. Where is the balance? I am disappointed with the NY Times. Where is the mention of the condition of the old/crumbling buildings that surrounded the Grand Mosque and have been torn down and are being replaced? Where is the mention of the living conditions in them? Where is the mention of how congested Makkah really is and how there is so little space to build because of the mountains? And the writer even criticizes trains?? What the hell??

I wish we could take all these people trolling and show them how things were before and how much better hopefully things will be once these projects are completed. It's sickening to hear non-muslims yaking on and on about preserving Makkah and not expanding the Mosque. Why? Are you going to visit those sites? Are you going to suffer when the Mosque cannot handle the millions more that are expected in the future as pilgrims? No!!

And, also as a muslim and as a muslim that has been to Makkah tens (if not hundreds) of times, NO I AM NOT OFFENDED by these developments. For me these cannot happen soon enough so people that come from really far away places, people that are old and feeble can come for pilgrimage and live in comfort. So that people actually find space inside the Mosque that they came from so far away to visit. The muslim population of the world is growing rapidly and so is the number of pilgrims. I am sorry people are crying over some ottoman fort and whatever historical treasure they can see without ever visiting the city but ultimately Makkah is for worship and worshippers and that is what it needs to be designed and prepared for.

Everyones got their own opinion man I woudlnt get too upset over what some fag in the new york times said.

Roukaya19, we don't need more criticism from western news outlets, i think we had enough....Sorry brother, I understand you don't like it. There is some article running on with bad critics since Nicolai Ouroussoff the architecture critic of the New York times opened is mouth! ... The article I posted is not the worst. But we know it's not the first time ppl do critics on the project. It's a part of the reality. There is a other one I saw on the net ...reeeeeeeally bad. I hope nobody will post it.

Everyones got their own opinion man I woudlnt get too upset over what some fag in the new york times said.

you should watch your language.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
this thread is too missed up, it certainly needs some cleaning.

yes don't use the word fag, mesch here is one of them :), you can call him a "FREAK BITCH" thu.

-_-

thanks Roukaya19, i always love your posts anyway :p

i hope out camera man in makkah is all right after all this rain, we need some updated it should look cool under the train

yes don't use the word fag, mesch here is one of them :), you can call him a "FREAK BITCH" thu.

-_-

Ma9e5.

JEALOUSY is the only word that describes these trolls, if any one hates it, fine. But writing baseless articles regarding it is just crossing the line. I wish I was the moderator.



thanks Roukaya19, i always love your posts anyway :p

i hope out camera man in makkah is all right after all this rain, we need some updated it should look cool under the train

I checked the clock on Thursday night (I mean I saw it) and the lights on the right clock were off :( Thats all I know so far.

yes don't use the word fag, mesch here is one of them :), you can call him a "FREAK BITCH" thu.

-_-

:ohno:

Who cares about these articles. Just ignore them and move on. The whole world is filled with retards and biased people. Its a fact, live with it.

If the article is so bad, why waste two pages whining about it?

If the article is so bad, why waste two pages whining about it?

I actually think its very good, seeing the upstir it causes. Exactly the goal of the writer, so he well.

It sure looks like something out of Stalin era mixed with Big Ben.

As a non-Muslim living in Chicago, I think the Abraj Al-Bait looks great. Meanwhile, the article in The New York Times simply rehashes all the old criticisms of this project. The commenters above have appropriately shredded the New York Times article so I won't repoeat their arguments. Nevertheless, allow me to respond to one point in The New York Times article. One of the writer's criticisms is that Abraj Al-Bait looks like a giant version of the Big Ben. My reply? Yes, he is right it. But you know what? Big Ben looks great. And a giant version of Big Ben also looks great. It is a jaw-dropping behemoth.

And if you are going to buid a high-rise near the mosque, then by all means make it colossal. Make it over-the-top. That is exactly what they are doing with the Abraj Al-Bait.

As a german non-muslim i can imagine what muslims might feel about this project, but i can only saw what i think for myself without considering the religious points. And in architectural design this building is a gigantic powerful monster, i really like to see on pictures and would love to see for real, which won't be possible though.

http://biz.prlog.org/Alpha1Estates/logo.jpg

2011 starts decade-boom
in Makkah, Madinah real estate

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QfVWU-2pVL4/S8rVYNWI3uI/AAAAAAAANjM/MNDZHTZFP6I/s640/artist-render-of-emaar-residences-at-abraj-al-bait-mecca-bin-laden-clock-tower-sky


January 1, 2011 / 26 Muharram 1432

Global Islamic real estate consultancy Alpha1Estates International www.alpha1estates.com said on January 1, 2011, and in the new Islamic year of 1432 that the coming decade will usher in a maturing phase of the real estate sector of Makkah and Madinah, leading to a lucrative boom in the Holy Cities.

The company, which launched to global acclaim five years ago on January 1, 2006, said that the past decade had been about laying the foundations of flagship projects and physical infrastructure, but the coming one would focus more on building non-physical infrastructure aimed at convenience - for the pilgrim (resident and visitor) and investor (domestic, regional and global).

‘Alpha1Estates International is immensely proud to celebrate its fifth anniversary today, marking more than half a decade of unparalleled global reputation and experience in marketing real estate projects in Makkah and Madinah,’ said Mr Al-Alawi, Chairman of Alpha1Estates International.

‘Our focus, and that of all those involved in the real estate sector in the Holy Cities, should now be increasingly directed at bringing world-class infrastructure which will make it easier for Muslims to live, visit, invest and work in the Holy Cities.’

Alpha1Estates International launched in 2006 to become the world's first company to market Saudi Arabian property globally and also the first company to market property in both Makkah and Madinah, with its projects ZamZam Tower, Makkah, Abraj al-Bait, Makkah, Hajar Tower, Makkah and Taiba Eastern Tower, Madinah all centrally located near the two Holy Mosques. In subsequent years, it has launched the world's first bespoke real estate consultancy programme and joint-investment fund focused on the Holy Cities.

Real estate investment in Makkah and Madinah accounts for 40% of total real estate investments in the Kingdom, reflected in land prices in the Holy Cities being the most expensive in the world at between $70,000 and $110,000 per square metre, hitting $133,000 per square metre in Makkah in 2010.

Alpha1Estates' current flagship projects are Abraj al-Bait in Makkah and Al-Tilal Villas in Madinah. The Al-Tilal Project in Madinah allows Muslims from all over the world to purchase permanent villa homes nearly 10 kilometres from the Prophet's Mosque. The Royal Clock Tower is the central tower in the Abraj al-Bait Project, 50 metres opposite the Grand Mosque in Makkah, which allows Muslims to buy apartments on 24-year leases as part of a government-based religious endowment.

In January 2010, the company launched the Ihsan al-Haramain Index, the first index to solely track Saudi-listed companies involved in real estate development in Makkah and Madinah. The Ihsan al-Haramain Index reveals for the first time internationally that the real estate sector in the Holy Cities has suffered in 2010 due to a lack of mobilisation in non-physical infrastructure, which will change in 2011 and beyond.

‘The Ihsan al-Haramain Index fell by 21 percent this year, affecting both Makkah and Madinah to the same degree, and underperforming by 6 percent the Tadawul (Saudi Stock Exchange) Real Estate Development Index which fell 15 percent this year,' said Mr. Al-Alawi. ‘Be it the long-awaited Saudi mortgage law or certain regulations on investment in the Holy Cities, it is clear that we are now seeing the need for a vision beyond bricks, mortar and steel - and one which I am delighted to state is forthcoming.’

To commemorate the start of the new decade, the company also would be expanding its operations in 2011 through its own global offices, joint ventures, agency and franchise appointments.

‘In 2010, we expanded our footprint in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Americas and Africa, both with our own localised operations as well as agency appointments,’ said Mr. Al-Alawi. ‘In 2011 and beyond, we look forward to extending our operations globally to meet demand.’

Over ten million Muslim pilgrims from 140 countries visit the Holy Cities annually for Hajj and Umrah, contributing 30 billion Saudi riyals ($8 billion) per year, the second-most lucrative source of the Kingdom's revenue after oil.

Alpha1Estates International's reputation as the thought market leader on real estate investment in the Holy Cities was re-inforced in June 2010 when leading property firm Jones Lang LaSalle published a report on the sector with the headline ‘Infrastructure key to increasing religious tourism in Saudi's Holy Cities', further stating that the sector was 'unique in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region in that they are constrained more by supply and capacity constraints and not demand (which is effectively unlimited).’

In January 2010, nearly half a year earlier, Alpha1Estates International had publicly stated that investment in the real estate sector of the Holy Cities was 'based on inelastic and rising global demand from the world's billion and a half-plus Muslims, supported by significant public and private sector investment in infrastructure, both for the Grand Mosques and transport to them'.

Milestones in 2010

In 2010, Alpha1Estates International said there had been many milestones in the real estate sector in Makkah and Madinah. In the realm of the Holy Mosques and Sites, there had been multi-billion dollar expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) announced that it will be developing heritage sites including the Ain Zubaida water supply system, urban centres in Jabal Al-Noor and Jabal Al-Thawr as well as historic buildings and wells in Makkah.

In the realm of real estate projects, there was the completion of the Abraj al-Bait project in Makkah, including the completion of the tallest concrete building in the world, Makkah Clock Royal Tower (and the second tallest building in the world after the Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE) as well as the launch of the King Abdul Aziz Road project and the Umm al-Joudah project.

In terms of transport infrastructure, there was the first-phase completion of the 18km Makkah Metro railway; the continuation of the first phase of the 450km-Haramain Railway, linking Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah; the expansion of the Jeddah International Airport for Makkah and the Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah; international airlines have boosted their Hajj coverage, with some like Brunei Airlines operating their first Hajj flight to Jeddah in 2010, whilst direct international flights to Madinah have also increased with Emirates, Gulf Air and Royal Jordanian initiating their services in 2010.

‘We are pleased to witness these milestones, including the completion of the Royal Clock Tower in Makkah in 2010, marking five years since we internationally launched the project,' said Mr. Al-Alawi. Alpha1Estates International launched Abraj al-Bait, Makkah, in a global television presentation on December 25, 2005, which can be viewed on its channel on YouTube.com and Muxlim.com.

‘These and other achievements focus on physical infrastructure. Whilst this will undoubtedly continue and should be enhanced, it is investment in non-physical infrastructure which will help the sector mature as the latest results of the Ihsan al-Haramain Index reveal.’

A Future Vision

In the first half of 2011, two separate development organisations for the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah will be launched by the Makkah and Holy Sites Development Authority (MHSDA). For Makkah specifically, the 'Holy Makkah Comprehensive Plan', a 100 billion Saudi riyal plan ($27 billion) to transform Makkah into a city with world-class facilities and services, will also be launched. In 2012, other significant projects like the new annex east of the Grand Mosque, the Jabal Omar project near the Grand Mosque, and the Haramain Railway between Makkah and Madinah are also set to be completed.

Mr. Al-Alawi said these latest developments from the public and private sector in the Holy Cities are promising.

‘As we enter the decade leading up to 2020 and 1440, the vision to transform the Holy Cities is being realised.’

http://www.alpha1estates.com/pr2011.htm

29 Dec 2010

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30 Dec 2010

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31 Dec 2010

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http://upislam.com/images/07715536894985627877.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6207/ssc1111.jpg (http://img87.imageshack.us/i/ssc1111.jpg/)

Great!!!! Amazing!!!!!

Happy New Year!!!

:dance:

this is so close to be topped out. what is the shedule for it being topped out, finished cladding and opening?

^^nice pics :)
So I've checked and I can confirm that the right clock is COMPLETELY STOPPED after the rain.

Nice pictures Thanks, it will be interesting to see how they are going to build the Cresent. :cheers:

1 Jan 2011

http://upislam.com/images/86971819601255035735.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/10924610956939644939.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/28098115359053142372.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/82520926207509704321.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/32793073213311602460.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/97355679968662101069.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/21882372847573301691.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/37086582721282849719.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/41854134014970968459.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/11514486889881026891.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

2 Jan 2011

http://upislam.com/images/89906595258357327613.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/15280561278190706888.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/14568326758122754194.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/36798137481872774874.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/78246033754007935597.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/79168544050694448757.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

Great Pics! JazakAllah Khayran 'asyiqul^huur :)

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6207/ssc1111.jpg (http://img87.imageshack.us/i/ssc1111.jpg/)

^^ Best pic ever , high now :nuts: thanks a lot 'asyiqul^huur

Love it ! thanks for sharing asyiqul^huur :)

I cannot imagine Allah approves to this kitsch-ass looking mess. Its so horrible!!! If people don't kill each other by masses each year being crushed to death there will certainly be many hart attacks when looking at this monster and surroundings!

It looks like you are systematically going from thread to thread trying to stir up trouble.

^^ and he has 3900 posts, wow. what is he? some psycho?

WOW, looks like the, "World's Modern 7 wonders" list will need to add a
spot to include this building.

Fantastic pictures asyiqul^huur

^^ wait till the rest of the 21 towers + 2 (or5) supertalls are built behind it

^^ yeah that will improve the area , it will look awesome :cheers:

It certainly will no longer look as much out of place once it is part of a bigger cluster.

-edit- While we're on a the subject, the latest update in the Rawabi Abraj Al Bait thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1232279) is from early October, are there any news on its status?

WOW, looks like the, "World's Modern 7 wonders" list will need to add a spot to include this building.

I would certainly advocate for it to be added to the "World's Modern 7 blunders". In fact, I think it would be a toss up between it and Ryugyong Hotel.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_12syk0P4ANM/TJq0lRVBQ1I/AAAAAAAAC8o/Vvttq9YMlM0/s1600/ryugyong-hotel-full.jpg

It overshadows a hugely important religious site, if it wasn't so dominating i'd like it - the fact is hight restrictions exist for a reason in many countries.

It overshadows a hugely important religious site, if it wasn't so dominating i'd like it - the fact is hight restrictions exist for a reason in many countries.

Does having 'religious' slogans (text, words, billboards) at the top of a building make it a religious site too?

^^ i guess he is talking about the Kaaba.

I would certainly advocate for it to be added to the "World's Modern 7 blunders". In fact, I think it would be a toss up between it and Ryugyong Hotel.



This proves that you are misinformed and malicious.
:bash:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5175116380_f03fd08170_b.jpg

3 Jan 2011

http://upislam.com/images/97647910545264553896.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/76638891176805161393.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

4 Jan 2011

http://upislam.com/images/32191522808839680733.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/11151097703343871918.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/56338720017839225236.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/12042576044166806048.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/66290773516603875477.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/52806791916648209368.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://upislam.com/images/42261437497222281665.jpg (http://upislam.com/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5175116380_f03fd08170_b.jpg

Thanks for the updated picture of the prototype abraj in North Korea. I see that glass is up - but only on one of three sides so the other two look like the picture I posted earlier. Kind of like a facade I suppose - like something you'd see in the desert.

24:39 But the Unbelievers,- their deeds are like a mirage in sandy deserts, which the man parched with thirst mistakes for water; until when he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing: But he finds Allah (ever) with him, and Allah
will pay him his account: and Allah is swift in taking account.

24:40 Or (the Unbelievers' state) is like the depths of darkness in a vast deep ocean, overwhelmed with billow topped by billow, topped by (dark) clouds: depths of darkness, one above another: if a man stretches out his hands, he can hardly see it! for any to whom Allah giveth not light, there is no light!

24:47 They say, "We believe in Allah and in the apostle, and we obey": but even after that, some of them turn away: they are not (really) Believers.

Thanks for the updated picture of the prototype abraj in North Korea. I see that glass is up - but only on one of three sides so the other two look like the picture I posted earlier. Kind of like a facade I suppose - like something you'd see in the desert.

24:39 But the Unbelievers,- their deeds are like a mirage in sandy deserts, which the man parched with thirst mistakes for water; until when he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing: But he finds Allah (ever) with him, and Allah
will pay him his account: and Allah is swift in taking account.

24:40 Or (the Unbelievers' state) is like the depths of darkness in a vast deep ocean, overwhelmed with billow topped by billow, topped by (dark) clouds: depths of darkness, one above another: if a man stretches out his hands, he can hardly see it! for any to whom Allah giveth not light, there is no light!

24:47 They say, "We believe in Allah and in the apostle, and we obey": but even after that, some of them turn away: they are not (really) Believers.




^^ you are in the wrong forum

Does having 'religious' slogans (text, words, billboards) at the top of a building make it a religious site too?

no

Thanks for the updated picture of the prototype abraj in North Korea. I see that glass is up - but only on one of three sides so the other two look like the picture I posted earlier. Kind of like a facade I suppose - like something you'd see in the desert.


You are a troller completely uninformed.:bash::bash::bash:

Sorry all.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4907588351_8abf17f885_b.jpg

Thanks for the updated picture of the prototype abraj in North Korea. I see that glass is up - but only on one of three sides so the other two look like the picture I posted earlier. Kind of like a facade I suppose - like something you'd see in the desert.

24:39 But the Unbelievers,- their deeds are like a mirage in sandy deserts, which the man parched with thirst mistakes for water; until when he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing: But he finds Allah (ever) with him, and Allah
will pay him his account: and Allah is swift in taking account.

24:40 Or (the Unbelievers' state) is like the depths of darkness in a vast deep ocean, overwhelmed with billow topped by billow, topped by (dark) clouds: depths of darkness, one above another: if a man stretches out his hands, he can hardly see it! for any to whom Allah giveth not light, there is no light!

24:47 They say, "We believe in Allah and in the apostle, and we obey": but even after that, some of them turn away: they are not (really) Believers.

:weird:

OH you people missed it, It was a magical feeling seeing the clock tower COMPLETELY LOST in the clouds. Hope SOMEBODY took pictures.

OH you people missed it, It was a magical feeling seeing the clock tower COMPLETELY LOST in the clouds. Hope SOMEBODY took pictures.

'asyiqul^huur took some pics :)

http://upislam.com/images/42261437497222281665.jpg

http://upislam.com/images/66290773516603875477.jpg

^^ If the forecasts are correct, the clock tower will be lost in the clouds again tonight, so its a request to asyiqul^^huur to take some pics

'asyiqul^huur took some pics :)

http://upislam.com/images/42261437497222281665.jpg

http://upislam.com/images/66290773516603875477.jpg

I know, but that was the START, few moments later, the whole upper part of the clock tower was literally lost in the clouds, all I could see was a faint green shade in the clouds

The more clouds, the better it is for the tower...

^^ i guess he is talking about the Kaaba.

I am.

If this development was built further back it would still have the views but wouldn't detract from the Kaaba.

do we have a current height please?

I am.

If this development was built further back it would still have the views but wouldn't detract from the Kaaba.

the kaaba is just a direction for our prayers.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WFCuyj3aZ2Q/TN-a807LKzI/AAAAAAAAATw/38HRIDdOKZQ/s1600/pmbnaan%2Bkaabah.jpg

great updates. must be 550m now.
trolls should be banned.no more shit or you will be.

Anyone know when we are to expect the half moon spire to be errected on top of the hotel? I think the building will look the part once that is complete.

Although i am not religious in the slightest i find Mecca and this development really interesting! Respect.

hy guys check out the new building module in the SkyscraperPage website

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5082/5329241651_9c7f268704_b.jpg

My Drawings:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=187822&highlight=Drawings

http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?memberID=21567

^^
Awesome
:banana2::banana2::banana2::banana2:

^^ "Awesome" is right ! :rock:

like it. reminds me of Big Ben. Not to troll guys, but what is the opinion of ordinary people or common man in Makkah? Do they approve of such huge projects right next to the Kaaba?

not just u , probably any 10 thousand people who has the same think of that....

like it. reminds me of Big Ben. Not to troll guys, but what is the opinion of ordinary people or common man in Makkah? Do they approve of such huge projects right next to the Kaaba?

yes we muslims are happy, however many non-muslims aren't.

wednesday night i went to Makkah, and i could see this from 18km away, wow. just past the Jomum checkpoint and it was there in it's full glory, lit in green. and i could read the time from about 10km, way before Masjid Aisha in Taneem. :)

very beautiful... its most impresive tower.. Thank (http://www.hcenr.org/) you (http://www.poliesportiu-cellera.org/) for posting all the picture...

like it. reminds me of Big Ben. Not to troll guys, but what is the opinion of ordinary people or common man in Makkah? Do they approve of such huge projects right next to the Kaaba?

I'm an "ordinary or common" guy in Makkah and I TOTALLY approve, and the majority approves it too.

yes we muslims are happy, however many non-muslims aren't.

Why do you think non Muslims aren't happy?

yeah i saw the new skyscraperpage diagram and liked it a lot. not that the one before was bad or anything, but this fits kinda more

Why do you think non Muslims aren't happy?

envy/jealousy, thats why.

^^^ interesting now why would you say that.

^^^ interesting now why would you say that.

lol it funny cause your almost proving the point, now dont go to crazy on me :lol:

I am happy this is build. It's beautifull. I am not a muslim ;)

btw

I have never seen so many cranes on one single site :o

I'm a non-Muslim and I love it! Looks like Sauron's Citadel at night!

envy/jealousy, thats why.

A new brand of people - NISEBYs: Not In Somebody Else's Backyard. Humans are funny like that. :lol:

Seriously though, albeit a tad Stalinist-looking, I love this project's design, it's something different from all the slick glass towers built everywhere else. Mecca is a unique city, it deserves to have unique towers.

I'm muslim and I hate it, I think it's too big to be near the grand masjid

i like the scrapers surrounding the clock tower, remind of the old skyscrapers before glass and steel era, but the clock tower just lacks taste and style in every possible way.

I'm muslim and I hate it, I think it's too big to be near the grand masjid

He asked the MAKKAWIS Mr.!

Jesus Christ. I take a look into this thread after like 2 months not visiting and the first thing I see is ppl bashing eachother. Honestly I did not expect anything different. Yes, the forums are being fucked by loads of spammers lately. Everyone just has to deal with it. The post was deleted and this way it looked like the post was a reply to Gulfarabia's post. This is why you SHOULDN'T be replying to spammers or trolls because it's not gonna help. It will only derail threads. Keep it on topic!

He asked the MAKKAWIS Mr.!

Residents of Mecca are called Meccans.

He asked the MAKKAWIS Mr.!

at least I'm from jeddah, and I go there twice a year

^^ you're from Jeddah and your name is Pedro? :sly:

He must be one of those spanish descendents in Saudi Arabia.....I think it's just him and his family holding that title in the country.

Residents of Mecca are called Meccans.

I was talking in arabic :D
Anyways, GOOD NEWS: The left clock is FINALLY back in operation.

Thanks to Raeid :)

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/3724/53269864998d9c67d0dfo.jpg

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1985/53255422363e5f9e7635o.jpg

It's a really big, really ugly Big Ben. Is there a casino inside?

Great pictures! I have to say, this is the first time I see some grass on the pictures here. Gives a fresh feel. :)

It's a really big, really ugly Big Ben. Is there a casino inside?

^^:lol: so old!

..

how come the mountains are green?

the first picture is just stunning O_O

how come the mountains are green?

maybe rain :)

how come the mountains are green?

its normal around this time of the year :)

Is there a casino inside?Yo, it looks really "Vegas", you're right.
Has it been topped out? 2nd world's tallest confirmed?

looks real good in the far away pic from close looks pretty good.

Yo, it looks really "Vegas", you're right.
Has it been topped out? 2nd world's tallest confirmed?

its definitely not topped out lol
but yes indeed it is the 2nd tallest

magnificent

It's certainly quite Imposing, however I can't say I like it.

is the clock on 4th side complete now?

is the clock on 4th side complete now?

Its hasn't even started yet

Thanks to Raeid :)

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/3724/53269864998d9c67d0dfo.jpg


Speechless

wow... green leaves! Is it raining this part of the year?

You can hear the construction around even at night. The video is from the westren direction, so probably Jabal Omar or West Gate.

KtZ-ZzPiFts

By Diana Spencer, the photographer that is :)

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7795/53055620890fdeb81b75b.jpg

http://img573.imageshack.us/img573/5231/5306158434abe243bcf6b.jpg

Interestingly, looking at the buildings from afar one is quickly to conclude they are mimic of Vegas. Anyway, they are magical,abracadabra!

Looks like the Muslims decided to build their own version of Las Vegas. Congrats!

You can hear the construction around even at night. The video is from the westren direction, so probably Jabal Omar or West Gate.

KtZ-ZzPiFts

That's logical I think. It's so hot in the middle of the day. It must be much more comfortable to work when the sun is down

this is so close to be topped out :)

Nice new article about this project in the January 2011 edition of Esquire Magazine:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/46193730/Dr-Sami-Angawi-comments-on-Mecca-s-New-Clock-Tower

we want to know about the current height, please guys? :cheers:

^^ Pretty darn tall.

i understand that the architects wanted to create fabulous, representative building in such holy for muslims land, but actually they've exceeded the mission - it looks as a mixture of big ben and moscow state university with some muslim pieces. as for me, it's tasteless :ohno:
i wanted better design for 2nd tallest building in the world

Thanks to Raeid :)
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/3724/53269864998d9c67d0dfo.jpg

What a giant monster of building! It will dominate the city more than the mosque.

http://www.npointercos.jp/images/Moscow2004ssCRW_3762.jpg

+

http://theprodigalguide.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/big-ben.jpg

+

http://www.impactlab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/ryugyong-hotel-653.jpg

=
:puke:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x1mnbbbdB74/SN6Hh1tkLmI/AAAAAAAAAMY/_lrSyl4L-7Q/s400/Abraj_Al_Bait_Towers.jpg

Are there already any details on the 'moon' part of the tower?

Moon ?

aswalli, with 34 posts is dedicated to troll this thread, it's a matter of time before he gets banned.

^^I think he is referring to the crescent moon on the very top of the tower. I am also wondering when is the project scheduled to be finished. :)

Moon ?

aswalli, with 34 posts is dedicated to troll this thread, it's a matter of time before he gets banned.

Seriously, counting posts and crying about it isn't going to help... Some of you Muslims keep freaking out on people and it's annoying!
When is this structure due to be completed? Can we get some inside pictures? Height, please!

Should be banned any content linked to racist cities.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3801914032_02075a1e09.jpg

we want to know about the current height, please guys? :cheers:
im on hols,so i havnet updated in weeks. but going by recent photo its about 550m high
should start to see construction of obswervation pod soon which means it will be 560m high.
then the cresent sharft will be added and then crescent on top.

Seriously, counting posts and crying about it isn't going to help... Some of you Muslims keep freaking out on people and it's annoying!
When is this structure due to be completed? Can we get some inside pictures? Height, please!

Some of you Muslims?

Some of you Muslims?

Who? Certainly nobody here :nuts:

Who? Certainly nobody here :nuts:

certainly, some of us !! :lol:

We need pics to cut off another two-page-BS. Meanwhile, Good news, I'm getting close to getting a 8 MP mobile cam, pray for me :D

im on hols,so i havnet updated in weeks. but going by recent photo its about 550m high
should start to see construction of obswervation pod soon which means it will be 560m high.
then the cresent sharft will be added and then crescent on top.

oh yeah thank you i totally forgot about the observation pod below the crescent.

At first I imagined a helicopter would put it in place because I thought there would be no way the cranes could reach high enough to install the cresent, but now I see they could.

We need pics to cut off another two-page-BS. Meanwhile, Good news, I'm getting close to getting a 8 MP mobile cam, pray for me :D

may you get it sooooooon :P

We need pics to cut off another two-page-BS. Meanwhile, Good news, I'm getting close to getting a 8 MP mobile cam, pray for me :DI pray for you bro :)

I wish to see reports of Makkawi.Pk network ^^

Here's a new video!

Makkah Clock - ساعة مكة
timelapse

ULPoftYtihA

^^ awesome !!

ULPoftYtihA

Some music would've been nice instead of that lame allahallahuallaha.

I pray for you bro :)

I wish to see reports of Makkawi.Pk network ^^

Here's a new video!

Makkah Clock - ساعة مكة
timelapse

ULPoftYtihA

GREAT :okay:

Height has been increased to be.....

605 M

^^
These height increases are getting annyoing IMO.

Height has been increased to be.....

605 M

SOURCE PLEASE!!!

http://www.npointercos.jp/images/Moscow2004ssCRW_3762.jpg

+

http://theprodigalguide.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/big-ben.jpg

+

http://www.impactlab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/ryugyong-hotel-653.jpg

=
:puke:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x1mnbbbdB74/SN6Hh1tkLmI/AAAAAAAAAMY/_lrSyl4L-7Q/s400/Abraj_Al_Bait_Towers.jpg

That's the perfect way to describe this thing! It's worse than horrible

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/5223/5893612807590406669.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/11/17/article-0-0C1CF155000005DC-549_964x634.jpg

SOURCE PLEASE!!!

lol if you need a source from me, this means you need a source that the clock has been added to the design then the height got increased from 485 to 520 then 570 then 595 then 591 (reduced) then 601 :)

I was the source for all of these infos if you check the old posts two years ago

Where do they put the extra four meters? A third ball underneath the crescent?

There already are three balls. You can see half a ball above

a small correction

http://www.npointercos.jp/images/Moscow2004ssCRW_3762.jpg

+

http://theprodigalguide.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/big-ben.jpg

+

http://www.impactlab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/ryugyong-hotel-653.jpg

+
http://images.forbestraveler.com/media/photos/inspirations/2007/10/amusement-parks-01-g.jpg

+
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dO9bg4_tViM/TG1YXwNFuMI/AAAAAAAAGKw/ft_SM86D7P4/s1600/minnie_burqa1.jpg


=
:puke:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x1mnbbbdB74/SN6Hh1tkLmI/AAAAAAAAAMY/_lrSyl4L-7Q/s400/Abraj_Al_Bait_Towers.jpg

There already are three balls. You can see half a ball above

yeah thats true, but only visible on the second look :D. this building is so freaking huge that 4 meters dont really mean a difference haha

If it keeps increasing like this, it could beat Shanghai Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree.
But I think the top part above the clock would like out of proportion, not in harmony with the lower part anymore.

Height has been increased to be.....

605 M

:banana2::banana2::banana2::banana2::banana2::banana2::banana2:

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/6821/5890212807587702728.jpg

http://upislam.com/images/79168544050694448757.jpg (http://upislam.com/)


http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/5223/5893612807590406669.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/11/17/article-0-0C1CF155000005DC-549_964x634.jpg

Wow i cant belive all those envy people. If you dont like this project, why are you visiting this thread to post your junk? Stop trolling around!

Wow, I can't believe all those people who think only good/nice opinions are allowed!

Wow i cant belive all those envy people. If you dont like this project, why are you visiting this thread to post your junk? Stop trolling around!

Eh its ok to say you don't like it as long as it isn't abusive or obnoxious. That being said I think it is tacky. I am sure after awhile it will be ok just like the Eiffel Tower's situation.

I just think right now the juxtaposition is so striking. The desert next to this massive development as well as the mosque next to soulless imitation just really stands out.

Wow, I can't believe all those people who think only good/nice opinions are allowed!

opinion is something and trolling is something else.
what do you call it when someone post a picture of a Burqa wearing Mini mouse in a thread where it is supposed to be about a building?

Question for some of those more familiar with the design: Was this complex of buildings purposefully designed to resemble a hand?

CLOCK TOWER AGAIN LOST IN CLOUDS

CLOCK TOWER AGAIN LOST IN CLOUDS

Just a suggestion - can we stop the spam on this thread and limit discussion to architecture and construction? Numerous buildings all around the world get clouds / fog around them - no need to clog up the thread with such irrelavant posts.

looks like big ben on steroids, i think that tower with the clock is just way too tall compared to the shorter buildings in this whole building.

omg
I really dont like
they just had one idea i think: big big big!

Just a suggestion - can we stop the spam on this thread and limit discussion to architecture and construction? Numerous buildings all around the world get clouds / fog around them - no need to clog up the thread with such irrelavant posts.

SPAM? I share latest updates as much as my can, and this one was just a message for anyone who is currently near the tower and has a camera. Next time, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS

SPAM? I share latest updates as much as my can, and this one was just a message for anyone who is currently near the tower and has a camera. Next time, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS

:cheers: + 100

It would be great to see more pics of the clock lost in the clouds

Thanks to NOURA3, very colorful :)

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/201/53462808151ed741c2eeb.jpg

Eastern clock by inthedil:cheers:

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/9302/5348942830bae0df72a7b.jpg

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9435/534894351435f764c8bab.jpg

Height has been increased to be.....

605 M

I couldn't find any reference or source. However, I think it would be added to the spire below the balls.

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/4135/4cb24fc967bb1.jpg

The clock effects at midnight are pretty spectacular! Almost as if it is speaking to all the Meccans! Here's a video:

iC-9s8aR_MI

^^What is with that video? Totally not related.

Anyway, I have to say it is a pretty impressive structure. I wish it was a little further away but it has been built. The spire is incomplete so I guess they decide to take the opportunity to add 4m to make it higher.

^^ i think it was because one of the balls "under the crescent" was too low that it was taking space from the viewing dock "which is under the crescent" so they lifited it up higher. it still needs official conforming but i trust DreaM1981 he is always ahead of news ;)

I can tell where it got added exactly but please we need answer from administrators before we share our posts and replies here.

Well, I'm more than ready to be a mod and get rid of these ***s, but I want an admin to make me a mod

opinion is something and trolling is something else.
what do you call it when someone post a picture of a Burqa wearing Mini mouse in a thread where it is supposed to be about a building?

I clicked the little triangle with an exclamation point in it. Then I typed the words "off-topic and offensive, will cause fighting" so the mods could evaluate it.

BUT, if someone has a negative opinion about the building, I just read it and move on. For example, in the Tokyo Sky Tree thread someone said it looked like a giant oil drilling platform! Maybe it does to them, but not one person responded with 'it does not' or 'stop trolling'. They just moved on, just like anyone here should when this building is called vegasy or tacky.

Proof that banning does not work. Nice name change....so hard to figure out who you are...

The only thing that does works is NOT FEEDING THE TROLL. Seems people are just incapable of that, though.

^^ when someone gets banned, his computer I.P get recorded, he won't be able to create a new username or gain any accuses.

is the new hight anywhere on the news yet ?

DreaM1981 trying to blackmail the staff isn't any better, I hope he meets the same fate.

trollers should be ignored, DreaM1981.
لا تعطيهم وجه و أنا أخوك و واصل مشاركاتك المثرية بارك الله فيك .

The only thing that does works is NOT FEEDING THE TROLL. Seems people are just incapable of that, though.

It doesnt work here. You can't eradicate jealousy.

I can tell where it got added exactly but please we need answer from administrators before we share our posts and replies here.

Stop. Just stop this bullshit. Leave the forum if you like, it would be a relief to most of us.

Well, I'm more than ready to be a mod and get rid of these ***s, but I want an admin to make me a mod

You never will be, certainly not with this attitude. Simply accept criticism. There are people that do not like this building and they are allowed to give their opinion. Some replies are going too far like the one from the guy that just got banned so you can see that we staffers deal with issues like that properly. Please, the trolling etc. will never stop if you guys don't stop feeding it, asking for it and if you don't change your own attitude. Simply report a trollpost to me or one of the other moderators and it will be dealt with, no need to take matters in your own hands.

I don't think there will be any update soon; it's still raining heavily.

-dpiaRYjvGc

So the whole project is called Abraj Al-Bait , but does the tallest one have a specific name?

The tallest one is called Royal Mecca Clock Tower, if memory serves.

not sure why people are comparing it to other world buildings?
it has nothing todo with them.oits own entity. its a new building and part of a complex.
i think it looks great and cant see it how resembles any other bldg?

So the whole project is called Abraj Al-Bait , but does the tallest one have a specific name?

The tallest tower's official name is "Fairmont Hotel Royal Makkah Clock Tower". We locals call it "Makkah Clock Tower", or simply "Clock Tower"

I don't think there will be any update soon; it's still raining heavily.

-dpiaRYjvGc

YES there is, light rain won't stop work (although it HAS stopped the lights of the left clock for weeks now :(( ) The spire is taking shape beautifully.

This is a real masterpiece of architecture, but i wouldn't like to live there, i've finished that lesson, and remember it everytime i walk through the muslim ghetto of berlin.

Who are you to speak on behalf of the vast majority of Muslims?

+1

and there are more than 1.5 billion Muslims in the world.

Back to the to-pic! ^^

Never posted here...

Mobile Phone Images

Taken on Jan. 2nd, 2011

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/1663/img0813sg.jpg
By emg76 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/emg76) at 2011-01-03

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6469/img0817j.jpg
By emg76 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/emg76) at 2011-01-03

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2296/img0824d.jpg
By emg76 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/emg76) at 2011-01-03

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1063/img0827v.jpg
By emg76 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/emg76) at 2011-01-03

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/406/img0836nj.jpg
By emg76 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/emg76) at 2011-01-03

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/1860/img0838kj.jpg
By emg76 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/emg76) at 2011-01-03

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/6491/img0839kf.jpg
By emg76 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/emg76) at 2011-01-03

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/6370/img0840xt.jpg
By emg76 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/emg76) at 2011-01-03

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/9239/img0841v.jpg
By EMG76 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/EMG76) at 2011-01-03

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/2070/img0846h.jpg
By emg76 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/emg76) at 2011-01-03

Thanks to both abdulbasitgari and ђάḓoolє ρђoťo :)

It seems we've reached new highs now :cheers:

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/3964/53563277391078854cf6b.jpg

http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/8262/5356846928d8aa0a0420b.jpg

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/7827/46596969.jpg

4 million ppl come to Makkah every year, and none of what you say happens there.


those kids are from 2 different continents and by the look of what they are wearing i see 4 different countries. :)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5285/5318460890_00e420ab23_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29070131@N02/5318460890/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5317840593_54677b56bd_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29070131@N02/5317840593/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5282/5325301660_8beaa9756e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29070131@N02/5325301660/)

Thanks to ArSaL' :)
I seriously expected they would stop till the rain and fog is over. I really didn't expect to see it rise.

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/1897/53579279546b00c4e3a7b.jpg

http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/8262/5356846928d8aa0a0420b.jpg

Thanks to JamilBenAli :)

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5444/5359896824d59e29e643b.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/558/5359879420a4637bd4deb.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4687/5359275969c9d30363aeb.jpg

Seen from a faraway hill this tower looks utterly out of scale but views from ground level aren't that bad at all. I was fearing it'd have looked tacky but, you know what? It fits in the contest, somehow. Perhaps it's the stones, perhaps it's the absence of the splash of gold inserts I was afraid to see here and there, but it does look classy from ground level (and the grey stone decorations of the Great Mosque's walls are gorgeous btw). I hope Makkawi will post his pictures ASAP.

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/1860/img0838kj.jpg

I'd crave for a fisheye view, from ground level up, of this road. Looks delicious.

Thanks to JamilBenAli :)

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4687/5359275969c9d30363aeb.jpg

the best picture to predict the height :)

This thread will remain closed for a while. It'll take some time to find out who added those tags. I'm going to think of appropriate infractions for people that've been abusing this thread lately. And most likely the last 3/4 pages with posts will all be deleted. Just to be clear, there's no innocent party here. If you don't have the capability of ignoring you probably shouldn't be on this forum in the first place and all the childish trolls will be banned for good.

This thread will remain closed for a while. It'll take some time to find out who added those tags. I'm going to think of appropriate infractions for people that've been abusing this thread lately. And most likely the last 3/4 pages with posts will all be deleted. Just to be clear, there's no innocent party here. If you don't have the capability of ignoring you probably shouldn't be on this forum in the first place and all the childish trolls will be banned for good.

Meh, you don't have to investigate that much, I can just give you away the names:

I'm removing the tag, banning the zw038 accounts and I'll check Edblock on what's the nature of the account.

I just did all that.

I just did all that.

We crossed ban the guys lol.

Alright I think we're all good. Brigged 3 guys and banned 2. Deleted over 50 posts. Oh well, hope they're able to keep this thread on track for the next couple of days.

Many Thanks for the cleaning! Great Job! :)


But delete post 6916

-

mr matthieu , please, DELETE these awful names from the post NOW,PLEASE ?

fantastic the last photo.... Almost mecca area can see clear that tower..

WELCOME BACK :)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5202/5363427141_4a55a71aaf_b.jpg

creadit:Faisal Bokhari

:eek: that looks surreal, wonderful

^^ That is a great shot. It shows the contrast as well. The old with the new. I hope that they can improve the living standards of the poorer sectors of Mecca. It reflects well on Muslims as we strive to improve the lives of all Muslims in the world. :)

mr matthieu , please, DELETE these awful names from the post NOW,PLEASE ?

Calm down! Don't start making a scene right after I opened the thread ok? Just pm moderators for these kind of issues. Keep in mind that we don't check this thread 24/7. I'm on my iphone right now so i'll take care of it as soon as I get home.

This is just unbelievable. Cant ban from my phone but ill get home soon enough

I'm at work so I hesitate clicking the link to check what's in. I'm just deleting it considering the reaction and will check it once home.

^^ thanks guys for all the hard work, i know its not easy

^^ Thanks again for your hard work. Sorry to having to disturb you mods on this matter. :)

WELCOME BACK :)

creadit:Faisal Bokhari

Fantastic shot! The sky looks unreal. Also shows nice how big the clocks really are.

Whoo, feels good after they remove the hand cuffs (:D)

Somewhere a pic of the tower with Big Ben superimposed? Would be interesting to see to reference just how big the face is.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5370095800_cfface0b2b_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5003/5369488841_ab0400a2f4_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5127/5370097994_ea045cddde_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5370099900_87b56e478f_z.jpg

"~Makkawi Goes to Abraj~" will be shared soon

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5046/5370178020_572bf61666_z.jpg

TOOK IT JUST NOW

Makkawi, please buy a camera and change your signature! ;)

^^
Actually these pics are from a panasonic lumix dmc-fx10 6MP, still haven't bough it :D

^^ i guessed so, because the night shots looked considerably better than your mobile shots posted before. :)

^^ i guessed so, because the night shots looked considerably better than your mobile shots posted before. :)

YUP, now you can see Makkah Clock from Nuzha District more clearly :D

^^
Actually these pics are from a panasonic lumix dmc-fx10 6MP, still haven't bough it :D

Great, now you only need a car to get you closer :cheers:

YUP, now you can see Makkah Clock from Nuzha District more clearly :D

And you know how much we all LOVE to see pictures of Nuzha District!

Great, now you only need a car to get you closer :cheers:

Maybe that should be my new signature :D

in a few hundred years when the new seven wonders of the world are chosen again, this will probably make it.

January 15.
photography: Youssef Ahmed

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5371695065_75f6bd5c3a_b.jpg

those vertical bars, where did it go? i see only one now. (the bars that supposed to be around the observatory??)

EDIT: and i mean these bars you see from an early picture

http://upislam.com/images/79168544050694448757.jpg

Maybe that should be my new signature :D

Finally got a camera, now all i need is a car?

The detail on and surrounding the clock faces is beautiful!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5371695065_75f6bd5c3a_b.jpg

Maybe they were temporary supports? The real ones will be different? Or there was a flaw or unforeseeable design problem.

Question: is all the space behind the clocks mechanical? Seems like a HUGE area with a lot of wasted space.

Great Modrators and Updaters ~ thanks guys for these updates of this nice clock towers !!

Maybe they were temporary supports? The real ones will be different? Or there was a flaw or unforeseeable design problem.

Question: is all the space behind the clocks mechanical? Seems like a HUGE area with a lot of wasted space.

Nope, it'll be an international-standard clock center (I HAVE NO IDEA what that means, saw it in an official vid) open to visitors

those vertical bars, where did it go? i see only one now. (the bars that supposed to be around the observatory??)

EDIT: and i mean these bars you see from an early picture

http://upislam.com/images/79168544050694448757.jpg

vertical bars? explain pls

^^ see the difference between the picture and the one before, what bars are missing?