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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Abraj Al Bait Clock Towers Summary
| Opening hours: |
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| Public website: | theclocktowers.com |
Saudi Arabia – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type G
Type G:
 Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Saudi Riyal (SAR) £1 ≈ SAR 4.99 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Saudi Arabia, especially in urban areas and large businesses.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not expected in Saudi Arabia, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip in restaurants, taxis, and hotels is appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Alcohol consumption is illegal, and there are heavy penalties for violations. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, but designated smoking areas are available outdoors. |
| National Day (23 September) |
Celebrates the founding of Saudi Arabia |
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| Eid al-Fitr (variable) |
Marks the end of Ramadan with celebrations |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 911 (General), 999 (Police), 997 (Ambulance), 998 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber, Careem |
| Other: | Saudi Arabia is known for its vast deserts, historic cities, and religious significance, particularly in Islam. It offers a mix of modernity and tradition. |
Best times to travel
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The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
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Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Abraj Al Bait Clock Towers, Saudi Arabia
Only Muslims may enter Mecca; all other visitors are barred from the city
Hajj and Ramadan bring extreme crowds, hotel price spikes and road closures around the Haram
Umrah demand is high in Ramadan and school holidays, with little on offer at other times
Don't miss
- 🏛️ Visit the Clock Tower Museum with panoramic city views
- 🛍️ Shop luxury brands and local crafts in the mall
- 🍽️ Dine at high-rise restaurants overlooking the Grand Mosque
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Abraj Al Bait Clock Towers dominate the skyline of Mecca as one of the tallest and most distinctive buildings worldwide, featuring the massive clock faces that are visible from miles away. This striking complex serves as a hub for pilgrims, offering hotels, shopping centers, dining venues and a cultural museum.
Completed as part of the King Abdulaziz Endowment Project to modernize and provide comforts for visitors to the holy city, the towers combine Islamic architectural motifs with ultra-modern design. Inside, the luxurious hotels provide direct views of the Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba, enriching the pilgrims' spiritual experience.
While the complex is impressive, its sheer size has been a subject of controversy, particularly concerning the demolition of the historical Ajyad Fortress and the impact on Mecca’s traditional skyline. Visitors during peak pilgrimage seasons should expect large crowds, higher accommodation costs and busy shopping areas.
Nevertheless, the Clock Tower’s observation decks and the Museum of Islamic Art offer unforgettable perspectives on Mecca’s history and religious significance, making it both a functional and symbolic landmark.
Knowledge before you go
- Book Clock Tower Museum tickets online in advance.
- Visit observation deck at 393m for panoramic Grand Mosque and Kaaba views.
- Explore astronomy exhibits and timekeeping history before ascending to viewing platform.
- Non-hotel guests access via mall elevators; avoid prayer times for shorter queues.
How to travel to Abraj Al Bait Clock Towers
Travelers usually arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and then take taxis or shuttle buses to Mecca. The complex is situated just a short walk from Masjid al-Haram, making it highly accessible for visitors on pilgrimage or tourists. Visitors can also use guided tours that include access to the observation deck and other facilities.
Access summary
- From Jeddah Airport (JED): Taxi or shuttle to Mecca, around 75–90 minutes.
- From Jeddah city: Highway buses or taxis to central Mecca, roughly 60–90 minutes.
- From Medina: Haramain high-speed train to Mecca, then short taxi to towers, about 3–4 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Abraj Al Bait Clock Towers
Mecca is filled with a range of accommodation options, from ultra-luxury hotels within the Abraj Al Bait complex to more budget-friendly guesthouses nearby, catering mostly to pilgrims and visitors during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Abraj Al Bait Clock Towers
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 53% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to SAR) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
The Abraj Al‑Bait Clock Towers in Mecca are surrounded by extensive security, with constant police presence and surveillance cameras. Crime rates are low, but visitors should stay vigilant in crowded areas, keep valuables secure and follow local guidance during Hajj season.
Accessibility
The Abraj Al‑Bait Clock Towers offer accessible entrances, elevators and tactile signage, making navigation easier for visitors with mobility challenges. However, narrow stairways and crowded prayer areas can be difficult during peak times; advance planning and assistance are recommended.
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