The Makkah Royal Clock Tower, the main building of the impressive Abraj Al-Bait Towers in Mecca, stands as a majestic expression of modern architecture and, at 601 meters high and 120 floors, is the fourth tallest building in the world, undisputedly the tallest in Saudi Arabia.
An outstanding artwork that brought additional attention to this architectural masterpiece was realized by RIVA in 2009 at a height of 450 meters. A semi-transparent glass façade construction rises above the world’s largest tower clock, which is not only functional but also aesthetically impressive. This artfully designed “jewel” in the form of a special glass construction, which resembles a cut gemstone, fascinates observers with a diameter of up to 35 meters and extends over six floors.
The external appearance is reminiscent of a cut emerald, with over 1000 panes of insulating glass with a special green coating giving the impression of a multi-faceted cut. This unique glass façade not only blends harmoniously into the Mecca skyline, but also creates a visual link between tradition and modernity. The interior of the glass structure now houses a renowned institute for Islamic studies, which is strategically located near the Holy Mosque in Mecca.
The entire project, from design and layout to planning, construction and technical processing, was in the hands of RIVA. The dedicated team of engineers, designers and installation specialists not only created an architectural jewel of excellent quality, but also laid a decisive foundation for further projects in Saudi Arabia.
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower and the associated “jewel” are not only impressive symbols of modern architecture, but also important cultural and scientific centers that harmoniously unite the rich tradition and progressive future of Saudi Arabia. RIVA has not only set standards with this project, but has also made a lasting contribution to the architectural development of the country.