Monday, 31 August 2026

Clock Tower Restaurant Opens in Makkah with Breathtaking Views of the Grand Mosque

Published: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Clock Tower Restaurant Opens in Makkah with Breathtaking Views of the Grand Mosque

The Makkah Clock Royal Tower, one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic landmarks, has unveiled its new Clock Tower Restaurant, offering diners a luxurious Iftar and Suhoor experience with panoramic views of the Grand Mosque (Al Masjid Al Haram) and the Holy Kaaba.

Located directly beneath the famous clock face, the restaurant combines traditional Saudi hospitality with international cuisine, attracting high demand from visitors seeking a spiritually uplifting dining experience during Ramadan. Guests also gain access to the Clock Tower Museum, enriching their visit with insights into Makkah’s heritage.

Prime Location and Spiritual Ambiance

Situated within the Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower, the restaurant provides guests with an extraordinary vantage point overlooking Islam’s holiest site. Its interior features Ramadan-inspired décor, creating a serene and spiritually immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience.

Culinary Highlights

The menu offers a wide range of traditional Arab and Saudi dishes such as quzi, alongside international specialties catering to diverse tastes. Vegetarian and health-conscious options are also available, ensuring an inclusive dining experience that celebrates both local heritage and global flavors.

Guest Experience

Guests have described their dining experience as “unforgettable”, praising the combination of luxurious service, spiritual ambiance, and unparalleled views of the Grand Mosque.

Access to Cultural Heritage

Guests can explore the Clock Tower Museum, operated by the Misk Foundation, which showcases the architectural, cultural, and historical significance of the tower — further deepening their connection to the sacred city.

Growing Hospitality Landscape in Makkah

The opening of the Clock Tower Restaurant aligns with Makkah’s expanding hospitality sector, led by major developments such as the Jabal Omar Project, a SAR 8 billion initiative adding 15 hotels by 2030, many offering direct views of Al Masjid Al Haram.

Recent openings include:

  • Jumeirah Jabal Omar Hotel, the group’s first in Saudi Arabia, with over 1,000 rooms and suites.
  • Address Jabal Omar Makkah Hotel, featuring the Sky Musallah, the world’s highest prayer room, recognized by Guinness World Records at 483 meters above sea level.
  • Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher Algharbi, with 161 rooms and proximity to the Grand Mosque.

Upcoming projects include the Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem, the largest Courtyard in the world, and the Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences by Accor, part of the MGallery Collection, opening in 2028.

A Distinct Ramadan Experience

With its breathtaking views, exquisite cuisine, and access to Makkah’s cultural landmarks, the Clock Tower Restaurant stands out as a premier destination for visitors seeking a truly memorable Ramadan dining experience in the heart of the Holy City.

SEVEN Opens New Entertainment Destination in Tabuk

Published: Sunday, August 30, 2026
SEVEN Opens New Entertainment Destination in Tabuk

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA

Mirbaa Blends Nature, Heritage and Recreation into a New Al-Baha Summer Destination

Published: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Mirbaa Blends Nature, Heritage and Recreation into a New Al-Baha Summer Destination

“Mirbaa,” located near Raghadan Forest Park in Al-Baha, has emerged as a distinctive summer destination combining natural scenery, recreational facilities and elements inspired by the region’s cultural heritage.

The project spans more than 37,000 square meters and benefits from its setting amid lush vegetation and Al-Baha’s mild summer climate. Open spaces are connected by illuminated walkways and seating areas designed to accommodate families and visitors.

Mirbaa features a variety of restaurants and cafés, alongside handicraft workshops that provide entertainment for visitors while creating opportunities for local artisans to showcase their work and promote Al-Baha’s cultural heritage.

The destination also incorporates murals and artworks inspired by traditional architecture, local clothing and heritage motifs, blending modern amenities with the region’s distinctive identity.

Developed as part of Al-Baha Municipality’s seasonal investment initiatives, the project aims to enhance areas surrounding major tourist attractions, accommodate the growing number of summer visitors and support local commercial and artisanal activities.

Mirbaa adds another recreational option to Al-Baha’s summer tourism offering while strengthening the visitor experience and showcasing the region’s natural and cultural appeal.

Source: SPA

Makkah’s Public Parks Enhance Urban Comfort for Visitors and Pilgrims

Published: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Makkah’s Public Parks Enhance Urban Comfort for Visitors and Pilgrims

Green spaces and public parks across Makkah are playing an important role in improving the city’s urban environment and creating more comfortable spaces for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The city has 290 public parks, many of which feature landscaped green areas, safe pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, courtyards, shaded seating areas, service amenities and playgrounds.

These spaces help provide shade, reduce heat absorption from urban surfaces and offer areas for movement, recreation and rest.

The development and maintenance of parks are particularly important in Makkah, which welcomes millions of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year.

Expanding landscaping, shaded areas and open pedestrian spaces forms part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience by creating a more comfortable and accessible urban environment.

The parks also complement Makkah’s wider network of services and facilities, supporting the city’s efforts to enhance quality of life while accommodating the needs of its residents and millions of visitors.

Source: SPA

Irqah Village’s Bayt Isa Showcases Najdi Heritage Through an Immersive Experience

Published: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Irqah Village’s Bayt Isa Showcases Najdi Heritage Through an Immersive Experience

Irqah Village, one of the oldest settlements in Riyadh Region, is showcasing more than 1,000 years of history through its traditional architecture, heritage sites and cultural experiences.

Once a thriving agricultural center, the village developed around mud-brick homes, historic mosques, farms and water sources, creating a distinctive architectural and social identity.

At the heart of the historic village, Bayt Isa recreates aspects of traditional Najdi life through its majlis, cafés, heritage pathways, courtyards and rooftops. The heritage house offers visitors an immersive experience reflecting the architectural style and social traditions of the Najdi environment.

Handicrafts further enrich the experience, with workshops helping revive traditional skills passed down through generations. Local outlets also provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their work, linking cultural heritage with its social and economic roots.

Since opening, Irqah Village has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, supported over 50 cottage-industry families and hosted filming by more than 20 production companies.

The village has also generated more than three million digital views and interactions, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential of its heritage spaces for tourism, culture and creative activities.

Source: SPA

Al-Khabra Boulevard Boosts Economic and Tourism Activity in Qassim

Published: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Al-Khabra Boulevard Boosts Economic and Tourism Activity in Qassim

Al-Khabra Boulevard has emerged as a prominent economic and tourism destination in Qassim Region, benefiting from its strategic location along King Fahd Road on the Qassim-Madinah Expressway.

The boulevard serves as an attractive stop for travelers while providing a platform to showcase and market the region’s agricultural, handicraft and heritage products, particularly dates.

Spanning approximately 50,000 square meters, the project includes around 160 shops and 40 kiosks, offering space for commercial activities, festivals and seasonal events.

The destination combines retail activity with tourism and entertainment, supporting farmers, cottage-industry families and entrepreneurs while helping local businesses reach a wider consumer base.

Its design draws inspiration from Najdi identity and local architecture, with dedicated areas for agricultural products, food, handicrafts and entertainment activities. These elements add a cultural and heritage dimension to the visitor experience.

Al-Khabra Boulevard demonstrates how strategically located roadside developments can contribute to the local economy by promoting regional products, supporting small businesses and strengthening tourism activity across Qassim.

Source: SPA