Saudi's Makkah Clock Tower to open to tourists

Tourists will be allowed to visit the top of the Makkah Clock Tower for the first time after the Haj season, Saudi officials have announced.

One of the tallest buildings in the world, at 601 metres, the tower overlooks the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site.

“A large number of visitors of different nationalities will be allowed to visit the tower to get a close look at the interior of the Clock Tower,” an official told Arab News.

“There will be tickets to visit the tower. This procedure will be announced after this year’s Haj season.”

The kingdom has gradually opened up to non-religious tourists this year, allowing pilgrims who travelled to Makkah to extend their visa by 30 days for domestic tourism purposes.

Saudi’s Makkah Clock Tower to open to tourists