The province of Jeddah and Makkah is extremely important in Saudi Arabia in terms of religious, cultural and economic significance. Being the primary entry point to millions of pilgrims visiting Hajj and Umrah, the area joins the modern day coastal city of Jeddah to the holy city of Makkah that hosts the most notorious landmark of Islam the Makkah Royal Clock Tower.
This paper will discuss the geographical significance of Jeddah in Makkah Province and will give an account of Makkah Royal Clock Tower, which is among the tallest and well-known structures in the entire globe.
Jeddah is a big seaport in the Makkah Province (also Makkah Al-Mukarramah Province). Jeddah is the main port of Saudi Arabia and the key entry point to the country by international pilgrims who visit the area to worship.
Significance of Jeddah in Makkah Province
The largest airport that hosts Umrah and Hajj travelers is the home to the King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA).
Serves as the key transport centre between Makkah, Madinah and Taif.
The strategic location has made it the Gateway to Makkah.
Jeddah to Makkah is about 85 kilometers and the road used to reach Makkah normally takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic.
Makkah: The Religious Dome of the Province
The Makkah Province has its capital city of Makkah, and the most sacred city in Islam. Umrah and Hajj are one of the most visited religious destinations in the world with millions of Muslims visiting it every year.
The religious highlights in Makkah are:
Masjid al-Haram
Kaaba
Safa and Marwah
Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah
In the centre of this holy scenic view is a monument structure – Makkah Royal Clock Tower.
Makkah Royal Clock Tower
One of the tallest structures in the world, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower is officially a part of the Abraj Al Bait complex and a symbol of Makkah skyline.
Important Details of Makkah Royal Clock Tower.
Height: 601 meters (1,972 feet)
Location: Next to Masjid al-Haram.
Has one of the biggest clock faces worldwide.
Comprises houses luxury hotels, prayer halls, shopping malls and museums.
The clock faces can be seen several kilometers off and have a symbolic purpose to mark times of prayers to worshippers.
Religious and Cultural Importance
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower is not merely a high-rise. It was meant to help pilgrims by offering:
Accessible Masjid al-Haram.
With direct Haram views, accommodation.
Special services to elderly and handicapped pilgrims.
The tower also houses Makkah Clock Tower Museum where the Islamic history, astronomy and how they developed time keeping in Islamic civilization are presented.
The Makkah Province Economic Impact
Combining two buildings, Jeddah and Makkah Royal Clock Tower play an important role in the economy of the province:
Tourism and religious travel are bringing it billions every year.
Hospitality and transport job opportunities.
Saudi Vision 2030 Infrastructure development
The transport infrastructure in Jeddah is tightly integrated with religious infrastructure of Makkah that makes the movement of pilgrims throughout the year.
Jeddah Makkah Transportation
The travelers can comfortably transit between Makkah Province and Jeddah cities via:
High-speed Haramain Train
Private taxis
SAPTCO buses
Ride-hailing services
Haramain High-speed Railway links Makkah and Jeddah and it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach any of the two cities, hence making it easier to travel.
The significance of Jeddah and Makkah Province in the World
Jeddah and Makkah have the modern infrastructure and spiritual heritage which make Makkah Province one of the most unique parts of the world. The Makkah Royal Clock Tower is one of the symbols of the coexistence of tradition and modern engineering to serve millions of worshippers.
FAQs – People Also Ask
Is Makkah Province including Jeddah?
Yes, Jeddah is a large city in Makkah Province and its central business and transportation center.
What is the distance between Makkah Royal Clock Tower and Jeddah?
It is around 85 km and takes a duration of between 1 and 1.5 hours by road transport.
What does the Makkah Royal Clock Tower do?
It accommodates, offers services and prayers to pilgrims visiting Masjid al-Haram.
Are there any restrictions on the visit of non-Muslims to Makkah Royal Clock Tower?
The non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Makkah city and the tower area.
Final Thoughts
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower and Jeddah and Makkah Province are a special combination of spiritual nature and historical heritage and modernisation. They collectively remain an important part of the service to pilgrims, and in the definition of the religious importance of Saudi Arabia across the world.
